Geochemical Characterization of Tailings, Kylylahti Cu-Co Project, Finland

The proposed Kylylahti Cu-Co project, located in south-eastern Finland, is an 'Outokumpu style' deposit containing copper-cobalt-zinc-nickel-gold. As part of the feasibility study, the expected tailings material was geochemically characterized taking tailings samples from the flotation test circuits and the supernatant. The analytical testing program included ABA and NAG testing, chemical composition of tailings solids, semi-quantitative mineralogical identification by XRD, chemical analysis of tailings supernatant, and short-term leach testing. The tailings generated following modifications to the concentrator flowsheet were found to be non-acid generating; however, metal leaching was still considered an issue of potential concern. Long-term kinetic testing was suggested in order to reduce any uncertainty.