Successful Trial Launch of Flotation Column Project at LXML
On 27 June, another piece of good news came from the LXML Sepon Mine. The key technological transformation project in mineral processing—the flotation column—was successfully put into trial operation. Mr. Gao Bo, Chifeng Gold’s Executive Director and Vice President, and President of LXML, Mr. Jeremy Davidson, General Manager of LXML, Mr. Michael Stott, LXML's Deputy General Manager of Operations, and Mr. Huang Guozhi, LXML's Research Department Manager, were present at the site to witness this milestone achievement. The successful launch of the flotation column marks another solid step forward for LXML in technological innovation and process optimization.
As an efficient mineral separation device, the flotation column, in conjunction with the regrinding mill, offers significant advantages in improving concentrate quality and reducing impurities. Compared to traditional flotation machines, this equipment features fine and evenly distributed bubbles, minimal slurry disturbance, and a stable separation interface, effectively enhancing the recovery rate of gold-bearing minerals while substantially reducing the content of gangue minerals such as calcium and magnesium carbonates. These gangue minerals must be removed in downstream processes through sulfuric acid dissolution, so the application of the flotation column will directly lower subsequent processing costs.
The actual operational data from the industrial trial show that after adopting the flotation column process, the gold concentrate grade increased from the original 12 g/t to 15-18 g/t, significantly improving resource utilization. Even more exciting is that the content of calcium and magnesium carbonate gangue minerals has been reduced by approximately 40%, meaning the consumption of sulfuric acid dissolution in downstream processes will decrease correspondingly, delivering substantial economic benefits.
Gao Bo and Jeremy extended their warm congratulations to the project team for their achievements. They highly praised the professional capabilities and hard work of the Sepon team, emphasizing that it was the relentless efforts of every team member that ensured the smooth commissioning of the project. At the same time, they encouraged the team to maintain their innovative momentum, strive for further progress in process optimization and technological upgrades, and continue to serve as the technical engine for the Sepon Mine’s sustained efficiency improvements and capacity expansion.
LXML has always regarded technological innovation as the core driver of development. In recent years, the company has consistently increased investment in technological transformation, assembled a professional R&D team, and continuously optimized production processes. The successful implementation of the flotation column project is a testament to the fruits of the company’s long-term commitment to technological innovation. Moving forward, LXML will continue to uphold the philosophy of technology-driven development and the determination that "technological transformation has no ending." Through ongoing technological innovations, the company will advance production process upgrades, improve resource utilization while reducing costs, and achieve a win-win outcome in both output and economic benefits.