An Investigation by QEMSCANTM into

THE MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FEED SAM PLE

FROM THE ANDINA PROJECT
prepared for

AMINPRO
Project OL4320 Q132 Report n1
October 1, 2009

SGS -Chile

Puerto Madero 9600 Parque Industrial Puerto Santiago, Pudahuel, Santiago Chile
Tel: +56-2-747 0140 Fax: +56-2-747 0144 www.sgs.com
Member of the SGS Group (SGS SA)

Andina OL4320-Q132

ii

Table of Contents

Page No.

1
2.
3.
4.
5.
5.1.
5.2.
6.
6.1.
6.2.

Table of Contents

ii

List of Tables
List of Figures

iii

INTRODUCTION
Sample Receipt and Preparation
QEMSCAN Setup, Operational Modes and Quality Control
Modal Analysis and Grain Size Distribution
Copper Ocurrence
Liberation
Chalcopyrite Liberation
Molybdenite Liberation
Associations
Chalcopyrite Association
Molybdenite Association
Summary of Results

iv

iii

Appendix : Assay Reconciliation

SGS Minerals Services

5
5
3
4
11
11
12
14
15
18
20
21

Andina OL4320-Q132

iii

List of Tables
Table 1:
Table 2:
Table 3:

Sample Identification
Summary of Operational Statistics
Modal Analysis and Grain Size Distribution

5
6
8

List of Figures
Figure 1:
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
Figure 5:
Figure 6:
Figure 7:
Figure 8:
Figure 9:
Figure 10:
Figure 11:
Figure 12:
Figure 13:
Figure 14:
Figure 15:

TM

QEMSCAN and Direct Assay Reconciliation

Bulk Modal Distribution
Elemental Cu Deportment as CuT (left). Cu Distribution at 100% (right)
Chalcopyrite Liberation in Samples
Image Grid of Chalcopyrite Liberation
Molybdenite Liberation in Sample
Image Grid of Molybdenite Liberation
Chalcopyrite Association Distribution
Image Grid of Chalcopyrite Associations
Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Pyrite
Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Hard Silicates
Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with A) Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates and B)
Phyllosilicates
Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Fe-Ti Oxides/Oxyhydroxides
Molybdenite Association Distribution
Image Grid of Molybdenite Associations

SGS Minerals Services

6
9
10
11
12
13
13
15
16
16
17
17
17
18
19

Andina OL4320-Q132

iv

Introduction
This summary report describes a mineralogical test program using QEMSCANTM technology
(Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy), conducted in one feed
sample of the ore from Andina project, and submitted by Peter Ameluxen. The purpose of this
test program was to identify mineralogical characteristics, as liberation and association of the
sample. This program was conducted concurrently with the metallurgical test program OL4320,
led by Cecilia Gonzlez.

Mauricio Belmar, Ph.D.

Project Mineralogist Advanced Mineralogy Facility

Leticia Villagrn Mendoza

Geologist Advanced Mineralogy Facility

Sample Preparation by: J. Diaz

TM
QEMSCAN Operation by: L. Villagrn
Data Processing by: L. Villagrn
Report preparation by: L. Villagrn

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

Testwork Summary
1. Sample Receipt and Preparation
One (1) sample from the Andina project identified as Feed was received by the Mineralogy
Department and assigned the LIMS number OL4320 Q132. Sample identification is present in
Table 1. A portion of each fraction was submitted for chemical analyses (Cu, Fe, Mo, S) for
data validation and reconciliation purposes.

These results are presented in the assay

reconciliation section of this report.

One graphite-impregnated polished epoxy grain mount was prepared. This polished section was
submitted for analyses using QEMSCANTM technology.
Table 1: Samples Identification
4320 - Q132 Andina
Sample
1

Comp Alim Ro

Identification
Alimentacion Linea Convencional 30%
Alimentacion Linea Sag 70%

2. QEMSCANTM Setup, Operational Modes and Quality Control

The polished sections were analysed using the Particle Mineralogical Analysis (PMA) method in
order to ensure that all copper-bearing minerals, including non sulphides minerals, were
characterized.

This method is a particle mapping mode of measurement which allows for

complete mineralogical analysis of the samples and also for a robust determination of the bulk
mineralogy, with minerals identities and proportions, along with average grain size
measurement. The PMA mode also provides an analysis of the special details of minerals,
including liberation and association details.
For the sample, 19.251 particles were analysed using the PMA mode of operation, creating
862.382 points from which the mineralogical info has been derived. The operational statistics of
these analyses are presented in Table 2.

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

Table 2: Summary of Operational Statistics

Batch ID
SIP ID
Analysis Type
Fraction
m

Sample

Sections
No.

-212/+3um

Comp Alim Ro

Q132
STGO_1
PMA
Pixel
Particle
Size (m)
No.

4,0

19251

Points
No.
862382

100

y = 0,5538x
R2 = 0,9592

Chemical Assay (%)

10

Cu

Fe

Mo

0,1

0,01
0,01

0,1

10

100

QEMSCAN Assay (%)

Figure 1: QEMSCANTM and Direct Assay Reconciliation

Key QEMSCANTM mineralogical assays have been regressed with the chemical assays, as
presented in Figure 1. Overall correlation, as measured by R-squared criteria was 0,9592 with
a slope 0,5538. This is considered to be acceptable. Full QEMSCANTM and direct chemical
assays are presented in Appendix.

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

3. Modal Analysis and Grain Size Distribution

A graphical summary of the particle modal analyses of the Andina project is presented in Figure
2. Full mineral distribution analyses of this sample are presented in Table 3.
The Comp Alim Ro sample is mainly composed by Quartz (35,68 wt.%), Sericite/Muscovite
(19,19 wt.%), K-Feldspar (18,45 wt.%), Plagioclase/Albite (8,98 wt.%) and with lower values
Tourmaline (4,16 wt.%), Pyrite (2,81 wt.%), Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides (2,57 wt.%), Biotite (1,41
wt.%), Clays (1,41 wt.%, mainly Kaolinite). With trace amounts there are Chlorite, Zircon,
Apatite, Ti Oxides, Carbonates (Calcite, Siderite mainly) and Gypsum/Anhydrite.
The ore minerals in sample are Chalcopyrite (2,50 wt.%), Enargite (0,05 wt.%) and Molybdenite
(0,03 wt.%).

4. Copper Occurrence
Cu distribution by grade is presented in Figure 3.
The main copper sulphide is Chalcopyrite which represents almost 97 % of the copper in
sample. Also, copper occurs as Enargite (2,50 %) and as trace there are Covellite and
Chalcocite/Digenite.

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

Table 3: Modal Analysis and Grain Size Distribution

Survey
Sample
Fraction

Mineral
Mass
(%)

Mean
Grain
Size
(m)

Name
Id
Name
Name
Mass Size Dist. (%)
Particle Size
Chalcopyrite
Enargite
Other Cu Sulphides
Pyrite
Molybdenite
Other Sulphides
Quartz
K-Feldspar
Plagioclase/Albite
Tourmaline
Amphiboles
Sericite/Muscovite
Clays
Biotite
Chlorites
Zircon
Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides
Ti Oxides
Carbonates
Gypsum-Anhydrite
Apatite
Other
Total
Chalcopyrite
Enargite
Other Cu Sulphides
Pyrite
Molybdenite
Other Sulphides
Quartz
K-Feldspar
Plagioclase/Albite
Tourmaline
Amphiboles
Sericite/Muscovite
Clays
Biotite
Chlorites
Zircon
Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides
Ti Oxides
Carbonates
Gypsum-Anhydrite
Apatite
Other

SGS Minerals Services

Andina
4320 - Q132
Comp Alim Ro
-212/+3um
100
88
2,50
0,05
0,01
2,81
0,03
0,01
35,68
18,45
8,98
4,16
0,07
19,19
1,41
1,41
0,77
0,02
2,57
0,94
0,75
0,05
0,14
0,01
100,00
33
16
6
37
14
8
45
21
26
30
8
20
7
11
13
9
24
18
14
22
19
8

Andina OL4320-Q132

Figure 2: Bulk Modal Distribution

100%

90%

80%

Mineral Mass (%)

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Comp Alim Ro

Other

0,04

Apatite

0,14

Gypsum-Anhydrite

0,05

Carbonates

0,75

Fe-Ti Oxides

3,51

Phyllosilicates

22,79

Tourmaline

4,16

Feldspar/Amphibole

27,50

Quartz

35,68

Molybdenite

0,03

Pyrite

2,81

Other Cu Sulphides

0,05

Chalcopyrite

2,50

Sample

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

10

100%

1,00

90%

80%

Normalized Cu Grade in Sample (%)

Cu Grade In Sample (%)

0,80

0,60

0,40

0,20

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0,00

Comp Alim Ro

0%

Comp Alim Ro

Chalcocite

0,00

Chalcocite

0,18

Covellite

0,00

Covellite

0,37

Enargite

0,02

Enargite

2,50

Chalcopyrite

0,85

Chalcopyrite

96,95

Sample

Sample

Figure 3: Elemental Cu Deportment as CuT (left). Cu Distribution at 100% in Sample (right).

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

11

5. Liberation
Liberation analyses in composites samples are presented in this chapter. For the purposes of
this analysis, particle liberation is defined based on 2D particle area percent. Particles are
classified in the following groups (in descending order) based on mineral area percent: free
(>=95%), liberated (<95% and >=80%), middling (<80% and >=50%), sub-middling (<50% and
>=20%) and locked (<20%).

5.1 Chalcopyrite Liberation

Chalcopyrite liberation is presented in Figure 4.
Chalcopyrite in sample has a good liberation. 49,82 % is free and 22,82 % is liberated. Only
14,34 % is locked Chalcopyrite.
Image grid of Chalcopyrite liberation is in Figure 5.

100%
90%

% Chalcopyrite Mass In Sample

80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Comp Alim Ro

Chalcopyrite Locked

14,34

Chalcopyrite Sub-Mid > 20%

8,40

Chalcopyrite Mid > 50%

5,37

Liberated Chalcopyrite > 80%

22,07

Free Chalcopyrite

49,82

Sample

Figure 4: Chalcopyrite Liberation in Samples

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

12

Background
C halcopyrite
Enargite
Other C u Sulphides
Pyrite
Molybdenite
Other Sulphides
Quartz
K-Feldspar
Plagioclase/Albite
Tourmaline
Amphiboles
Sericite/Muscovite
C lays
Biotite
C hlorites
Zircon
Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides
Ti Oxides
C arbonates
Gypsum-Anhydrite
Apatite
Other

Figure 5: Image Grid of Chalcopyrite Liberation

5.2 Molybdenite Liberation

Molybdenite Liberation is presented in Figure 6.
Molybdenite is 49,94 % liberated and 44,39 % locked.
Figure 7 shows image grid of Molybdenite liberation.

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

13

100%
90%

% Molybdenite Mass In Sample

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Comp Alim Ro

Molybdenite Locked

44,39

Molybdenite Sub-Mid > 20%

2,78

Molybdenite Mid > 50%

0,00

Liberated Molybdenite > 80%

49,94

Free Molybdenite

2,89

Sample

Figure 6: Molybdenite Liberation in Sample

Background
C halcopyrite
Enargite
Other C u Sulphides
Pyrite
Molybdenite
Other Sulphides
Quartz
K-Feldspar
Plagioclase/Albite
Tourmaline
Amphiboles
Sericite/Muscovite
C lays
Biotite
C hlorites
Zircon
Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides
Ti Oxides
C arbonates
Gypsum-Anhydrite
Apatite
Other

Figure 7: Image Grid of Molybdenite Liberation

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

14

6 Associations
Association characteristics are summarized in this chapter.
For the purposes of this study:

All association classes are defined based upon particle area percent. Each binary
classification is defined as containing greater than or equal to (> or =) 95 area% of the
mineral in study (Chalcopyrite or Molybdenite, etc), plus the specified mineral or
mineral group.

Categories containing only a single mineral name represent only the mineral specified
(for example Pyrite).

The Other Copper Sulphides group is comprised of all copper sulphides, excluding the
mineral in study.

The Phyllosilicates category is comprised of clay minerals, micas and chlorites.

The Hard Silicates group is comprised of K-Feldspar, Plagioclase/Albite, Quartz,

Tourmaline...

The Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates group represents the mineral in study in association

with a Hard Silicates and with a Phyllosilicates.

The

Fe-Ti

Oxides/Oxyhydroxides

category

is

comprised

of

Fe

Oxides

(Magnetite/Hematite) and Ti Oxides (Rutile, Ilmenite).

Particles containing the mineral in study which occurs with a combination of any of the
associations described above fall into the Complex association class.

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

15

6.1 Chalcopyrite Association

Chalcopyrite association is showed in Figure 8.
Chalcopyrite is mainly associated with Phyllosilicates (17,83 %), Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates
(9,61 %), Fe-Ti Oxides/Oxyhydroxides (5,62 %), Hard Silicates (4,07 %) and Pyrite (2,72 %).
Complex association reaches 9,69 %.
Examples of Chalcopyrite associations are showed in Figure 9.
100%

90%

% Chalcopyrite Mass In Sample

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Comp Alim Ro

Complex

9,69

Bin Chalcopyrite: Fe-Ti Ox./Oxyhydrox.

5,62

Bin Chalcopyrite: Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates

9,61

Bin Chalcopyrite: Phylosillicates

17,83

Bin Chalcopyrite: Hard Silicates

4,07

Bin Chalcopyrite: Molybdenite

0,01

Bin Chalcopyrite: Others Cu Sulphides

0,64

Bin Chalcopyrite: Pyrite

2,72

Free Chalcopyrite

49,82

Sample

Figure 8: Chalcopyrite Association Distribution

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

16

Background
Chalcopyrite
Enargite
Other C u Sulphides
Pyrite
Molybdenite
Other Sulphides
Quartz
K-Feldspar
Plagioclase/Albite
Tourmaline
Amphiboles
Sericite/Muscovite
Clays
Biotite
Chlorites
Zircon
Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides
Ti Oxides
Carbonates
Gypsum-Anhydrite
Apatite
Other

Figure 9: Image Grid of Chalcopyrite Associations

Examples

of

Chalcopyrite

in

association

with

Pyrite,

Hard

Silicates,

Hard

Silicates/Phyllosilicates, Phyllosilicates and Fe-Ti Oxides/Oxyhydroxides are in Figures 10, 11,

12 and 13 respectively.

Figure 10: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Pyrite

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

17

Figure 11: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Hard Silicates

Background
C halcopyrite
Enargite
Other C u Sulphides
Pyrite
Molybdenite
Other Sulphides
Quartz
K-Feldspar
Plagioclase/Albite
Tourmaline
Amphiboles
Sericite/Muscovite
C lays
Biotite
C hlorites
Zircon
Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides
Ti Oxides
C arbonates
Gypsum-Anhydrite
Apatite
Other

B
Figure 12: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with A) Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates and B)
Phyllosilicates

Figure 13: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Fe-Ti Oxides/Oxyhydroxides

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

18

6.2 Molybdenite Association

Molybdenite association is showed in Figure 14.
Molybdenite in samples is mainly associated with Pyrite (49,44 %) and Hard Silicates (34,55 %),
specially Tourmaline and Quartz.
Examples of Molybdenite associations are in Figure 15.

100%
90%

% Molybdenite Mass In Sample

80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Comp Alim Ro

Complex

12,09

Bin Moly: Hard Silicates

34,55

Bin Moly: Chalcopyrite

0,53

Bin Moly: Pyrite

49,94

Free Moly

2,89

Sample

Figure 14: Molybdenite Association Distribution

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

19

Background
C halcopyrite
Enargite
Other C u Sulphides
Pyrite
Molybdenite
Other Sulphides
Quartz
K-Feldspar
Plagioclase/Albite
Tourmaline
Amphiboles
Sericite/Muscovite
C lays
Biotite
C hlorites
Zircon
Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides
Ti Oxides
C arbonates
Gypsum-Anhydrite
Apatite
Other

Figure 15: Image Grid of Molybdenite Associations

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

20

Summary of Results
The QEMSCANTM mineralogical study of Feed sample of the ore mineral from Andina project
identified the following characteristics:

The Comp Alim Ro sample is mainly composed by silicates as Quartz,

Sericite/Muscovite, K-Feldspar and Plagioclase/Albite. With lower amounts there are
Tourmaline, Pyrite, Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides, Biotite and Clays (mainly Kaolinite). Main
ore minerals are Chalcopyrite and Molybdenite.

Copper occurs mostly as Chalcopyrite (97 %) and in second place as Enargite (2,50 %).
As trace there are Covellite and Chalcocite/Digenite.

Chalcopyrite in sample is mainly free and it is mostly in association with Phyllosilicates,

Complex, Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates, Hard Silicates and Pyrite.

Molybdenite is mainly associated with Pyrite and Hard Silicates (as Tourmaline and
Quartz).

SGS Minerals Services

Andina OL4320-Q132

21

Appendix - QEMSCANTM Data

OL4320-Q132
Assay Reconciliation

100

y = 0,5538x
R2 = 0,9592

Chemical Assay (%)

10

Cu

Fe
Mo

0,1

0,01
0,01

0,1

10

100

QEMSCAN Assay (%)

Assays (%)
Cu
Sample
Comp Alim Ro

Fe

Mo

QEM

Chem

QEM

Chem

QEM

Chem

QEM

Chem

0,87

0,85

5,42

3,11

0,02

0,02

2,40

1,94

SGS Minerals Services