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Technologies
Examples of Dowa's technologies related to Kuroko ore deposits
1. Exploration
It has been revealed in Kuroko exploration studies that felsic volcanics underlying Kuroko deposits are usually depleted in Na2O due to extensive hydrothermal alteration in comparison with those on which no Kuroko deposits exist. Dowa was the first mining company developed an effective technique for identifying promising areas using the Na2O anomaly in footwall felsic volcanics as a highly predictable indicator of Kuroko deposits. Capitalizing on this important insight, Dowa together with Metal Mining Agency of Japan and Opto Research Corporation, developed a device called POSAM, a POrtable SpectrorAdiometer for Mineral identification, to easily identify altered minerals in the field. We currently manufacture and distribute POSAM worldwide.
2. Flotation
Kuroko consists of copper, lead, zinc, pyrite, barite, gold, silver and other minor elements. Bulk flotation of copper and lead is applied, followed by sequential flotation of zinc, pyrite and barite to produce concentrates of those minerals. The separation of the copper/lead bulk concentrate is done by elevating pulp temperature to depress the lead, hence increasing copper recovery.
3. Mining
It is difficult to mine Kuroko because the surrounding rock formed in the Miocene age, is clayey and soft. Dowa's unique mining method, underhand cut and fill using an artificial roof, successfully overcame this difficulty and moreover, achieved almost 100% ore recovery in mining stopes when we operated Kuroko mines.


E-mailE-mail : metalmine@dowa.co.jp