Beneficiation of Oxidized Lead-Zinc Ores by Flotation Using Different Chemicals and Test Conditions

Abstract

This study presents the recovery of oxide-carbonate lead-zinc ores using different chemical reagents under different test conditions by flotation. The run-of-mine oxide-carbonate Pb-Zn ore contains 9.05% Pb and 11.97% Zn with a major mineralization of smithsonite and cerussite. First experimental work was grinding tests to reduce -106 μm size fractions with two 15-minute grinding stages. Pre-flotation tests gave similar results for Pb, but neither pH, ZnSO₄, CuSO₄ nor collectors like AERO 3477, 3501 and 8651 made favorable effect on the recovery of Zn. Therefore, the studies were emphasized for recovering Pb concentrate by changing the amount of chemicals used, such as CMC, Na₂S, AERO promotor. After six stage of flotation with 350 g/t KAX, 275 g/t AERO 407, 7500 g/t Na₂S, 1000 g/t CMC, the concentration of 70.93% Pb with 71.56% recovery was achieved. The 91.51% Zinc remained in the tailing with 14.66% Zn grade.