Effects of Process Parameters on Selective Flotation of Lead-Zinc Ore

Abstract

The present paper deals with the results of the charac-terisation and flotation studies carried out on a typical lead-zinc ore sample under varying process conditions. A detailed characterisation was carried out by chemical analysis, X-ray, optical microscopic and electron probe microanalysis techniques. The sample assayed 2.47% Pb with 13.6% Zn. The ore was predominantly made up of spah-lerite and pyrite in association with subordinate amounts of galena, minor amounts of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Dolomite was the main gangue. The modal analysis showed the probability of fair liberation of sulphides from gangues around 60 mesh but the locking of galena with sphalerite and other sulphides continued to finer sizes. The effects of various parameters like granulomery for rougher and cleaner flotation, pH of the pulp, dosage of collector, depressant and activator were studied in detail. The flotation performance was assessed in terms of yield, recovery and grade of the concentrates and the results were analysed graphically to establish the trend.