Studies on beneficiation of low grade Pyrite-Pyrrhotite from Saladipura area, District Sikar, Rajasthan: Part –I

Four samples of pyrite-pyrrhotite (received in box nos. 1, 2,3and 4) from Saladipura area, Dt., Sikar, Rajasthan, were received from the Superintending Geologist-in -charge , G.S.I., Rajasthan Circle , for beneficiation studies. Box no.1 and 3 contained massive pyrite-pyrrhotite drawn from zones of richer mineralization, whereas, box nos. 2 and 4 contained samples from learner beneficiation studies on a mixed samples. The mixed sample assayed 27.8% Fe, 20.8% S, 6.42% S as FeS, 14.38% S as FeS2, 29.03% SiO2, Cu-Trace, Pb-Trace and Ni-Trace. Pyrite and Pyrrhotite were the principal metallic minerals in the ore. Minor amounts of sphalerite, magnetite, chalcopyrite and rutile were also observed. Non-metallic gangue consisted mostly of quartz and ferromagnesian minerals. Chlorite and calcite in minor amounts were also observed. Flotation employing an 83% -200 meshes feed, at 5.5 pH and using Pot. Ethyl xanthate and pine oil yielded a rougher float assaying 33.3% sulfur with a recovery of 96.1% sulphur. Three cleanings of the rougher float yielded a concentrate assaying 45.1% S with a recovery of 61.3% S. Use of higher xanthates did not improve the grade or recovery of sulphur.