Title: Applicability of a Sulphatization-Flotation Method for Differential Flotation of Pb/Zn Bulk Concentrate
Abstract:The separation of galena from sphalerite is one of the most important steps in the flotation of complex sulphide ores. Depressants widely used in the separation of galena from sphalerite are cyanides ...The separation of galena from sphalerite is one of the most important steps in the flotation of complex sulphide ores. Depressants widely used in the separation of galena from sphalerite are cyanides or sulphites. Although cyanides are known as an effective depressant, the use of cyanides remains pollution control problem to the disposal of waste water. It is desired to exploit a novel flotation method for the separation of galena from sphalerite without cyanides. This study was done as a part of fundamental studies on the flotation process of complex sulphide ores.In this paper, the applicability of a sulphatization-flotation process for the separation of artificial Pb/Zn ores was discussed. This method consists of a sulphatization of a Pb/Zn bulk concentrate, followed by the depression of galena during sphalerite flotation.As the first step, the optimum conditions for sulphatization of galena and sphalerite were studied independently from the flotation aspects. On the basis of the optimum conditions of sulphatization-flotation obtained, a series of the differential flotation tests were done using an artificial Pb/Zn mixture. It is evident that the separation of Pb/Zn ores is effectively achievable by a sulphatization-flotation method.Read More