Optimization of Conditions for Processing of Lead–Zinc Ores Enrichment Tailings of East Kazakhstan

Nazym Seksenova,Rudolf Bykov,Malika Kozhakanova,Sergey Mamyachenkov,Gulzhan Daumova

doi:10.3390/met11111802

Nazym Seksenova, Rudolf Bykov + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/met11111802

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Abstract

This article presents the results of studies of a low-waste technology for processing enrichment tailings using a combined enrichment–hydrometallurgical method. After washing the enrichment tailings from harmful products and reducing their size, multi-stage flotation of the crushed material of the enrichment tailings was carried out. The use of a new reagent in the flotation process was studied in order to ensure the maximum recovery of the main valuable components from the enrichment tailings. A new collector of Aero 7249 (Shenyang Florrea Chemicals Co., Ltd., Shenyang, China) type was used for the flotation. The recovery of valuable components was as follows: Cu, 6.78%; Zn, 91.69%; Pb, 80.81%; Au, 95.90%; Ag, 82.50%; Fe, 78.78%. Tailings of the flotation were re-enriched using a fatty acid collector (sodium oleate). Additional (reverse) flotation resulted in obtaining a product corresponding to the composition of building sand in terms of the content of valuable components of the waste rock. The studies of the conditions for processing the enrichment tailings of lead–zinc ore indicate the possibility of its optimization in order to maximize the involvement of waste in the production.

Highlights

Processing of enrichment tailings includes solving technological and environmental problems
In order to develop a low-waste technology for processing the enrichment tailings of non-ferrous metallurgy in Kazakhstan, it is proposed to consider the possibility of maximizing the use of enrichment tailings in the prevailing technological schemes employed in the metal industry
The surface of the main valuable components has different properties to those found in the natural state, which prevents their efficient processing by traditional enrichment methods

Summary

Introduction

Processing of enrichment tailings includes solving technological and environmental problems. In the processing of enrichment tailings by the hydrometallurgical method, the adoption of low-waste technology and the maximum recovery of all non-ferrous and noble metals are issues in need of solution. Due to the low content of lead and zinc and the low recovery of noble metals, the processing of enrichment tailings by traditional methods is not profitable and ineffective. The surface of the main valuable components has different properties to those found in the natural state, which prevents their efficient processing by traditional enrichment methods In this regard, it is advisable to carry out processes of preliminary preparation of the material of old tailings before their enrichment in order to increase the technological indicators of processing and reduce the consumption of reagents and materials

Materials and Methods

Findings

Conclusions