Possibilities for reusing the waste from the process of Zn-Pb ore beneficiation

Krystian Cichy,Grażyna Pajor,Cezary Reguła,Kornel Tobiczyk,Arkadiusz Mańka,A Chmielarz,A Wieniewski

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/20171801008

Krystian Cichy, Grażyna Pajor + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20171801008

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Abstract

This paper discusses the areas of storage, resources, and granulometric and chemical characteristics of old Zn-Pb tailings stored in heaps in the city of Bytom area. It presents the results of laboratory tests for development of the technological flowsheet for transformation of the material into Zn- Pb sulfide concentrates and the results of trials in an experimental system of the beneficiation flowsheet which was developed. In the further part of the paper, the results of the research work on preparation of the tailings with reduced metal content for further use are presented.

Highlights

It presents the results of laboratory tests for development of the technological flowsheet for transformation of the material into ZnPb sulfide concentrates and the results of trials in an experimental system of the beneficiation flowsheet which was developed
In years 2015 – 2017 IMN carried out research within the project called "Waste-free technology for processing of the Bytom area heaps with the recovery of concentrates for Zn-Pb production"
The idea of the project was to develop a technological flowsheet for production of selective or collective sulfide concentrates of zinc and lead out of the tailings and the testing of the remaining material for possible use in mining technologies, production of aggregates and fillers, as well as engineering works

Summary

Introduction

In years 2015 – 2017 IMN carried out research within the project called "Waste-free technology for processing of the Bytom area heaps with the recovery of concentrates for Zn-Pb production". The project concerned the development of a waste-free technology for processing of the material from old heaps of tailings generated in XX century during operation of beneficiation plant for zinclead ores of "Orzeł Biały" mine and smelter. The existing wastes of Zn-Pb ore beneficiation processes in this area could be a valuable raw material for the production of zinc and lead concentrates for ZGH "Bolesław" or HC "Miasteczko Śl" zinc smelters. The main goal of the project was first to identify the currently available waste resources from the examined area and to develop a flowsheet of waste processing for the intended production of selective or collective concentrates of Zn and Pb. The examination covered four waste heaps: OG/81, OG/ 88, OG/86 and OG/85. Examination of the flotation process has been performed with the focus on production of collective Zn-Pb concentrates

Determination of the optimum conditions for Zn-Pb collective flotation

Flotation testing in a flowsheet with cleaning flotation

Testing in a flowsheet with a separate flotation of the mud fraction

Tests of the process of thickening and dewatering of flotation tailings

Findings

Conclusions