Abstract
Pb–Zn–Cu complex ore from Balıkesir–İvrindi district have been concentrated by GESOM A.Ş. using a selective mechanical flotation technique. Ore feeds containing 3.23% Pb, 0.52% Cu, and 2.71% Zn were concentrated by six stages of cleaning and four stages of scavenging. The final zinc concentrate which contains 2.13% Pb, 1.14% Cu, and 52.77% Zn were produced with 61.38% Zn recovery. In this study, the effects of air rate, bubble diameter, gas holdup, and superficial air rate on the column flotation performance were investigated. In order to obtain best results, operation parameters were optimized. Besides, the number of cleaning and scavenging stages of zinc circuit was reduced by using column flotation instead of mechanical flotation. Hence, higher grade zinc concentrates with higher recovery were obtained. Using three stages of cleaning and three stages of scavenging, the zinc concentrate having 58.81% Zn was produced with a recovery of 74.21% indicating an improvement in final zinc concentrate. This achievement of column flotation method was recommended as an alternative method for the zinc circuit to the plant mentioned above, since it will reduce the operating costs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
