Reflotation of Mt. Isa Zinc Concentrate after SO₂ Leach Treatment

Abstract

Laboratory flotation tests were carried out on the SO₂ leaching residues of zinc concentrates of Mt. Isa lead–zinc concentrator. In the evaluation of these tests grades, recoveries and separation index values of the metallic elements are used. Separation index value of a metallic element is a new concept proposed in this paper and is useful in the evaluation of any concentration process. In the bulk concentrates obtained after flotation tests, the grades, recoveries, and separation index values of silver were around 900–1000 ppm, 18–20%, and 17–19, respectively.

Keywords:

• flotation
• leaching
• residues
• separation index
• SO₂ gas

Notes

A: 15 and 30 min; B: 5, 4, and 3.5; C: 80, 70, and 60°C.

Bx: Butyl xanthate; D200: Dowfroth 200.

Note: the separation index values are multiplied by 10 to show the differences more clearly.

Note: the separation index values are multiplied by 10 to show the differences more clearly.

Note: the separation index values are multiplied by 10 to show the differences more clearly.