Flotation of Pb-Cu-Zn ore by means of two depressants

Abstract

In this study the effect of sodium silicate and Gum Arabic as a depressant on Koyulhisar Pb-Cu-Zn complex ore was investigated. The grade of the ore sample is 6.54% Pb, 1.45% Cu and 7.47% Zn, as per the chemical analysis. Pb, Cu and Zn rough concentrates were obtained from first, second and third stages of selective flotation, respectively. Cleaning experiments were carried out for each of these concentrates. The grades of Pb, Cu and Zn concentrates after the cleaning flotation of 65.28%, 26.23% and 54.40% were obtained with recoveries 59.60%, 60.42% and 77.92%, respectively by using sodium silicate. When using Gum Arabic, the grades for Pb, Cu and Zn concentrates obtained were 69.26%, 29.52% and 58.14%, respectively, with recoveries of 72.33%, 66.16% and 75.65%.