Journal of Mining Engineering

Journal of Mining Engineering

Study the Effect of Different Types of Pyrite and Sphalerite Depressants on the Galena Flotation in the Kooshk Lead-Zinc Mine

Document Type : research - paper

Authors
1 Department of Mineral Processing, Faculty of Mining Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Sahand New Town, Tabriz, Iran
2 Faculty of Mining Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Sahand New Town, Tabriz, Iran,
Abstract
Kooshk mine is one of the largest lead-zinc deposits in Iran. A high amount of pyrite and carbonaceous matter are two distinct characteristics of the Koosh deposit. Therefore, the competition between sphalerite, galena, and pyrite minerals and their selective separation in flotation is significant. In this research work, due to the low recovery of lead in the Kooshk flotation circuit, the possibility of pyrite depression and improvement of lead recovery by using various depressants was investigated. Pyrite and sphalerite depressants in galena flotation were used, such as sodium cyanide, sodium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, iron sulfate, dextrin, Quebracho, SHQ (40% sodium silicate + 40% sodium phosphate + 20% ًQuebracho) and A3-3 (40% sodium silicate + 40% sodium metabisulfite + 20% aluminum sulfate). The results showed that each depressant, except dextrin, SHQ, and A3-3, significantly affected pyrite and sphalerite floatability, and lead recovery improved at some point during their consumption. Sodium cyanide, sodium metabisulfite, and sulfate iron showed the most effect in the depression of pyrite. In addition to sodium cyanide, the maximum pyrite & sphalerite depression and the maximum lead grade & recovery were obtained with the separate consumption of 600 g/t ferrous sulfate and 200 g/t sodium metabisulfite. Compared to other non-toxic depressants, iron sulfate, and sodium metabisulfite made pyrite and sphalerite depressants more effective and increased lead recovery by up to 8%.
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Subjects

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Volume 18, Issue 61
Winter 2024
Pages 18-32

  • Receive Date 28 August 2022
  • Revise Date 10 February 2024
  • Accept Date 29 February 2024