Implementation of flotation and gravity separation, to process Changarzeh sulfide-oxide lead ore

This study aimed to explore concentration of a low grade sulfide-oxide lead-zinc sample containing 2.3% Pb, 1.91% Zn taken from Changarzeh mine, South Natanz, Iran. The effects of different parameters such as type and dosage of collector, milling retention time, dosage of sodium sulfur and its preparation time, application of sodium silicate, pH and solid content were investigated in relation to flotation efficiencies. Optimum experiment was carried out in cumulative flotation with 200g/t KAX as collector, 2000g/t Na2S, 500g/t sodium silicate, 30g/t MIBC and at pH=10. This test yielded 94% of lead recovery under optimum condition performance, and a concentrate with 70% Pb was produced through cleaning stages. Eighteen minutes was found to be the optimum time for lead flotation in laboratory scale. Application of gravity method for the production of a middle product was also considered. For shaking table the effect of table slope and water flowrate and for jig the effect of water flowrate and frequency were studied. Gravity separation by shaking table resulted in a concentrate with 46% Pb and 80% recovery, so shaking table could be proposed for production of pre-concentrate.