MLA-based sphalerite flotation optimization: Two-stage roughing

In this paper, an optimized flotation approach, two-stage roughing process, was introduced for improving sphalerite performance based on its mineral liberation characteristics. Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA), lab-scale and plant-scale flotation tests, and particle size analysis were used to obtai...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPowder technology Vol. 343; pp. 586 - 594
Main Authors Zhang, Peng-yu, Ou, Le-ming, Zeng, Ling-ming, Zhou, Wei-guang, Fu, Hai-tao
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.02.2019
Elsevier BV
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Summary:In this paper, an optimized flotation approach, two-stage roughing process, was introduced for improving sphalerite performance based on its mineral liberation characteristics. Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA), lab-scale and plant-scale flotation tests, and particle size analysis were used to obtain the properties of sphalerite liberation and the particle size distribution. Experimental results showed that the two-stage roughing operation contributed to the sphalerite flotation regarding two aspects: (i) timely pre-separating the well liberated sphalerite to decrease overgrinding; (ii) selectively collecting the poorly liberated zinc minerals for further liberation, which enhanced the regrinding efficiency. Moreover, these advantages were systematically verified from the lab-scale investigation to the plant-scale application. The plant-scale flotation tests showed that the modified two-stage roughing process improved the zinc concentrate grade and zinc recovery by almost 1% and 0.7%, respectively. [Display omitted] •Two-stage roughing flotation performs better on sphalerite separation than single-stage.•It pre-separates well liberated sphalerite and enhances the liberation efficiency.•Multiscale tests confirm its contributions on improving sphalerite flotation performance.
ISSN:0032-5910
1873-328X
DOI:10.1016/j.powtec.2018.11.085