Preferential Flotation of a Refractory Cu-Pb-Zn Polymetallic Ore

Abstract

Abstract. According to the mineralogy of the polymetallic ore，the process of preferential flotation of copper was adopted, and the separation of lead, zinc and sulfur were carried out and implemented．Four products, including copper concentrate assaying 22.67% Cu at a recovery of 91.77%, lead concentrate assaying 18.10% Pb at a recovery of 12.74%, zinc concentrate assaying 47.13% Zn at a recovery of 85.89%, sulfur concentrate assaying 37.42% S and a recovery of 31.40%, were obtained by the preferential flotation in the order of copper, lead, zinc and sulfur.The flowsheet recommanded provides the reference for the future commercial operation of the processing plant.