Processing of Low-Grade Cu–Pb–Zn Sulfide Polymetallic Ore Stockpiles for Sustainable Raw Material Recovery by Froth Flotation
2025
Michal Marcin | Martin Sisol | Martina Laubertová | Dominika Marcin Behunová | Igor Ďuriška
This study demonstrated the successful recovery of zinc, lead, and copper collective concentrates from historical metal-bearing mine tailings (sulfide&ndash:polymetallic ore with a composition of 7.38% Zn, 1.45% Pb, and 0.49% Cu) using froth flotation techniques, which were originally developed during uranium ore mining. Froth flotation techniques were used to justify suitability for recovering metals. The effects of a dosage of the foaming agent Polyethylene glycol (PEG 600) at 50 and 100 g t&minus:1, collector types Aerophine 3418A (AERO), Danafloat 067 (DF), and potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX) at 50 and 80 g t&minus:1, and a suspension density of 300 and 500 g L&minus:1 on froth flotation collective concentrates were investigated. The final collective concentrate achieved recoveries exceeding 91% for lead (Pb), 88% for copper (Cu), and 87% for zinc (Zn). The obtained concentrates were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF), while selected samples were further examined via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The resulting sulfide concentrates can subsequently be treated using suitable hydrometallurgical techniques. The application of these concentrates in metal production would help reduce the environmental burden of mining activities.
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