Lead-Copper Separation

In this case a lead-copper concentrate is separated in two products, a lead concentrate and a copper concentrate. The success of any separation technique starts with the flotation practice employed in the bulk lead-copper flotation [20]. A high degree of selectivity must be achieved in the rougher flotation or the sphalerite and pyrite become over promoted and will report in the bulk concentrate, producing an unstable copper-lead ratio.

Also if copper and lead minerals are highly activated, the separation will be difficult. Sodium cyanide is the most effective depressor for copper (chalcopyrite) when the lead-to-copper ratio is about equal or less than 1. When the ratio is more than 1, lead is usually depressed. Activated carbon is a chemical reagent than can improve separation removing residual collector from surface, also acting as a froth modifier [21]. An inadequate dosage of activated carbon could lower the rate of flotation of galena.

Bogdanov et.al. [17] investigated the effect of nitrogen in copper-lead separation, and found out that efficiency separation can be improved and cyanide consumption can be reduced to about 50%. Figure 7 shows the cyanide effect upon separation efficiency in nitrogen and air flotation.

Stromeyerite Composition, Crystallization and Structure Variables Affecting Uranium Acid Leaching Roll Crusher Capacity Formula HorsePower drawn on new liners Rock Formations and Structures Millerite. Capillary Pyrites Composition, Crystallization and Structure The Gravity Method Pyrite flotability can be enhanced after nitrogen conditioning The Mining Rate Risk Mining Equipment India Mineral Deposits and Intrusive Rocks Picture of Drill Mounted Smaple Collector Exploration Drill Hole Size and Diameter Looking for Mineral Outcrops Collector Action