Investigation of lead-zinc ores enrichment by column flotation

The aim of study was the investigation of flotation of Pb-Zn sulfide ores from Cadirkaya/Yahyali/Kayseri produced by underground mining methods. For this aim a pilot plant was designed and installed at Çukurova University Engineering Faculty workshops than flotation experiments were carried out using the pilot flotation column. After experiments studies, optimum operation conditions were determined as follows: dgQ=125 mm, 1.30 cm/sn air flow rate, 500 g/ton Aerofloat 7048+AerofIoat 7279, %20 pulp density and 0.5 cm/sn wash water rate. Under optimum operations conditions, a concentrated having 55.23% Zn with 93.74% yields was obtained. These results showed that flotation columun enrichment gave better concentrate in terms of grade and yields in comparation with currently plant conditions (53% Zn and 66% yields of concentrate).Key Words: Sulfide lead-zinc ores, Flotation Column, Flotation Kinetics.