Abstract:
Mineralogical and morphological characterization of a low-grade lead-zinc ore is carried out prior to the selection of beneficiation strategy using the combination of XRD, XRF, SEM, EPMA, microscopic, and liberation studies. Mineralogical studies indicate that the ore primarily consists of base metal sulfides (galena and sphalerite), ferruginous mineral (pyrrhotite), silicate minerals (quartz, mica, and feldspar), and graphite. Lead-zinc grains are mostly present in an interlocked state with silicate and other sulfide minerals. The sample shows an assay value of 12.14% Zn, 1.77% Pb, 57.6% ISM, 6.47% Fe, 4.19% C, and 40 ppm Ag. Based on the liberation studies, it can be predicted that beneficiation may be opted at - 75 mu m as 85% liberation of value minerals is envisaged at this size range. As the ore exhibits high interlocking pattern with low-grade valuable minerals, pre-concentration is necessitated prior to flotation for further downstream operation.