Beneficiation of Lead-Zinc Ores - A Review

Abstract

In recent years, lead and zinc, emerge to become one of the most widely used non-ferrous metals for their growing demand in lead-acid batteries, galvanization, radio-active shielding, alloy, and pigments, etc. With continuous exploitation and expanding plant capacity, exhaustion of primary high-grade lead-zinc resources has already been initiated. This culminates into low grade, fine grain size, complex ore mineralogy, and poor liberation, thus, causing the beneficiation of lead-zinc ore a challenging task. This paper summarizes the classification of ore deposits and different beneficiation techniques that are currently employed for the treatment of lead-zinc ore. Froth flotation is the most widely used beneficiation technique. The selection of a suitable reagent regime in view of varied mineralogy, physical and chemical characteristics of lead-zinc ore is of critical importance to achieve maximum grade and recovery. Other than flotation, gravity concentration, magnetic separation, or combined processing techniques adopted for processing of lead-zinc ores are also reviewed. A brief summary of different beneficiation practices at different places is presented in detail and further research areas are identified.