Efficient flotation separation of lead–zinc oxide ores using mineral sulfidation reconstruction technology: A review

Abstract

Oxidized lead and zinc resources have been underutilized for a long time. With the rapid depletion of the lead–zinc sulfide ores, there is an urgent need to increase the efficient utilization of lead–zinc oxide ores. Flotation is a versatile method for the pre-enrichment of lead–zinc oxide ores. Due to the strong hydration of lead–zinc oxide minerals and the easy dissolution of metal ions on the surface, the flotation separation of lead–zinc oxide ores remains a major challenge to date. Therefore, sulfidation reconstruction of oxidized lead–zinc minerals prior to flotation is crucial for altering their surface properties. This paper reviews the progress of sulfidation pretreatment technology for typical lead–zinc oxide minerals, including cerussite, smithsonite, and hemimorphite. Currently, the utilization of sulfurizing agents for surface sulfidation pretreatment of lead–zinc oxide minerals, followed by flotation recovery using amine collectors, represents the most widely employed process. Constrained by factors such as low sulfidation rates and the propensity for sulfidation products to desorb, flotation recovery of lead–zinc oxide ores remains low. At present, reinforced mineral surface sulfidation by the addition of ammonium salts is a common method to increase the sulfidation rate of lead–zinc oxide ores. In particular, this paper summarizes the mechanisms of different sulfidation reconstruction technologies and analyses the main factors affecting surface sulfidation, as well as outlines the prospects for future research.

Keywords

Cerussite / Smithsonite / Hemimorphite / Sulfidation / Mineral phase reconstruction / Flotation

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