Optimizing Zinc Recovery in Sulfide Mineral Flotation for Geometallurgical Characterization

Berrocal-Majerhua J.; Aramburú-Rojas V.S.; Ortiz-Barreto J.A.; Alvarez-Llanos L.A.; Moran-Mendoza J.B.; Soto-Juscamayta L.M. · International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics (2024) · DOI: 10.18280/ijdne.190520

Resumen

This study aims to optimize zinc recovery from sulfide mineral flotation in the province of Oyón, Peru, by integrating detailed mineralogical characterization with a rigorous experimental design. Optical microscopy and TIMA electron microscopy identified marmatitic sphalerites with 17.24% distribution and 99.51% free species, along with gangue minerals such as epidote, garnet, and quartz. A three-factor experimental design evaluated ZnSO4, NaCN dosage, and flotation pH to minimize zinc displacement during Pb-Cu bulk flotation, achieving a minimum Zn displacement of 5.14% with a 1.24% grade. Zn flotation tests optimized CuSO4 and Xanthate Z-11 dosages, resulting in a zinc recovery of 97.61% and a concentrate grade of 48.06%. This comprehensive approach demonstrates significant improvements in zinc recovery and offers a replicable methodology for other mining regions with complex mineralogies, contributing to more sustainable and efficient mining practices.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos