Froth flotation upgrading of galena and sphalerite ore of Wase Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research is based on upgrading galena and sphalerite ores using the froth flotation method of mineral concentration. Samples of ores were taken from the surface and the underground openings at the Mining site. These samples were analyzed using sieve and x-ray refraction fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The sieve analysis determined the liberation size to be 0.355mm. The XRF analysis revealed that the samples have an average of 10.20% Zn and 40.78% Pb. After the froth flotation process, zinc concentration increased from 10.20% to 20.23% on average, and that of Lead increased from 40.78% to 57.53%. The enrichment ratio of the Lead was calculated to be 1.28, while that of Zinc was 1.98; this indicated that adding more value to the galena and sphalerite ores would lead to more returns on investment. The increase in return-over-investment will also encourage more local concentration before exports.