The Effect of Time, Frother and Collector Concentration on the Purification of Ruwai Galena Ore via Agitated Froth Flotation: A Comparative Study with Column Flotation

Abstract

Ruwai galena ore contains a high amount of lead (Pb) and a higher silver (Ag) content than similar ores. It indicates that Ruwai galena ore has excellent potential to be utilized as a prospective source of Ag . However, recovery of Ag from the galena ore is quite challenging due to the very high iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content. For this reason, separating both elements from the main galena ore needs to be performed. This study examines the performance of the froth flotation process using agitation to obtain ore (or tailings) rich in Ag so that the Ag leaching process becomes more efficient. The flotation process was conducted by varying the flotation time, the concentration of KEX (potassium ethyl xanthate, as a collector), and MIBC (methyl isobutyl carbinol, as a frother). The flotation results showed that 85% Pb was successfully floated at 120 minutes, the KEX concentration of 80 ppm, and the MIBC concentration of 30 ppm. In this condition, Zn was 48%, Fe was 38% recovered, while 49% of Ag was detected.

Keywords

• agitation
• froth flotation
• galena
• lead
• silver