Mineralogical Analysis of Copper-Lead-Zinc Mixed Concentrate and Study on Separation Efficiency

BACKGROUND There are large amounts of copper-lead-zinc polymetallic sulfide ore resources in Yunnan Province, China, but the efficient separation of these resources remains a major problem. OBJECTIVES To improve the separation efficiency of valuable minerals in mixed concentrates. METHODS In this study, the major elemental content, phase composition, mineral composition, particle size characteristics, and monomer liberation degree of a mixed concentrate were analyzed using a variety of modern detection methods such as chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and mineral liberation analysis (MLA). RESULTS The results showed that the mixed concentrate had fine particles, and some minerals occurred as intergrowths or inclusions. The monomer liberation degree of the target minerals chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite was medium to low, ranging from 69.28% to 70.56%. It was preliminarily predicted that the theoretical separation efficiencies of copper, lead, and zinc in the mixed concentrate were 71.63%, 62.97% and 72.72%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Improving the grinding fineness of mixed concentrates to promote the full liberation of metal minerals is a key way to improve the separation efficiency of copper, lead, and zinc minerals.