Galena Ore Beneficiation Method

Lead usually exists in pattern of intergrowth with Zinc like the common lead zinc ore. And the floatation separation is usually used for this kind of lead ore while sometimes gravity separation or gravity-floatation separation is needed to upgrade this kind of lead ore. However, galena lead ore is in the pattern of PbS, and its beneficiation can be different because of different ore nature.

For galena lead ore with coarse granules embedded, crushing—gravity jigging can help to get ideal grade with low beneficiation cost and plant cost, and the most important one, better beneficiation efficiency than floatation separation. For paralaurionite lead ore with great floatability, floatation separator will be great to gain good beneficiation efficiency. However, for most galena lead ore, the embedded granules is big, and simple crushing and jigging can help to get high-grade galena concentrate. Look at the galena lead ore like the picture below, the embedded size is coarse, and after crushing, galena granules will be liberated, and the jigger separation can help to get galena concentrate of high quality.

For this kind of galena lead ore with coarse granules embedded, if floatation separation is still adopted, it is really a roundabout way not only enlarging the beneficiation cost but also leading to loss of lead because of the excessive milling. In sum, designing flow sheet and allocation of plants according to the ore natures is a wise and shortcut for ore separation project.

Jig separator is one of the most common gravity separation machines, and it separate because of density difference between galena and gangue waste. Density of galena is 7.4-7.6g/cm3 while that of intergrowth gangue is no more than 3g/cm3, so this big density difference makes jigging gravity separation a great and easy way to get high grade galena concentrate with excellent upgrading efficiency.  And you can see the picture of the galena concentrate.

The Result of Gravity Separation

 Gongyi Forui Machinery Factory is a professional manufacturer of jig gravity separator, and rich experiences can be shared with you about galena lead ore separation and lead ore beneficiation technology. Mini test can be supplied free if samples can be available. And flow sheet with plant allocation can be designed according to the test.