Mass Balancing And Troubleshooting Of Kooshk Lead- Zinc Mineral Processing Plant

In this research, Koosh mineral processing plant’ performance was investigated and troubleshot using systematic sampling. As there was no mass/volume flowmeter on the pipelines, process flow rates were calculated based on the mass balancing of notes using obtained gross samples data from different points of the plant. Obtained results indicated that about 10% Pb and 6% Zn were lost in the pre-flotation stage. Regarding the particle size of pre-flotation stage, entrainment was detected the main reason of Pb and Zn loss. Therefore, applying appropriate depressants and cleaning of the floated part can decrease Pb and Zn loss in the pre-flotation stage. Mass balancing results show that addition of the higher amount of reagents did not improve flotation recovery. Pb recovery generally was under 50% and Zn recovery did nor reached higher than 62%. Zinc loss to Pb final concentrate and lead and iron content in the Zn final concentrate was high. Consequently, in order to improve plant metallurgical efficiency using appropriate depressant, selective collectors, appropriate reagents distribution were recommended.