Column flotation of galena at the Polaris Concentrator

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 81, No. 920, 1988

G.A. KOSICK, MinnovexTechnologies Inc., Toronto, Ontario, LA. KUEHN Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario and M. FREBERG Cominco Ltd., Polaris Mine

Highly variable and higher than forecast lead mill feed grades were problems experienced at the Polaris Concentrator. Limited flotation capacity and poor operating flexibility prevented the plant operators from overcoming these difficulties, and resulted in grades and recoveries which were lower than necessary. Two column cells were integrated into the lead circuit in an effort to give the operators the tools they required to achieve the best grades and recoveries possible, regardless of the mill feed grade. Installation of the column cells increased lead concentrate grade from 76% to 79.3% Pb, and increased lead recovery from 91% to 91.3% Pb. This paper reviews the design, development and operation of column flotation cells in the lead circuit at the Polaris Mine.

Mots Clés: Mineral processing, Flotation, Galena, Polaris Concentrator.