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Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) - University of Port Harcourt
ISSN: 1119-8362
Vol. 20, No. 4, 2016, pp. 903-908
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Bioline Code: ja16094
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Vol. 20, No. 4, 2016, pp. 903-908
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Extraction of a Low Grade Zinc Ore using Gravity and Froth Flotation Methods
OLADUNNI OYELOLA, ALABI; ABOKI ABDU, DALHATU; DARE VICTOR, ABERE; MAGNUS T., IGONWELUNDU; MESHACK BOSAN, BALA & BABATUNDE OYEBODE, ARAOYE
Abstract
Extraction of low grade zinc ore found in Gumau- Toro town was carried out using gravity and
froth flotation methods. Analysis of the chemical composition reveals that the crude ore contains 20.20% Zinc and
other related minerals such as 66.72% SiO2, 2.36%.Pb, 16.62%Fe, 0.001%Ag, these are impurities that hindered
the grade of zinc in this ore from appreciating. Fractional and grain sieve size results revealed that the liberation
size of the ore is at -355+250μm assaying 32.41%Zn. At this liberation sieve size, the low grade zinc ore was
subjected to four different beneficiation methods using five kilograms (5kg) each as charge into Wilfley shaking
Table, Humphrey spiral concentrator, Air floating Machine and one kilogram (1kg) for froth flotation. Resulting
products (concentrate and tailing) from these processes were analyzed using instrumentation method. Percentage
recovery of each applied process was calculated. This was used to ascertain that the use of froth flotation that gives
74.32%Zn at a recovery of 84.62% stands out the best method for zinc extraction towards value addition to the low
grade crude zinc ore.
Keywords
Extraction; Upgrading; Gravity; Froth flotation; Mineral; Fractional analysis
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© Copyright 2016 - Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
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