The following aspects should be considered when selecting a method for separating copper-lead mixed concentrates:
(1) Mineral composition. The mineral composition of the copper-lead mixed concentrate is the main basis for selecting a separation method. For example, if the surface of galena is oxidized and not activated by copper ions, the dichromate method or the oxygen-sulfur method can be used; for the separation of galena from secondary copper sulfide minerals (such as bornite and arsenopyrite), the cyanide method or the cyanide plus zinc sulfate method can be used.
(2) Copper-lead ratio in the mixed concentrate. From production practice, when the mass ratio of copper to lead in the mixed concentrate is large, the method of suppressing copper and floating lead is often used; when the mass ratio of copper to lead is small, the method of suppressing lead and floating copper is often used. This is because “suppressing more and floating less” results in less foam, which can reduce the inclusion of foam products and improve the quality of the concentrate.
(3) The selection of a scheme should be based on a comprehensive consideration of process indicators, environmental protection, economic costs, and other aspects.