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Process mineralogy of the Ishiagu lead-zinc deposit, Nigeria

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Abstract

A study was performed to characterize the Ishiagu lead-zinc deposit prior to beneficiation. The study included the use of XRD, SEM and both reflected- and transmitted-light microscopy. The results showed that the ore consists mainly of galena (PbS), sphalerite (ZnS) and quartz (chert), with pyrite, siderite and chalcopyrite occurring as trace minerals. The textural relationships among the minerals, their grain sizes and their locking characteristics, coupled with the chemical analysis of the ore, indicated that the galena and sphalerite can be separated by conventional beneficiation methods.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Nigeria

    E. G. Okafor & G. G. O. O. Uwadiale (assistant director)

Authors
  1. E. G. Okafor
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  2. G. G. O. O. Uwadiale
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SME nonmeeting paper 96-629

Discussion of this peer-reviewed and approved paper is invited and must be submitted to SME prior to Feb. 28, 1998.

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Okafor, E.G., Uwadiale, G.G.O.O. Process mineralogy of the Ishiagu lead-zinc deposit, Nigeria. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 14, 45–48 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402778

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402778

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