Characterisation and beneficiation studies for Balya lead-zinc mine wastes

Abstract

The deposit of lead-zinc ore in Balikesir/Balya was mined and abandoned in the past. There is about 1 million tonnes of gravity and flotation tailings and slags containing considerable amount of lead and zinc, In this study beneficiation of zinc by leach process and environmental impact of waste were both considered. Four types of samples were taken from different region in the waste dump. Sieve and chemical analyses of samples showed that tailings contains about 2% Zn and 5% Pb while slag has considerable amount of zinc (11% Zn). EPA test was performed for each sample to gauge metal release. H2SO4 leaching rests for different conditions were experimented and Eh/pH, Fe and Zn release were measured for certain time. Releaching tests were also performed with first leach residues. Results showed that 80 % Zn extraction could be achieved by leaching.