Abstract
The effect of water quality on the flotation of a complex polymetallic sulphide ore was studied using a Doehlert-based experimental design. Flotation tests were carried out using a sulphide ore provided by the Guemassa-Marrakech mining company, Morocco (MCG), using simulated tailings dam water. The optimal results, with a galena recovery of 86% and selectivity, relative to chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and pyrrhotite at 58, 63, and 68%, respectively, were reached with a water quality of 5 mg/L Cu2+, 13 mg/L Zn2+, 1390 mg/L Ca2+, 140 mg/L Mg2+, 4130 mg/L SO4 (2-), and 13 mg/L PAX. These results indicate that fresh water usage could be reduced in lead circuit flotation at the MCG plant by substituting water from the tailings dam.