Liberation Size and Beneficiation of Enyigba Lead Ore, Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

This research work centered on the determination of Liberation Size and Enrichment of Enyigba Lead Ore in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. The study reviews the fundamental operations in mineral processing i.e. the comminution process for the release and liberation of the valuable minerals particles from the ore association, and the eventual separation and concentration of the valuables from the gangue. The ore was pulverized, sieved to liberation size and beneficiated. The mesh of grind was found to be 189 μm, and the liberation size was established to be 63 μm sieve size having the highest percentage of lead of 15.1% then enriched to 69.8% by froth flotation method and was assessed by using x-ray fluorescence (XRF). The lead concentrate by weight was obtained to be 81.80%, confirmed being of high economic grade having surpassed 60% wt Pb element in an ore. It is hoped that this will enhance its development to meet both local and international demand for potential investment opportunities.