Ruwai Galena Ore Purification Through Column Flotation Process

The mineral purification process is a critical step in obtaining high-purity metals. The purification process for galena ore mined from Ruwai, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, has never been studied. In this research, the flotation process was done in a flotation column with KEX and MIBC used as a collector and a frother. The results showed that the optimum flotation time was obtained at 120 min with a Pb recovery of 79.7%; while, the selectivity for Zn and Fe was 0.56 and 1.35, respectively. Upon varying KEX concentration at the optimum time of 120 min, the highest Pb recovery was obtained at a concentration of 20 ppm KEX with the selectivity of Pb with Zn and Fe were 1.02 and 1.54. By varying the MIBC concentration, the highest Pb recovery was obtained at 300 ppm MIBC concentration, with the selectivity of Pb toward Zn and Fe was 0.97 and 1.86, respectively.