4. Mineral concentration or mineral processing

The raw ore extracted from the mine undergoes a series of mechanical preparation operations and physical and/or physico-chemical concentration of minerals with market value, in particular galena and cerussite.

These operations, carried out in a plant known as a "washing plant", are designed to increase the Pb content of concentrates, by eliminating gangue, as well as minerals containing impurities that would complicate the smelter's work, and, finally, to reduce transport costs between the treatment plant and the smelter. A significant advantage also lies in the concentration of other minerals accompanying galena, in particular blende or sphalerite, chalcopyrite and copper sulfides, pyrite and arsenopyrite (when gold-bearing).

Before applying the separation processes leading to the production of concentrates, the mineral species with market...