Preliminary study of mineral processing for a new zinc-lead ore deposit in the Gorno Zinc Project, Lombardy, Italy

The work of this thesis is aimed to the preliminary beneficiation potential evaluation and testing carried out on samples collected in a new zinc-lead ore deposit, currently under exploration, in the Gorno Zinc Project, Lombardy, Italy. The first part of the work focuses on a global overview on zinc and lead as commodities, highlighting their geological features, reserves and resources, exploitation and processing methods, industrial and economic importance. The second part describes the Gorno Mining district, its geological setting, industrial history, the present situation of the site and future developments planned by the owning company Alta Zinc Ltd. The experimental part introduces the materials and methods used for sampling, characterization and testing of the samples. Thin sections characterization has been carried out by Optical Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Comminution tests have been conducted to understand the crushing behaviour of the material, while target minerals' grades have been estimated by means of XRD Quantitative Phase Analysis. Concentration potential has been assessed by froth flotation, arranged in two phases bulk flotation phases divided in two circuits. Final concentrates have been characterized by means of Optical macroscopic observation and XRD analyses. Recovery separation rates have been estimated.