QEMSCAN ® applied to Zn(Pb) nonsulfide ores: advantages and limitations

The mineralogy of supergene Zn(Pb) nonsulfides is difficult to characterize, due to the complex association of mineral species in these deposit types . Since these ores are commonly treated by hydrometallurgy, the lack of accurate mineralogical results can cause several problems in both processin g and metallurgical stages. QEMSCAN ® analyses have been carried out, in order to improve accuracy of nonsulfide ores characterization, in term of mineralogy, petrography, chemistry and quantitative amount. Three nonsulfide deposits with different grades of mineralogical complexity have been considered for this purpose: Hakkari Zn(Pb) in Turkey; Jabali Zn Pb(Ag) in Yemen; Reef Ridge Zn in Alaska. Previous studies, which used traditional analytical methods were used as a basis to develop the QEMSCAN ® analytical routine for the three deposits. The QEMSCAN ® study, though confirming the main findings of previous research, has also added new information (e.g. the amount of trace minerals, amorphous phases, impure phases etc.) that traditional technologies were not able to provide. SEM EDS validation analysis was also necessary, in order to avoid misleading data. In conclusion, it was possible to understand the advantages and limitations of using the QEMSCAN ® method for the choice of the best routin e during feasibility study.