The flotation process, smelting process and extraction products on jamesonite: A review

Abstract The flotation behavior, smelting process, various properties of jamesonite (Pb4FeSb6S14) and application of its extraction products were introduced. Jamesonite, as a sulfide mineral with complex composition and structure, is mainly distributed in China. It is usually associated with other sulfides with similar properties. Although the mineral was discovered relatively early, the study on its structure, properties and other aspects is still at a primary level. Jamesonite is associated with valuable metals such as antimony (Sb), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), indium (In) and bismuth (Bi), and thus it can be used as raw material for the extraction of these metals. Among them, jamesonite is rich in Sb and Pb, which are important materials for industrial development with a wide application in metallurgy and semiconductor field. Therefore, how to utilize jamesonite efficiently is also one of the important topics in mining engineering today. The new flotation and smelting processes need to be proposed. Energy-saving and environment-friendly collectors and depressants also need to be developed continuously, and even the microscopic mechanism and flotation principle and theoretical research still need further exploration.