DETERMINATION OF THE WORK INDEX OF ZURAK LEAD –ZINC ORE, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The work index of Zurak Lead-Zinc ore deposit in Plateau State of Nigeria was determined using the modified Bond’s method. The sample of the ore used for the test was sourced from Zurak village in Wase LGA, using the grab and trench sampling technique. The reference ore (Iron ore) was also sourced from Itakpe village in Kogi State. The reference and test ores of equal and known weights were ground using a rod mill under the same grinding conditions respectively. The grinding was conducted dry. The size analyses of the rod mill feed and discharge for both the reference and test ores were also carried out respectively. The reference ore (Itakpe Iron ore) of work index 8.71kWh/ton was used to calculate the work index of the test ore (Zurak Lead-Zinc) and was found to be 11.41kWh/ton. The work index value of the Lead-Zinc ore obtained agreed favourably with the ones cited in the literature.