Operations
Lead Carbonate
Lead carbonate concentrate from Magellan typically contains about 63% lead. At the mine site, lead occurs in the form of the minerals Cerrusite (lead carbonate) and lesser amounts of Angelesite (lead sulphate). The concentrate also contains minor amounts of other naturally occurring lead minerals, plus quartz.
Lead carbonate is typically found close to the surface of most lead/zinc deposits, being formed by the oxidisation of sulphide minerals. In most mines, this near-surface ore is mined early in the mine life, to be replaced by deeper sulphide ores. The Magellan mine is unique in that the entire deposit is oxidised, a result of deep weathering processes over a considerable time.
Concentrating the lead carbonate is a straightforward process that reduces the amount of material to be transported by removing waste minerals. This makes the transport process more effective and efficient, and ensures less carbon emissions.
The lead carbonate concentrate is loaded directly from a pressure filter into double-lined, two tonne bags and is required to have a moisture content of no less than 7.5%.
The concentrate looks like a black to dark grey damp sand. It is heavy, does not combust or gasify and is only harmful if physically ingested.
