Dear Phil,
There is one plant still extant in England that will demonstrate
lead/zinc/barite separation for you (though relatively 'modern', the principals
remain the same and likewise the layout), this being the Force Crag Mine Mill
in the Lake District. It used a combination of flotation, jigs, and other
heavy media methods, and, with the SG of all three being 'close', fine tuning
was paramount. I remember it well, and was there most Sat. afternoons and
some Sundays during it's format/construction/commissioning/running between
1982 and 1985. I can put you in touch with one of the then Dirs. if of use
to you... I also have p.graphs - which I would have to find! Since zinc did
not really feature in Weardale proper, those mills in that area do not
really apply, but some zinc did come off the tables.
To focus on specific lead/zinc areas, you can't do better than have a trawl
through the Min.Stats. (Burt, et al), but you have probably done this
already. Derbs. is another area of course, but there are no mills left standing
to make ref. to unfortunately - apart from the Laporte, but the feed in
the end had negligible zinc - particularly after Ladywash closed.
The Nenthead Mill building is extant, but none of the plant unfortunately,
but there is quite a bit of info. on it to be had one way and another. You
ask for England only, so I make no ref. to Welsh plants, but, if you might
like info. please contact me off-List.
Regards, Bernard
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