Potential-Controlled Flotation and Depression of Copper Sulfides and Oxides Using Hydrosulfide in Non-Xanthate Systems

ISSN： 0008-4433

Source： Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly, Vol.30, Iss.2, 1991-04, pp. : 79-86

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Abstract

The complete behavior of flotation and depression of copper sulfides and oxides as a function of potential modified by sodium hydrosulfide in certain non-xanthate collector systems was studied using a sulfide ion electrode (SIE). Detailed flotation tests on three diverse copper ores, using different types of collectors, and two Cu–Mo concentrates have revealed that the optimum potentials for copper flotation are in the range of −400 to −600 mV (vs Ag/AgCl reference; pH ∼9.8–10.6). Sulfide flotation was found to be insensitive to sulfidization in the range of − 200 to −600 mV, whereas flotation of sulfidized oxides increased gradually and reached an optimum in the range of −600 to −650 mV. The onset of copper depression for both ores and Cu–Mo concentrates occurred at potentials more negative than −600 mV— the actual value being dictated largely by ore mineralogy—and was complete at potentials more negative than −700 mV. The results obtained in this study for different collector systems are generally consistent with those reported in the literature for xanthate system, and support the view that operating a circuit on the basis of SIE potential is very advantageous.