Abstract
Porphyry copper deposits (PCDs) are some of the most important sources of copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo). Typically, the separation and recovery of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and molybdenite (MoS2), the major Cu and Mo minerals, respectively, in PCDs are achieved by two-step flotation involving (1) bulk flotation to separate Cu–Mo concentrates and tailings (e.g., pyrite, silicate, and aluminosilicate minerals) and (2) Cu–Mo flotation to separate chalcopyrite and molybdenite. In Cu–Mo flotation, chalcopyrite is depressed using Cu depressants, such as NaHS, Na2S, Nokes reagent (P2S5 + NaOH), and NaCN, meaning that it is recovered as tailings, while molybdenite is floated and recovered as froth product. Although conventionally used depressants are effective in the separation of Cu and Mo, they have the potential to emit toxic and deadly gases such as H2S and HCN when operating conditions are not properly controlled. To address these problems caused by the use of conventional depressants, many studies aimed to develop alternative methods of depressing either chalcopyrite or molybdenite. In this review, recent advances in chalcopyrite and molybdenite depressions for Cu–Mo flotation separation are reviewed, including alternative organic and inorganic depressants for Cu or Mo, as well as oxidation-treatment technologies, such as ozone (O3), plasma, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolysis, which create hydrophilic coatings on the mineral surface.
Highlights
Porphyry copper deposits (PCDs) are the world’s most important sources of copper (Cu) because they account for more than 60% of global annual copper production [1,2]
The floatability of molybdenite was strongly depressed by lignosulfonate in a wide pH range of 5–11, regardless of used pH adjusters (e.g., CaO, Na2 CO3, and KOH). These results suggest that chalcopyrite/molybdenite separation could be achieved by using sodium sulfonates in the absence of Ca2+
Kor et al [35] investigated the effects of electrolyte concentration and composition on the adsorption of two carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymers (high substitution, high blockiness (HSHB); low substitution, low blockiness (LSLB)) onto the molybdenite surface, and confirmed that higher ionic strength (2.76 × 10−2 M KCl) contributes to thicker layers with higher of CMCs is not limited to molybdenite, that is, CMCs can play roles in depressing chalcopyrite and/or molybdenite, which is strongly dependent on operating conditions and ore compositions
Summary
Porphyry copper deposits (PCDs) are the world’s most important sources of copper (Cu) because they account for more than 60% of global annual copper production [1,2]. 2008); they have significant economic value due to their large size (typically greater than 100 million tons), long mine lives (spanning several decades), and high production rates (i.e., millions of tons of copper per year) [1]. These deposits are important sources of molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), and silver (Ag) [1,5].
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