Abstract
The effects of ZnSO4 on arsenopyrite depression were studied with sodium carbonate and sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX) as the pH regulator and collector, respectively. In both micro and real ore flotation tests, ZnSO4 showed better depression on arsenopyrite (pH 7.5–9.0 adjusted by Na2CO3) compared with sodium humate. The depression mechanism of ZnSO4 on arsenopyrite flotation was studied by electrokinetic potential, adsorbed amount measurements, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and energy dispersive spectra (EDS) detection. The electrokinetic potential measurement results show a potential increase forpleas the arsenopyrite treated with ZnSO4 in the pH range 7.5–9.0, which could be attributed to the formation of the precipitated zinc carbonate (ZnCO3(S)). For arsenopyrite treated with both ZnSO4 and SIBX, the electric surface potentials also display an increase, to approximate the values with solely ZnSO4 treated, at pH 7.5–9.0, indicating the inhibition of ZnCO3(S) upon the SIBX adsorption onto arsenopyrite. Adsorption results demonstrated that SIBX adsorption onto arsenopyrite indeed was inhibited at the pH 7.5-9.0 through the sharp decrease in SIBX adsorbed amount with ZnSO4 as the depressant at this pH range. SEM observation and EDS detection results verify the formation of colloidal ZnCO3 on the arsenopyrite, with ZnSO4 as the depressant in combination with Na2CO3.
Highlights
As one of the most dangerous pollutants, arsenic often causes incidents of public health and pollutes the environment in several regions of the world [1]
The flotation separation of arsenopyrite from the valuable sulfide minerals is still the most relatively effective method compared with gravity and magnetic concentration, which utilizes the difference in the surface wetting properties of different minerals [11]
The −0.074+0.038 mm fractions [21] were used for the micro flotation, adsorption and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests, and −0.038 mm fractions were used for the zeta potential measurements
Summary
As one of the most dangerous pollutants, arsenic often causes incidents of public health and pollutes the environment in several regions of the world [1]. The separation of valuable sulfide minerals, like galena [3,4], chalcopyrite [5], sphalerite [6,7] and pyrite [8,9] from arsenopyrite is very important because arsenic is a penalty element in copper, lead and zinc metal concentrates that are prepared for smelting in the subsequent pyrometallurgical process [10]. Colloidal ZnCO3 has been proven as the depressant of sphalerite and arsenopyrite, in particular with the flotation practice of copper/zinc [17], lead/zinc [18] and sulfur/arsenic [19] separation. The chalcopyrite/arsenopyrite separation and the beneficiation of an As-bearing Cu ore using the ZnSO4 were conducted with xanthate as the collector in Na2 CO3 solution, and corresponding depression mechanism was in-depth investigated through micro flotation, zeta potential measurements, adsorption tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, and energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) detection
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
