Effect of thio collectors and feed particle size distribution on flotation of gold bearing sulphide ore

Abstract

The present paper provides information about the influence of particle size and synergism of collectors on the flotation of a very low grade auriferous sulphide ore. Mineralogical characterisation studies had shown that quartz made up 65% of the sample followed by pyrite (9%), arsenopyrite (7·3%) and minor quantities of other minerals. Most of the gold occurred on the boundary or locked in pyrite and arsenopyrite coarse grains. The correlation between flotation response of coarse particles containing gold and reagent concentration system was examined for a very low grade auriferous sulphide ore. It was found out that an increase in collector concentration is needed in order to render a higher degree of hydrophobic coverage of the particles, favouring the stability of the particle–bubble aggregate. The best result in the present study was achieved in the presence of 60 g t−1 of potassium amyl xanthate, rendering gold and sulphur recoveries of 85·33 and 56·64% respectively. On the other hand, the small and intermediate size particles demanded smaller collector concentration. The results presented in the present paper confirm these statements.