Effects of Galvanic Interaction on Collectorless Flotation Behavior of Galena and Pyrite

Abstract

Galvanic interactions between sulfide minerals have significant effects on their electrochemistry and flotation behavior. The effects of galena and pyrite on their collectorless flotation behavior have been studied in this paper. The results showed that galvanic interaction between galena and pyrite would occur when they were mixed. In the galvanic-couple , pyrite forms a cathode due to the higher rest potential, and is reduced, which results in its floatability decreased; while galena forms a anode due to the lower rest potential, and is oxidized, which results in its floatability increased.