Abstract
The surface oxidation of chalcocite and covellite dipped in xanthate-free and xanthate-containing borate solutions of pH 9.2 was studied by a small amplitude cyclic voltammetric (SACV) technique in the potential range between −1 V and +1 V vs. SCE. The formation of copper-xanthate species from direct reactions between sulphide mineral surfaces and xanthate ions was substantiated. In addition, based on flotation tests, the influence of the electrochemical potential on the floatability was investigated. Evidence was found that the species responsible for the hydrophobization of covellite are copper-xanthate species (CuEtX, Cu(EtX) 2) and dixanthogen ((EtX) 2). In the case of chalcocite only CuEtX species play an important role in the hydrophobization process.
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