Factorial design of selective flotation of chalcopyrite from copper sulfides

Abstract

The lab tests have been carried out to examine the influence of different factors on selectivity of chalcopyrite flotation from copper sulfides with moderate content of pyrite. The authors use the factorial design of the experiments. It is studied how grinding fineness and xanthate concentration influence flotation of chalcopyrite and pyrite at different lime-adjusted pH values of pulp. It is found that the highest influence on copper recovery is exerted by the size of the ground ore, pH value and collector consumption. In view of the high activity of pyrite and the intergrowth of chalcopyrite and pyrite with gangue, it is required to grind ore up to 75–80% content of size–74 μm, while pH of the pulp is to be maintained at the level of 11 in all flotation circuits.