Abstract
The flotation separation of smithsonite and calcite is difficult due to their similar surface physicochemical characteristics. In this study, calcium lignosulphonate (CLS) was employed as a selective inhibitor for the flotation separation of smithsonite from calcite using sodium oleate (NaOl) as collector. Flotation experiments results indicate that the calcite flotation was strongly depressed by CLS, whereas the smithsonite flotation was barely interfered. The flotation separation of smithsonite from calcite could be achieved at pH 10. A concentrate with zinc grade and recovery of 45.16% and 85.60% respectively was obtained in the artificial mixed minerals flotation experiment in the presence of CLS. The interaction mechanism was investigated by zeta potential measurement, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and results suggest that CLS chemically absorbed on the calcite surface in the form of Ca-SO3, which strongly hindered the successive NaOl adsorption on the calcite. However, it barely absorbed on the smithsonite surface, thus exhibiting little influence on the reaction between NaOl and smithsonite. Hence, CLS could be utilized as a selective depressant for calcite in the flotation of smithsonite.
Published Version
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