Abstract
Flotation separation of chalcopyrite from molybdenite was studied using seaweed glue (SEG) as a depressant. Flotation process and mechanism were examined by response surface methodology, flotation tests, adsorption tests, zeta potential measurements and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. Response surface methodology with a Box–Behnken design suggested the optimal reagent schedule: pH 4, depressant seaweed glue 197 mg/L, collector amyl xanthate 16 mg/L and frother (methyl isobutyl carbinol) 20 mg/L, and selective separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite was achieved by flotation. Comparison of SEG and traditional depressants indicated that the SEG could achieve a similar separation efficiency, and exhibited the advantages of environmental compatibility and economic adaptability. Co-adsorption of seaweed glue and amyl xanthate occurred on the surface of molybdenite, and is explained to happen through distinct mechanisms due to the heterogeneous nature of the surface. It is likely that seaweed glue depresses molybdenite by covering the dixanthogen resulting from adsorption of xanthate ions. It is shown that seaweed glue is as effective a depressant of Cu/Mo separation as cyanide.
Highlights
In the case of copper–molybdenum separation, chalcopyrite (CuFeS2 ) and molybdenite (MoS2 ) are the main copper and molybdenum minerals found in complex sulfide ores
The separation of both hydrophobic chalcopyrite and molybdenite represents a major problem in the treatment of copper–molybdenum sulfide ore
The separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite has been the focus of a great deal of research
Summary
In the case of copper–molybdenum separation, chalcopyrite (CuFeS2 ) and molybdenite (MoS2 ) are the main copper and molybdenum minerals found in complex sulfide ores. In the case of chalcopyrite, once the mineral is rendered hydrophobic by a xanthate collector, its depression can be effectively achieved by rather drastic chemical treatments [1]. The separation of both hydrophobic chalcopyrite and molybdenite represents a major problem in the treatment of copper–molybdenum sulfide ore. Both of them lead to flotation concentrates, reducing concentrate grade and causing downstream processing problems as well as increased smelting costs [2]. The separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite has been the focus of a great deal of research
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