Mineral Beneficiation Research Articles

Analyses of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (Edta) in Selected Binary Immiscible Solvents: The Role of Partition Coefficient, kD

Background: The focus is on the extraction of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid from contaminants using binary immiscible solvents. The molecular distributions of EDTA in the binary solvents that are involved are the key factors that determine the magnitude of the partition coefficient. Methods: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was investigated in carbon tetrachloride-water, diethyl ether-water, and n-hexane-water binary solvents, at 30°C and atmospheric pressure, to determine the partition coefficients and the influence of interfering reactions, such as dimerization, ionization, etc. occurring with the distributions of the acid in the binary solvents and to ascertain the best binary solvent for the analyses of the acid. These analyses were done by titration. EDTA solute was introduced into the solvents and the concentrations of the pure molecules were calculated from the titration measurements. Results: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid has the distribution coefficient, kD value of 1.9213 in carbon tetrachloride-water system with the dimerization constant, K of -30.7821. It has the ionization constant, α of 0.0149 in this medium. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid has the kD value of 1.2186 in diethyl ether-water system and dimerization constant of -23.8972 with the ionization constant of 0.0687. The kD of EDTA in n-hexane-water system is 0.2035 with the dimerization constant of 2329.7237 and ionization constant of 0.0005. Conclusion: Distribution coefficient technique is used for solute-solvent extraction, and the beneficiation of minerals. A high distribution coefficient shows preferential solubility in the solvent that is involved and hence good separation. From the three systems used, carbon tetrachloride-water and diethyl etherwater systems are good for the analyses of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Carbon tetrachloride-water system is the best binary immiscible solvent, from the three systems investigated, for the extraction and purification of the acid. Good extraction and purification of EDTA in the recommended solvents will be done in several continuous steps.

A Comprehensive Recovery Process for Selective Separation and Enrichment of Copper, Zinc and Iron Minerals from a Polymetallic Ore and the Adsorption Mechanism of Collector Z-200

A comprehensive recovery process for the selective separation and enrichment of copper, zinc and iron minerals from a polymetallic ore was developed, which consisted of copper flotation, zinc flotation, and iron magnetic separation, and the adsorption mechanism of the copper collector Z-200 (O-isopropyl-N-ethyl thionocarbamate) was also studied in this work. The contents of the main valuable metallic elements of Cu, Zn and Fe in the ore were respectively 0.61%, 1.68% and 14.17%, and they mainly existed as chalcopyrite, sphalerite and magnetite, whose dissemination relationship was complex. Under the optimal conditions of this process, the recoveries of Cu, Zn and Fe in their respective concentrates reached 86.1%, 87.6% and 77.8%, and their grades were separately 20.31%, 45.97% and 63.39%. This process realized the selective separation and beneficiation of copper, zinc, and iron minerals from the ore, and had promising industrial application prospects. The adsorption configuration analysis demonstrated that the steadiest adsorption configurations of Z-200 on the surfaces of chalcopyrite, sphalerite and magnetite were the simultaneous adsorption of carbonyl S together with the O atom. Compared with sphalerite and magnetite, Z-200 was more prone to adsorb on the chalcopyrite surface. The Mulliken charge population and bond length analyses manifested that Z-200 chemically adsorbed on the chalcopyrite surface by forming a normal covalent bond and a back donation covalent bond, and the normal covalent bond played a leading role. The chemisorption of Z-00 was supported by the FTIR spectrum analysis result.

Graphite flotation by β-cyclodextrin/kerosene Pickering emulsion as a novel collector

• β-cyclodextrin/kerosene Pickering emulsion were prepared. • Effects of factors on the droplet size and stability of emulsion were investigated. • Response surface methodology was used to obtain optimal preparation conditions. • A proper β-cyclodextrin dosage used for emulsification promoted graphite flotation . • Mechanism of Pickering emulsion on graphite flotation was discussed. Pickering emulsions use nanoparticles to reduce the amount of emulsifiers and generate environmentally friendly reagents; this can be employed in different processes. However, there are no published reports on the application of Pickering emulsions in mineral beneficiation by flotation separation. Collector emulsification is an effective way to improve flotation performance. β-cyclodextrin is a granular emulsifier that has been widely considered in various investigations. As a comparative investigation, this study explored the application of the β-cyclodextrin/kerosene Pickering emulsion as a collector for the flotation beneficiation of a low-grade graphite ore. The response surface design was applied to investigate the influence of the water phase ratio, β-cyclodextrin weight, stirring time, stirring intensity, and the interaction of these factors on the emulsion droplet size and emulsion stability. The β-cyclodextrin weight optimization test showed that the Pickering emulsion reached its optimum flotation performance when the weight of β-cyclodextrin was 0.10 g. Surface analyses (zeta potential and contact angle measurements) indicated that the emulsion is stabilized by vesicles, which are self-assembled by inclusion compounds formed by kerosene and β-cyclodextrin. The developed Pickering emulsion could improve graphite recovery by 6%.

Effect of ultrasound pre-treatment on carbonaceous copper-bearing shale flotation

Although numerous studies have been implemented on identifying the impact of acoustic waves on mineral beneficiation, its fundamental aspects remain unclear in the literature. The present work, for the first time, systematically investigates the role of ultrasound pre-treatment (UPT) in the carbonaceous copper-bearing shale flotation. To this end, conditioning was carried out at different powers of applied ultrasound. Non-treated and UPT shale flotation tests were performed in the presence of frother (MIBC) and collector (KEX). To analyse particle surface charge variation and collector adsorption properties after application of UPT, zeta potential and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy measurements were implemented, respectively. The generation of sub-micron bubbles due to the acoustic cavitation was characterised by laser-based particle size measurements. Shale hydrophobicity was determined using the sessile drop and captive bubble techniques.The micro-flotation results showed that the mass recovery increased by 40% at 20 W of applied ultrasonic power. The positive effect of UPT on the copper-bearing shale flotation was related to: i) generation of ultrafine bubbles due to the acoustic cavitation phenomenon and ii) the cleaning effect through transient bubble collapse. However, rigorous ultra-sonication diminished the recoverability of the sample owing to the less intensified number of ultrafine bubbles on the particle surfaces and formation of free H and OH radicals, which led to the oxidation of particle surfaces. These statements were correlated well with the observations of the zeta potential, particle size analysis and quantified ultrafine bubbles. Finally, we briefly highlighted fundamental knowledge gaps in flotation and ultrasound-related issues for future work.

Applying an equivalent free settling ratio to enhance ferro-magnetic and para-magnetic particles’ separation efficiency using the influence of a magnetic field aligned with gravity

ABSTRACT Settling behaviour of particles in aqueous mediums depends on the resultant force acting on them. This force normally is the resultant of gravity, buoyancy and drag forces. Therefore, the settling velocity of coarse and light particles is very close to that of fine but dense particles. This fact is the major cause of poor beneficiation of fine valuable minerals in gravitational separation devices like spirals. So, implementing of an external force such as magnetic force may well improve the beneficiation of such particles. Theoretical analysis of terminal settling velocity (TSV) of particles shows that a magnetic field aligned with gravity can increase TSV of minerals with magnetic properties which in turn results in higher free settling ratios between magnetic and non-magnetic particles. In this regard, an innovative laboratory device was designed, fabricated and used to better understand the simultaneous effects of gravity and a magnetic force aligned with it.

Bacillus licheniformis a potential bio-collector for Barite-Quartz selective separation

Employing microorganisms and their metabolites as a potentially low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative for the synthetic compounds in many of the current mineral beneficiation techniques is receiving increasing attention. For the first time, the influence of the Bacillus licheniformis cells and its metabolites for selective flotation of barite from quartz was studied. The maximum adsorption density of 1.33 × 1010 cells/g was achieved at pH = 3 for barite, six times higher than quartz. Flotation experiments revealed that cell-assisted separation was more effective than metabolite-facilitated flotation, either for single mineral or the mixed sample (barite mixed with quartz). Barite was recovered up to 87% (at pH = 3) in sole-mineral flotation experiments, and flotation of the mixed sample, also, proved a successful selective separation of barite (76% recovery) from quartz at the bio-collector dosage of 6.55 × 103 cells/ml. Adsorption kinetics study showed that the pseudo second-order model could represent cell adsorption densities for both minerals, while the Langmuir model simulated adsorption isotherms. Finally, it was shown that B. licheniformis cells could selectively enhance particles hydrophobicity and successfully be utilized as a bio-collector.

Hydrophobization of minerals by sorbitan mono oleate (Span® 80): Selectivity of a novel agglomeration process

The selectivity of a novel mineral beneficiation technology utilizing a water in oil emulsion as the binder for mineral agglomeration has been investigated. This novel technology can agglomerate fine and ultrafine hydrophobic mineral particles in less than 7 s thus providing an option for the beneficiation of low-grade ores or rare earth metal oxides, metal sulphides or platinum group metals (PGMs). However, the selectivity of the process is compromised by the interaction of emulsifier-sorbitan mono oleate (SMO), commonly known as Span® 80, with the gangue. SMO is the emulsifier used to make the emulsion binder. In this work, we show that the SMO interacts with the transition metal ions adsorbed on the gangue particles possibly via the sorbitan sugar group thus hydrophobizing and leading to the agglomeration of the gangue. This gangue-SMO interaction reduces the selectivity of the agglomeration process. Treating the ore slurry with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), prior to agglomeration, prevents the agglomeration of gangue as the EDTA removes the adsorbed metal ions and brings them into the solution. The EDTA treatment is shown to improve the selectivity of the agglomeration process significantly. We also show that SMO can act as a generic collector as it can hydrophobize particles of a variety of transition and rare earth metal oxides.

REE-Bearing Minerals in Tin Waste Dumps of Singkep Island: Geochemical Identification and Recovery

DOI:10.17014/ijog.9.1.15-26Instead of environmental hazard, tailing might contain resources which could be reworked with the development of mining and separation technologies. Tailing dumps and waste ponds which associated with the long period of tin mining are easily found in Singkep Island. The waste should be processed to recover and purify precious metals within, and to reduce environmental degradation. REE-bearing minerals identification in tin tailing based on trace and rare earth element abundances is the aim of this study. Concise mineral beneficiation is illustrated for any further re-work strategy. The tailings collected from four locations in Singkep were analyzed for their trace and rare earth element compositions using ICP-MS at The Centre for Geological Survey. REE content in concentrates was upgraded at the range of 9 to 94 folds of the corresponding wastes. Monazite-(Ce), xenotime, and zircon are the REE-bearing minerals of the studied samples according to the elemental composition. Gravity, flotation, magnetic, and electrostatic methods would be applicable to separate the REE-bearing minerals from the tailing.

Study on Sulfide Oxidation in a Clay Matrix by the Hyphenated Method

The requirement of a ceramic product with high technical and aesthetic performance makes it necessary to select and control raw materials to avoid losses caused by low-quality products. Many defects have their origin in impurities present in clay minerals such as sulfides and sulfates. It is important to study the oxidation, decomposition, and pyrolysis reactions that affect these minerals and their dependence on environment conditions (humidity and temperature) during the extraction and beneficiation of clay minerals in an open pit mine. The development of hyphenated techniques coupling mass spectrometry with a thermal analysis instrument provides information that is not available from either technique alone, such as decomposition behavior and the determination of emissions with a lower limit of detection. The evolution of sulfur dioxide from the oxidation of different sulfides provides information on the in situ oxidation and decomposition reactions that happen when a thermal treatment is applied. The results obtained show important differences in the reactions that take place in sulfides when they are stored under different environmental conditions. Specifically, the general tendency is that the sulfurs stored under high relative humidity show a decrease in the intensity of the emission as well as changes in the onset of the peak emission.

Synoptic view on P ore beneficiation techniques

Phosphorite mineral is the most important natural source of phosphorus (P) which has several applications in agriculture (as fertilizers), pottery, and animal feed. Phosphorite exploitation especially agricultural consumption majorly relies on the availability of phosphorous (P). Mostly, the plant availability of P in soil is influenced by associated mineral such as it depends on Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca) when soil has pH > 8 and by Iron (Fe) and Aluminum (Al) when soil has pH < 5.5. Therefore, quality of phosphorite is defined by all these factors. However, high-quality reserves are depleting due to extensive utilization; compelling to the use medium to low grade phosphaorite reserves. Therefore, the beneficiation of phosphorite mineral is a key to explore the potential of these existing medium to low grade reserves. Numerous beneficiation processes have been explored extensively in order to achieve the desired quality index. The most widely used beneficiation techniques are flotation, direct carbonation, electrostatic up-gradation, calcination, and leaching/bioleaching. Bioleaching has environmental benefits and electrostatic up-gradation can achieve the highest quartz removal efficiency, although this is an energy-intensive process. Flotation technology is appropriate for large-scale production and has additional advantages of being economical and robust. However, it is a complex process and depends on the mineral’s superficial properties; therefore in-depth study of surface chemistry of particular resource and careful design of surface modifier is vital for its economical development. This manuscript is an attempt to explore the previous phosphorite beneficiation efforts with an attempt to discuss the future requirements.

Economic Impact of Mining through Linkages: A Case Study of 1980 and 2014 Production Linkages in Zimbabwe

The manner in which mining is linked to other sectors of the economy in production, the extent of those linkages, and the problems and constraints which limit the development of production linkages are critical questions in the context of optimizing the sector’s contribution to economic development in Zimbabwe. The primary objective of this study is to examine the extent of the production (upstream and downstream) linkages that the mining sector has created with the rest of the Zimbabwean economic sectors, their effect on the wider economy and how these linkages may be optimized. A mixed methodology is used comprising a quantitative analysis using the Leontief Input-Output model and secondary data to quantify the linkages for 1980, and a partial survey of mines and exploration companies. The results of the survey are used to update the key quantitative results to 2014 and to further explore qualitatively the nature of production linkages, and constraints and problems limiting their development. The study finds that downstream linkages were weak. There was insignificant beneficiation of minerals or other value-adding activities due to several constraints, among them, lack of support infrastructure and technical expertise, and huge financial requirements. Failure to maximize production of ‘development minerals’ was a contributory factor to low downstream linkages. Slightly significant direct and total upstream linkages existed with manufacturing, electricityand water, and transport and distribution sectors. The mining sector’s gross output multiplier was below but moderately comparable to those of other mining developing countries such as Chile. Upstream linkages were mainly constrained by lack of technical expertise and finance. Thus, overall production linkages were found to be weak. The paper makes several recommendations, among them, infrastructural development, increased primary production (for feed and market), larger expenditure on HRD and R&amp;D, greater focus on development minerals and emphasis on incentives rather than penalties.

Exploring the Relationships between Gas Dispersion Parameters and Differential Pressure Fluctuations in a Column Flotation.

Flotation separation, which is the most important mineral beneficiation technique, is dependent on gas dispersion (hydrodynamic conditions). Thus, many investigations have focused on the precise determination of hydrodynamic conditions such as Reynolds number of the bubbles, bubble velocity, and bubble diameter. However, few studies have examined their relationships with pressure fluctuations in a column flotation. This study introduced the differential pressure fluctuations as an actual variable that could be considered to determine the collection zone’s hydrodynamic conditions in a cyclonic microbubble flotation column. In general, the outcomes indicated that superficial gas velocity had the most substantial relationship with the differential pressure fluctuations among other flotation factors (such as pump speed, superficial gas velocity, superficial water velocity, and frother dosage). Furthermore, a high coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.77) for the equation generated to assess the relationships demonstrated that differential pressure fluctuations could be used as a promising tool to determine the hydrodynamic parameters’ characteristics in the flotation columns.

Effect of the ultrasonic standing wave frequency on the attractive mineralization for fine coal particle flotation

Froth flotation for mineral beneficiation is one of the most important separation techniques; however, it has several challenges for processing fine and ultrafine particles. Attractive mineralization between particles and bubbles by ultrasonic standing wave (USW) is a novel and high-efficiency method that could assist fine particle flotation. Frequency is an important ultrasound parameter, whose effectiveness mechanisms on the attractive mineralization did not compressively address. This study explored the effect of the USW field with various frequencies on the fine coal flotation for filling this gap. Herein, a high-speed camera and a focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) were used to analyze three sub-processes of the attractive mineralization, including the microbubbles’ formation, the conventional flotation bubbles (CFBs)’ dispersion, and the particles’ movement. It was found that the maximum flotation metallurgical responses were obtained under the highest examined USW frequency (600 kHz). However, the flotation outcomes by a low USW frequency (50 kHz) were even lower than the conventional flotation tests. Observation and theoretical calculation results revealed these results were originated from the influence of frequency on the carrier bubbles’ formation and the action of the secondary acoustic force during USW-assisted flotation. These outcomes demonstrated that frequency is a key factor determining the success of attractive mineralization for fine particles’ flotation.

Typomorphic peculiarities of typical metal mineral and its effect on washability

The scale characteristics of metal minerals generally include mineral form, structure, chemical composition, deposit state, crystal development, thermoelectric coefficient, density, common companion minerals, content, crystal cell parameters, particle size, crystal cell parameters, parcel, isotope composition, main trace elements, physical and chemical environment, complex, carrier, and distribution characteristics. Metal mineral scale largely determines the quality of mineral beneficiation, and it is also one of the basis for the division of mining selection process types. The study of metal mineral scale can provide the basis for ore crushing, beneficiation process classification and process parameters. Different types of metal minerals have a great influence on the beneficiation process, index parameters and ore selectivity of nonferrous metallurgy ores, and also receive more and more attention by relevant personnel in the fields of non-ferrous metals resource exploration, metallurgy and the construction of green metal mines. Therefore, the standard characteristics and optional correlation research of typical metal minerals will have a broad application and social benefits in the field of metallurgical materials.

Effect of the Ultrasonic Standing Wave Frequency on the Attractive Mineralization for Fine Particle Flotation

Froth flotation for mineral beneficiation is the most important separation technique; however, it has several challenges for processing fine and ultrafine particles. Attractive mineralization between particles and bubbles by ultrasonic standing wave (USW) is a novel and high-efficiency method that could assist fine particle flotation. Frequency is an important ultrasound parameter, which its effectiveness mechanisms on the attractive mineralization did not compressively address. This study explored the effect of the USW field with various frequencies on the fine coal flotation for filling this gap. Herein, a high-speed camera and a focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) were used to analyze three sub-processes of the attractive mineralization, including the microbubbles' formation, the conventional flotation bubbles (CFBs)' dispersion, and the particles' movement. It was found that the maximum flotation metallurgical responses were obtained under the highest examined USW frequency (600 kHz). However, the flotation outcomes by a low USW frequency (50 kHz) were even lower than the conventional flotation tests. Observation and theoretical calculation results revealed these results were originated from the influence of frequency on the carrier bubbles' formation and the action of the secondary acoustic force during USW-assisted flotation. These outcomes demonstrated that frequency is a key factor determining the success of attractive mineralization for fine particles' flotation.

Investigation on the effects of chemical pretreatment on the iron ore tailing dewatering

Water plays a crucial role in mineral beneficiation, and thus dewatering the tailings from mineral processing plants has great importance. This paper discusses the influence of chemical conditions (pH, flocculants, surfactants, and coagulants) on the filtration performance of iron ore tailings. The results indicated that Ca2+ and Na+ ions reduced the specific cake resistance from 135 × 1010 kg/m to 50 × 1010 kg/m. because these ions adsorbed on the negative surface of particles resulting in the densifications of the flocs by double electric layer compression. The anionic flocculant was effective, making the flocs more rigid and compact and thus reducing the specific cake resistance. The optimum dosage and the type of flocculant for effective and efficient filtration is approximately 40 g/ton of A-56 anionic flocculant, resulting in the lowest specific cake resistance and the water trapped between flocs. The addition of the surfactant improved the filtration rate probably due to the increase in the hydrophobicity of particles. The coagulant (Al3+) reduced the specific cake resistance, possible due to the compression of the double electric layer. The best filtration was achieved near the point of zero charge of the particles (pH = 6.3). This study showed the advantage of the chemical pretreatment before filtration.

Understanding the Opportunities, Barriers, and Enablers for the Commercialization and Transfer of Technologies for Mine Waste Valorization: A Case Study of Coal Processing Wastes in South Africa

The mining and minerals beneficiation industries produce large volumes of waste, the land disposal of which can lead to harmful environmental emissions and a loss of valuable resources. Globally, researchers are developing technologies for recovering valuable minerals and converting mine waste into a resource with market value. However, university-developed technological innovations to long-term environmental problems can be difficult to transfer to the mining industry. This paper focuses on the barriers and enablers to technology transfer in the South African mining industry using the valorization of coal processing waste as a case study. Data and information derived from interviews with relevant experts and published literature were used to gain a better understanding of the landscape of waste valorization technology implementation. Results indicated that financial considerations and demonstration of technical feasibility will be vital in determining the success of technology transfer, as will a changing perception of waste and its value within the sector. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and boutique waste processors were identified as potential commercial partners for further development and commercial implementation of university-developed waste valorization technologies within the mining sector.

Valorization of non-beneficiated clays as supplementary cementitious materials in the production of cement-based mortar

Four kaolinitic clays and one argillite (coal mining waste) were tested for use as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Their main properties were evaluated, without undergoing mineral beneficiation. Although clay impurities, such as Fe2O3, TiO2, and high levels of quartz, etc., can prevent or hinder their use in some industrial sectors, it may be less of an issue for application as SCMs as such impurities often do not change pozzolanic activity. Civil construction has used clays with different mineralogy and obtained from different locations, but the kaolinitic clay is the most suitable for SCMs in Portland cement composition. Raw clay properties do play a key role in terms of thermal behavior and pozzolanic properties, however. The current research reported herein evaluated their application to SCM; these clays were characterized in terms of chemical composition, mineral phases, particle size distribution, thermogravimetry and pozzolanic activity. After calcination, the rapid cooling of the clays proved to be favorable to reducing particle size and increasing pozzolanic activity − especially those clays rich in quartz − when they were calcined at the highest tested temperature (800 °C). Performance index (PI) of mortars with 25% of calcined clays replacement by cement showed considerable compressive strength improvement for all calcined clay samples ranging from 106% to 132%. This demonstrated that low-cost clays could replace clinker with technical, environmental, and economic benefits, especially in terms of their availability.

Column flotation of fine glass beads enhanced by their prior heteroaggregation with microbubbles

The application of microbubbles as flotation carriers in fine minerals beneficiation processes can be a promising approach for solving challenges of fine particles flotation. This study explores the efficiency of column flotation of fine glass beads (ballotini). In test runs ballotini were first mixed with the air-in-water dispersion in CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) solution, and then they were fed into a flotation column via a tubular flotation reactor. Independent of the total concentration of the collector in a flotation reactor and a column, the maximum increased recovery is achieved when a volume dosage of microbubbles per floated particles weight unit is 0.3 mL/g. The paper also offers the theoretical substantiation for this effect. The findings have shown that the average shear rate in a flotation reactor significantly influence the dependence of recovery on treatment time. It is suggested that the best performance can be achieved in flotation reactors, which generate shear rates in the range 300–500 s−1, and the treatment time amounts to 8–10 s. These conditions facilitate formation of hetero-aggregates comprising particles and microbubbles, and the size of the aggregates reaches several millimeters. In the test runs with the tubular flotation reactor of 6 mm in diameter at the shear rate of 500 s−1 and treatment time of 8 s, the recovery rate of ballotini increased from 63.2% to 77.6%. It was shown that the effectiveness of treating the mixture of particles and microbubbles in the flotation reactor significantly depends on the method of CTAB collector feed. The best results were achieved when the total amount of collector was fed into the flotation reactor with the microbubble dispersion in the concentrated solution of CTAB collector. In this case, the adsorption of CTAB cations on the microbubble surface caused the positive charging of the surface. As the surface of glass beads initially has a negative charge, the delivery of positively charged microbubbles into the feed creates favorable conditions for forming coarse hetero-aggregates due to Coulomb attraction of particles and microbubbles.

Interaction effects of flotation reagents for SAG mill reject of copper sulphide ore using response surface methodology

Flotation reagents have a complex behaviour in the beneficiation of base minerals in clayey ores. Interaction effects of reagents on the efficiency of copper flotation for a highly clayey low-grade sulphide ore were investigated using a central composite design. Preliminary results showed that sodium-isopropyl-xanthate (SIPX) and O-isopropyl-N-ethyl-thionocarbamate (IPETC) were found to be the most efficient collectors in the presence of lime as the pH regulator. The effects of dosage of collectors (SIPX and IPETC) and the dosage of methyl-isobutyl-carbonyl (MIBC) as frother on the separation efficiency were evaluated at different pH levels. Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the interaction effects of the collector−pH and collector−frother were significant for the separation efficiency. At the low level of collector dosage, increasing pH from 9 to 11 enhanced copper separation efficiency from 81% to 86% for IPETC and from 77% to 86% for SIPX. Results of ANOVA showed that the maximum copper separation efficiency (88.7%) was obtained at the dosages of 8.6 g/t SIPX, 7 g/t IPETC and 20 g/t MIBC at pH 11. Finally, it was concluded that a mixture of SIPX and IPETC collectors was more suitable to treat highly clayey sulphide ores.