The complete behavior of flotation and depression of copper sulfldes and oxides as a function of potential modified by sodium hydrosulfide in certain non-xanthate collector systems was studied using a Sulfide Ion Electrode (SIE).Detailed flotation tests on three diverse copper ores, using different types of collectors, and two Cu-Mo concentrates have revealed that the optimum potentials for copper flotation are in the range of -400 to -600 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl reference). Sulfide flotation was found to be insensitive to sulfldlzatlon up to approximately -600 mV, whereas flotation of sulfidized oxides increased gradually and reached an optimum in the range of -600 to -650 mV. The onset of copper depression for both ores and Cu-Mo concentrates occurred at potentials more negative than -600mV -the actual value being dictated largely by ore mineralogy -and was complete above -700 mV. These cut-off potentials are in agreement with those reported in the literature for pure copper sulfldes and for Cu-Mo systems. Thus the potentials used for Cu-Mo separations are merely part of the same curve of flotation vs. potential that can be generated for the copper ores.The results obtained in this study for different collector systems are generally consistent with those reported in the literature for xanthate system, and support the view that operating a circuit on the basis of SIE potential should eliminate the uncertainty of dosing NaHS, should ensure consistent metallurgy, and perhaps minimize the necessity of making changes in collector dosage, pH etc. in response to changes in feed composition or circuit metallurgy.
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