Froth Flotation of Chalcopyrite/Pyrite Ore: A Critical Review

Abstract

In the present work an intense bibliographic search is developed, with updated information on the microscopic fundamentals that govern the behavior of flotation operations of chalcopyrite, the main copper mineral in nature. In particular, the effect caused by the presence of pyrite, a non-valuable mineral, but challenging for the operation due to its ability to capture a portion of collector and float, decreasing the quality of the concentrate, is addressed. This manuscript discusses the main chemical and physical mechanisms involved in the phenomena of reagent adsorption on the mineral surface, the impact of pH and type of alkalizing agent, and the effect of pyrite depressants, some already used in the industry and others under investigation. Modern collector reagents are also described, for which, although not yet implemented on an industrial scale, promising results have been obtained in the laboratory, including better copper recovery and selectivity, and even some green reagents present biodegradable properties that generate a better environmental perspective for mineral processing.

Progressive Hydrophilic Processes of the Pyrite Surface in High-Alkaline Lime Systems

“…Crystal Structure. Pyrite has the chemical formula of FeS 2 and space group of Pa3̅ (T h 6 ). The Fe 2+ cations are located at the corner and face center of the cubic cell and form a coordination with six surrounding S ions.…”

“…The essence is to enhance the hydrophilicity of the pyrite surface with the help of various depressants, thereby preventing the floating of pyrite to achieve its separation from valuable minerals. 5,6 In mineral flotation separation, xanthate acts as a collector, which adsorbs on the surface of valuable minerals to achieve its hydrophobic collection. 7 However, it can also adsorb on the surface of pyrite, causing it to be hydrophobic in the concentrate, reducing the concentrate grade.…”

“…For inorganic depressants, it normally contains three groups, namely, pH modifiers, cyanide, and sulfur salts. 6 Among them, the reason why the depressants in the pH modifier group can depress pyrite is that pyrite is sensitive to the response of pulp pH. It has been reported that the pyrite recoveries decreased significantly with increasing pulp pH in the range of 8−12, while the chalcopyrite recoveries changed little.…”

“…The most popular beneficiation method for removing pyrite is froth flotation. The essence is to enhance the hydrophilicity of the pyrite surface with the help of various depressants, thereby preventing the floating of pyrite to achieve its separation from valuable minerals. , …”

Studi Pengaruh Titik Penambahan Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate (SIBX) dan Kecepatan Impeller pada Performa Flotasi Mineral Tembaga

“…Artinya, SIBX merupakan kolektor yang kuat tetapi tidak selektif dalam mengapungkan mineralnya [22]. Selain itu, SIBX yang sudah ditambahkan pun harus didukung oleh waktu pengkondisian dan juga penyerapan yang cukup untuk dapat terdistribusi dan terdispersi dalam pulp lalu terabsorpsi dengan baik ke permukaan mineral [23]. Penambahan SIBX pada awal proses memberikan waktu pengkondisian dan penyerapan yang lebih baik dibandingkan pada pertengahan atau bahkan akhir proses.…”