Agglomeration-flotation of finely ground chalcopyrite using surfactant-stabilized oil emulsions: Effects of co-existing minerals and ions

As high-grade and easily exploitable copper ores have been getting depleted, the development of flotation techniques for with low-grade small grain size is becoming an important issue. To process these kinds ores, fine grinding essential to achieve sufficient liberation; however, rate finely ground minerals (<5 µm) substantially low due collision probability between air bubbles mineral particles. Agglomeration-flotation using surfactant-stabilized oil emulsions was effective improve recovery chalcopyrite. In this study, effects emulsifiers in presence co-existing ions on agglomeration-flotation chalcopyrite were investigated. The addition anionic (SDS, KAX) could stabilize oil–water emulsion produce smaller droplets, which Cu quartz from ~68% (without emulsifier) >97% (with emulsifier). When Ca2+ co-existed, amounts SDS used as emulsifier reduced its adsorption onto surface activated quartz, caused coalescence droplets resulting (i.e., 81% only; 44% Ca2+). Meanwhile, emulsified stabilized by KAX not affected high (~83%) be obtained.