Carrier Flotation Using Coarse Pyrite for Improving the Recovery of Finely Ground Chalcopyrite: Development of Post-Process of Carrier Flotation to Separate Finely Ground Chalcopyrite Particles from Coarse Pyrite Particles

Carrier flotation is a technique that can recover fine particles by using coarse carrier during the process. In heterogeneous flotation, mineral of different minerals are used as carriers to particles. By Cu2+-treated pyrite carriers, chalcopyrite recovery could be improved. However, disadvantage this it requires post-flotation separation process improve grade final Cu concentrate. This study tested mechanical and chemical treatments detach finely ground (D50~3.5 µm) from (−125 + 106 after flotation. The results showed ultrasonic treatment was not effective fines acid At pH 2, approximately 96% were detached froth (mixture particles) decomposed collector KAX (potassium amyl xanthate) dissolved precipitates adsorbed on surface. weakened hydrophobic attraction force between particles, thus promoting detachment