The effect of sodium isobutyl xanthate on galena and chalcopyrite flotation in the presence of dithionite ions

• Lead sulphite passivated galena surfaces. Sulphite ions interacted with free lead to form sulphite. Dithionite decomposition products degraded xanthate in solution. are potential determining at the mineral surface. The recovery of sulphide minerals is depressed high dithionite concentrations. Sulphoxy anions recycled flotation process waters possess reduce efficacy reagents. In this study, and their interaction thiol collectors solution surface modifications chalcopyrite surfaces presence were investigated. Microflotation tests, zeta electrochemistry studies, degradation kinetics analyses carried out. results showed a reduction recoveries solutions even xanthate. Zeta rest measurements that effect dithionites on (zeta potentials) (pulp potential), inherently decrease collector-mineral interactions. Xanthate tests more than half collector was consumed 10 min reacting 20 mg/L 500 dithionites. Surface also revealed strongly influenced chemical state under investigation by producing oxidised sulphur species sulphites iron oxides hydroxides chalcopyrite. current study presents complete view behaviours plant considering dithionite-mineral interactions dithionite-collector addition traditionally agreed pulp alterations.