(General session) Mineral processing

[2301-08-03] Selective flotation of chalcopyrite and copper-activated pyrite using organic acid

○Gde Pandhe Wisnu Suyantara¹, Akbarshokh Ulmaszoda^1,2, Hajime Miki¹ (1. Kyushu University, 2. Uzbekistan-Japan Innovation Center of Youth)

Chairperson：ジョン　サンヒ（秋田大学）

Keywords:pyrite activation, chalcopyrite, organic acid, selective flotation

The presence of pyrite in association with chalcopyrite and the activation of pyrite's surface by copper pose challenges in achieving a selective separation of pyrite and chalcopyrite. This research proposed using organic acid as a means to prevent the activation of pyrite by copper. The flotation studies provided evidence that the treatment with organic acid specifically inhibited the flotation of pyrite. However, the organic treatment did not have any impact on chalcopyrite flotation. Additional experiments were conducted with synthetic mixtures of chalcopyrite and pyrite validate the ability to selectively separate chalcopyrite from copper-activated pyrite. The selectivity was elucidated by the use of infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopies for surface investigation. It was discovered that the organic acid undergoes a chemical reaction with copper, which hinders the activation of pyrite and the adsorption of the xanthate collector. Consequently, the process of pyrite flotation is impeded.