Chalcopyrite and Molybdenite Flotation in Seawater: The Use of Inorganic Dispersants to Reduce the Depressing Effects of Micas

The objective of this work was to study the effect muscovite and biotite on flotation chalcopyrite molybdenite in seawater, use sodium hexametaphosphate silicate improve copper molybdenum recoveries. impact inorganic dispersants settling properties resulting tailings also studied. It found that depress with depressing being stronger at pH 11 than 9. Sodium increased recoveries seawater. These render mineral particles more negatively charged remove hydroxy-complexes magnesium calcium from causing dispersion slimes. rates slightly decrease when were added stage. presence ultrafine dispersed by action impacted flocculation sedimentation processes leading high flocculant consumption, low turbidity supernatant.