Effect of Ferric Ions on Sulfidization Flotation of Oxidize Digenite Fine Particles and Their Significance

Digenite fine particles are easily oxidized and ferric ions (Fe3+) commonly exist in the flotation pulp of digenite. This study investigated effect Fe3+ on sulfidization digenite using sodium butyl xanthate (SBX) as a collector. The results microflotation experiments show that rate recovery can be improved by adding Na2S SBX, whereas existence large amounts is not beneficial for adsorption, zeta potential, contact angle measurements indicate adsorbed surface mainly form Fe(OH)3, which hinders adsorption SBX significantly reduces hydrophobicity X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis further suggests poor presence due to production hydrophilic iron copper oxides/hydroxides surface. Furthermore, optical microscopy shows these species effectively disperse pulp, eventually leads floatability Therefore, it necessary reduce amount present before realize effective separation sulfide minerals.