Oxidation-reduction effects in the flotation of copper sulfide minerals and molybdenite – A proof of concept at industrial scale

Redox potential (Eh) control plays a significant role during sulfide mineral flotation by influencing the reactions on surface of minerals and accordingly behaviour. In this study, metallurgical performance typical copper minerals, molybdenite as well gangue (e.g., pyrite, tennantite, enargite) under different pH Eh conditions cell were investigated. The molybdenum processing plant at Sungun complex-Iran selected case study. For purpose, cells phases 1 2 circuits – complex measured off-line method. After performing chemical analysis, mineralogical study input load products each aforementioned in rougher, cleaner, re-cleaner, scavenger stages was performed. Based results, concentration plants is range −60 to −100 mV; for plant, −500 −700 mV. potentials more than mV have created suitable separation from especially pyrite. Adjustment has also led depression molybdenite, resulting effective these minerals. However, grade analysis studies indicate misplaced into tailings, passage chalcopyrite pyrite concentrate, presence containing harmful elements such arsenic concentrate. fluctuations phase plants, interaction with (and mV), are reasons tailings. high tendency +600 main factor increasing Cu Fe arsenic-bearing similar behavior rougher increased concentrate or