Abstract
Lead ions that originate from galena during the processing of complex sulfide ores migrate onto the surfaces of sphalerite and iron sulfide minerals. This results in poor selectivity during differential flotation. Generally, in sulfide ore processing, the lead-activated minerals float in the Cu/Ph rougher circuit. The surface lead complicates the zinc flotation circuit by lowering the concentrate grade. The effect of lead in the differential flotation of sphalerite from Cu-Ph-Zn and Ph-Zn ores is discussed. Plant and laboratory-test data are interpreted by determining the surface compositions of individual grains of sphalerite and iron sulfide particles.
For the first time, surface compositions were determined by using laser-ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Cationic and anionic species on the surface were analyzed to elucidate the phenomena. It was proven that these new techniques are very useful in understanding the basic mechanisms of a sulfide mineral-flotation system.
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SME preprint 95–151, SME Annual Meeting, March 6–9, 1995, Denver, CO. M&MP paper 95–617. Discussion of this peer-reviewed and approved paper is invited and must be submitted, in duplicate, prior to Aug. 31, 1996.
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Kim, J.Y., Chryssoulis, S.L. Influence of lead ions in sulfide flotation — The application of laser-ionization mass spectrometry. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 13, 69–76 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402722
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402722