Electrochemistry of Activation Flotation of Sulphide Minerals

Abstract

Two systems are discussed in this chapter, which are copper activating zinc-iron system with and without depressants. Firstly, the system in the absence of depressants is discussed. And it is obtained that at a specific pH the activation for each mineral occurs in a certain range. Through the electrochemical methods and surface analysis the entity contributing to the activation can be identified which are usually copper sulphides and vary for different minerals. Secondly, the system with depressants is researched. And also the effects of pulp potential on the activation are discussed. The same conclusion can be obtained as the one from the former system. Furthermore, zeta potential are involved in the discussion of activation and the mechanism can be explained from the changes of zeta potential. Similarly, the activation mechanism of this system is also studied through solution chemistry, bonding of activator with mineral surfaces and surface analysis.