The influence of metal hydroxides and collector on the flotation of chalcopyrite

Abstract Metals precipitated in plant pulps as hydroxides interfere with the floatability of sulphides from complex ores. The influence of xanthate on the interactions of lead and zinc hydroxide with chalcopyrite has been studied in well controlled batch flotation tests with particular reference to the role of the collector in sulphide flotation. It is concluded that xanthate sometimes has the dual role of increasing the hydrophobicity of the sulphide surface and of counteracting the hydrophilic effect of hydroxides. The mechanisms by which xanthate might interact with a metal hydroxide are as yet undefined but one form of interaction does depend upon the type of metal.