抄録
In the present paper, the applicability of a sulphation-flotation process was considered in order to separate chalcopyrite from galena in a mineral processing process of complex sulphide ores.
First of all, the thermodynamic considerations of sulphation were discussed. From the calculation results obtained, when a Cu/Pb bulk concentrate is treated with sulphuric acid, galena will be depressed in the flotation step because of the formation of a PbSO4 film on the surface of galena. On the other hand, a sulphation reaction of chalcopyrite does not proceed thermodynamically at any temperatures. Thus, it is possible to float chalcopyrite and to depress galena by the use of xanthate as a collector after sulphation treatment.
Secondly, the optimum conditions required for sulphation of galena and chalcopyrite were studied independently from the flotation steps. The optimum conditions of the sulphation treatment for differential flotation purpose were found to be 30°C, and about 5 minutes of retention, with 17vo1.% H2SO4. Under these conditions, galena was sulphated only slightly and thus in complete depression in the consequent flotation. Meanwhile, the dissolution of chalcopyrite does not, almost proceed and showed a satisfactory flotation behavior even after sulphation treatment.
From the fundamental experimental results in this study, it is presumed that the separation of Cu/Pb ores is satisfactorily achievable by a sulphation-flotation method.
