Abstract
Using nonylxanthate, A.R.845, sodium dodecyl sulfate, styrenephosphonic acid and hydroxamate for collectors, flotation of tin ore which contained Ta, Nb and W was investigated after grinding of the ore under 400 mesh. Suspensions of the sample for flotation were buffered at a pH around 8 because of the large amount existence of Ca carbonate minerals in the ore, therefor, most of flotation experiments were carried out at natural pH. In this condition A.R.845 and styrenephosphonic acid were more effective to Ca minerals than rare metal minerals, while hydroxamate was a effective collector to rare metal minerals. 88 wt%S was removed and 94 wt%Sn, 96 wt%Ta, W and 97 wt%Nb were recovered from the sample by use of nonylxanthate. By use of sodium dodecyl sulfate, 98 wt%Ca was removed and 85 wt%Sn, 91 wt%Ta and 72 wt%Nb were recovered from the sample.
