On the Activation of Multivalent lons in the Amine Flotation of Oxide Minerals

Abstract

The activation of multivalent anions in the amine flotation of oxide minerals has been investigated by means of flotation tests and the measurements of ζ-potential.
Though rutile, zircon, ilmenite, hematite and corundum are activated by the addition of multivalent anions such as SO^2-₄, PO^3-₄, or (COO) ^2-₂in the acidic pH range, magnetite, feldspar and pyroxine are not activated. Quaetz is activated only in the case of addition of (COO) ^2-₂.
The ζ-potential of rutile, ilmenite, or hematite increases negatively with the concentration of these multivalent anions and changes from positive to negative values at the pH values lower than zero point of charge.
From the above experimental results, the activation is probably caused by the specific adsorption of multivalent anions on the surfaces of oxide minerals.