Flotation and depression control of arsenopyrite through pH and pulp redox potential using xanthate as the collector

The role of pH and pulp redox potential (EH) to control the flotation and depression of arsenopyrite has been investigated through studies on microflotation of arsenopyrite crystals and batch flotation of an arsenopyritic ore using isopropyl xanthate as collector. The transition between flotation and depression of arsenopyrite is established by the reversible potential of the xanthate/dixanthogen couple. Adsorption of arsenate ions on ferric hydroxide has been studied through electrokinetics to delineate mechanisms involved in the depression of arsenopyrite using oxidants. Chemical binding between arsenate species and ferric hydroxide sites on arsenopyrite is suggested as the mechanism responsible for depression of arsenopyrite. EH conditions are given for the flotation and depression of arsenopyite at various pH values for the arsenopyritic ore.