Flotation of zinc oxide ores by cationic and mixed collectors

The flotation of smithsonite from tailing which comes from the cerussite flotation circuit was investigated using Armac C and Armac T as amine collectors. The results indicated that the dosage of sodium sulfide, collector type, and desliming are the main affecting factors on the Zn grade and recovery of smithsonite flotation concentrate. Armac T acts a little more selectively than Armac C, and enhances the Zn grade of the concentrate, while Armac C improves the recovery of Zn. At the mixture ratio of Armac C:Armac T = 1:6, without consumption of any gangue depressants, an optimal concentrate with 94.4% recovery, and 42.3% Zn grade is obtained. In this condition, the collectors’ consumption is decreased significantly. Desliming prior to flotation is essential for successful recovery of smithsonite.

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► In this study, for the first time, Armac T, as an amine collector, is used selectively for flotation of smithsonite.
► The mixed collector of Armac C and Armac T acts more effective than each of them alone.
► In the optimum conditions, the mixed collector consumption is significantly decreased.
► Using the mixed collector, there is no need to any depressant reagents.
► In the flotation of smithsonite using Armac T, the contact angle is higher than Armac C one.