Effect of surface oxidation on the flotation response of enargite in a complex ore system

In previous study, the selective separation of enargite from complex ore samples in a batch flotation system under controlled pulp potential was investigated (Tayebi-Khorami et al., 2017b). It has been found that it is possible to make a separation between enargite and the other copper minerals in a real ore system using pulp potential control. In this study, the effect of the surface chemistry on the floatability of enargite and pyrite in complex ore systems were investigated. Based on flotation behaviour, EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) extraction, pulp potential measurement and pure mineral study, it was found that the galvanic interactions between sulphide minerals, and pulp potential conditions, determined the flotation performances of the ore samples. It was also concluded that enargite had the lowest rest potential compared to the other sulphide minerals, which caused strong galvanic interaction between enargite and pyrite. This study has an important implication in sulphide flotation where enargite is present in the ore samples.