INVESTIGATION OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE

The objective of this study was to investigate electrochemical properties of grinding environment of the Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper sulphide ore. Influence of pH, solid content, water type, aeration condition and type of steel ball on pulp Eh, dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), open circuit potential (OCP) and EDTA extractable iron percentage and subsequently their influence on copper flotation were investigated. The results indicated that the low alloy steel balls had the lower Eh and DO values in relation to the high carbon chromium steel balls. The low alloy steel produces oxidized iron inside mill and reduces copper flotation. Gas changes from nitrogen to air and to oxygen resulted in higher Eh, DO and OCP values and consequently were caused formation of additional amount of oxidized iron species and lowered copper recovery. In addition, an increase in grinding pH and solid content and change of water type from tap water to distilled water decreased Eh and DO values and amount of EDTA extractable iron. It enhanced copper flotation. Key words: grinding environment; pulp potential; dissolved oxygen; open circuit potential; EDTA extractable iron; copper recovery. 1