Recycling of process water : effect of calcium and sulphate ions in sulphides flotation

The effects of major components of calcium and sulphate ions in process water on sulphide mineral flotation has been investigated through Hallimond flotation of pure sulphide minerals using tapwater and water containing sulphate and calcium ions as well as through bench scale flotation of complex sulphide ores using tapwater and process water and with tapwater in the presence of calcium and sulphate ions. Hallimond flotation indicated activation of pyrite and slight depression of galena and chalcopyrite in the presence of high concentration of major species of calcium and sulphate ions using potassium amyl xanthate as collector. Bench scale flotation indicated activation of zinc when processwater was used and flotation in tapwater containing calcium and sulphate ions presented similar but not identical results.Godkänd; 2010; 20100519 (ysko