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Abstract: The effect of sodium bisulphite on the collectorless flotation of copper-activated sphalerite has been studied at pH 9 with nitrogen purging. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) and ion chromatography (IC) have been used to identify a mechanism of interaction of sulphite ions with sphalerite particles. The results indicate that sodium bisulphite acts as an effective depressant for the collectorless flotation of copper-activated sphalerite and has a specific effect on the surface chemistry of sphalerite particles under the experimental conditions studied. It is suggested that sulphite ions react with the surface of copper-activated sphalerite and subsequently decompose the hydrophobic sulphur-like species responsible for flotation. Most likely, sulphite ions specifically interact with the reduced coordination sulphur atoms associated with copper activation and report into solution as a thiosulphate, which is then oxidised to sulphate. At the same time, zinc hydroxide is formed at the sphalerite surface. The consequent reduction in surface hydrophobicity explains the depression of copper-activated sphalerite in the presence of sulphite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development of the understanding of flotation systems based on electrochemical concepts and techniques is reviewed. An improvement in devising flotation strategies has been achieved through the consideration of electrochemical potential as one of the parameters to be monitored and controlled in the laboratory. The progress that has been made in applying potential measurements in flotation plants is also examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]