Agglomeration-Flotation of Finely Ground Chalcopyrite and Quartz: Effects of Agitation Strength during Agglomeration Using Emulsified Oil on Chalcopyrite

In flotation, the size of mineral particles is one of the most important parameters: when the size becomes fine, collision efficiency of the particles and air bubbles becomes low, causing low flotation recovery. To improve the collision efficiency and flotation kinetics, agglomeration using the emulsified oil of finely ground chalcopyrite (D50 = 3.5 μm) was carried out before flotation. In this study, the effects of agitation strength during agglomeration, kerosene dosage and potassium amyl xanthate (KAX) dosage on the flotation were investigated. Agglomeration using emulsified oil improved Cu recovery because the median diameter of agglomerate increased. With increasing agitation strength, KAX and kerosene dosages, Cu recovery was further increased. Agglomeration-flotation of a mixture containing chalcopyrite and quartz with 1:1 ratio (w/w, weight by weight) showed that Si recovery in froth was low and did not change with varying conditions (agitation strength, KAX and kerosene dosages); however, Cu recovery was significantly improved with increasing agitation strength, KAX and kerosene dosages, and thus the separation efficiency was improved.