Characterization of Arsenopyrite Depression During Collectorless Flotation

Depression of Arsenopyrite during Collectorless Flotation in Presence of Aqueous Metal Ions and Inorganic Compounds

“…With an increase in the concentration of cupric ions and ferrous iron, the influence on the surface activation of FeAsS was greater, favoring the hydrophobicity and increasing the flotation of this mineral. Some authors have indicated that the activation of arsenopyrite proceeds because of an ion exchange mechanism [38]; in the present work, the superficial speciation of the arsenopyrite was obtained in the flotation using FTIR. The collectorless flotation tests were carried out, at positive oxidizing potentials of around +0.330 V. This indicated a tendency of the species to release electrons and the subsequent formation of metallic oxides, hydroxides, or oxyhydroxide sulfates of the arsenic and iron, or the metal (Fe, Zn, Cu) used in this study.…”

“…With an increase in the concentration of cupric ions and ferrous iron, the influence on the surface activation of FeAsS was greater, favoring the hydrophobicity and increasing the flotation of this mineral. Some authors have indicated that the activation of arsenopyrite proceeds because of an ion exchange mechanism [38]; in the present work, the superficial speciation of the arsenopyrite was obtained in the flotation using FTIR.…”

“…The As-O bonds identified with the vibration bands at 1521 cm −1 , 1401 cm −1 , 1365 cm −1 , 1268 cm −1 , 1218 cm −1 , 1016 cm −1 , 765 cm −1 , 460 cm −1 , and 435 cm −1 [33,38] gave the mineral a hydrophobic character, achieving a cumulative flotation of 81.7 % w/w. The oxidation of superficial iron formed Fe-O bonds at 618 cm −1 and 534 cm −1 , and the akaganeite β-FeOOH at 914 cm −1 , 794 cm −1 and 618 cm −1 , corresponding to the Fe-O bond of the goethite α-FeOOH.…”