Effect of the electrochemical impact on copper-molybdenum flotation separation

Abstract Lime is used in the classical copper-molybdenum-pyrite flotation for pyrite depression. Often copper-molybdenum flotation separation is conducted with nitrogen and copper minerals are depressed with the aid of phosphorus- or sulfide-based compounds. The mentioned methods are relatively expensive, difficult for handling, sometimes desired results are not achieved and valuable metals are lost. An electrochemical depression of pyrite, followed by an electrochemical depression of copper minerals is suggested and aimed at increasing the recovery of metals and improving the processes’ control. The impact is achieved both by electrodes immersed in the flotation pulp or by using preliminary produced catholyte for pulp preparation. Effective copper-pyrite and copper-molybdenum flotation separation can be achieved under air conditions at significantly reduced amounts of reagents used, latter leading to improved environmental impact.