The Influence of Sodium Butyl Xanthate and Ammonium Dibutyl Dithiophosphate on the Flotation Behavior of Chalcopyrite and Bornite

Chalcopyrite and bornite are typical copper sulfide minerals; however, the interaction mechanisms between these minerals and conventional collectors—sodium butyl xanthate (BX) and ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate (ADD)—when used in combination remain unclear. To address this issue, this study integrated flotation tests, FTIR spectroscopy, adsorption measurements, and AFM to investigate the effects of BX, ADD, and their mixture on the floatability of the two minerals. Flotation results showed that chalcopyrite exhibited excellent floatability in all collector systems, with above 90% recovery. Within the pH range of 3 to 11, BX outperformed ADD in enhancing bornite flotation. The BX/ADD mixture at a mass ratio of 3:1 had no significant effect on chalcopyrite recovery but significantly improved bornite recovery to 84.20% at pH 9. FTIR confirmed chemical adsorption of both collectors on the mineral surfaces. AFM further visualized stronger adsorption of BX on both chalcopyrite and bornite. Compared with single BX or ADD alone, the BX/ADD mixed collector exhibited more effective adsorption on chalcopyrite and bornite. The study provides guidance for reagent selection in the industrial flotation of chalcopyrite and bornite.