Application of New Dithiazine-Class Complexing Agent in Galena and Sphalerite Separation in Flotation

The article studies a new collector represented by a dithiazine-class complexing agent—1-carboxy-2-perhydro-(1,3,5-dithiazine)-5-il ethane (CPDE). The study of the physicochemical properties of the agent and its interaction with the mineral surfaces of galena and sphalerite used the methods of IR and UV spectroscopy, as well as measurements of wetting angle and free energy. It is found that the agent makes the surface of galena hydrophobic and the surface of sphalerite hydrophilic. The comparative flotation results indicate that the CPDE possesses higher selectivity as compared with the PBX agent and ensures selective separation of galena and sphalerite during flotation.