An Overview of Technologies and Selective Depressing Agents for Separating Chalcopyrite and Talc

Abstract

Copper-bearing ore containing talc is generally considered as the most refractory type in various chalcopyrite ores, which is predominantly due to the fact that it includes talc and good natural floatability of talc adversely affects the recovery of chalcopyrite. Flotation is the most economical and effective method to separate copper sulfide minerals and talc. For flotation process, there are selective flotation of talc before flotation of copper-bearing minerals, the flotation of copper-bearing minerals with depression of talc, and the bulk flotation of talc and copper-bearing minerals. At present, the researches focus on the depression of talc. The present work reviewed the molecular structure, properties and mechanism of organic and inorganic depressors for talc. The mechanism of action of depressors for talc includes electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding and chemical bonding. At the same time, factors such as pH and ionic strength have an important influence on depression effect for talc. The synergism of combined depressors has various novel depression effects on talc surface, which is more efficient than single agent. In the future, separation technology for talc and chalcopyrite develops toward the application of new depressors and the modification of agents. Meanwhile, the development of new depressors for talc needs to consider the properties of associated minerals with talc and copper-bearing minerals. The combined depressors should be developed to maximize the recovery of valuable metals.