Selective flotation separation of chalcopyrite from talc using Ghatti Gum as a novel depressant

The intergrowth phenomenon of chalcopyrite and talc makes the identification of an eco-friendly and efficient depressant crucial for achieving effective separation. In this study, we innovatively employed Ghatti Gum as a talc depressant to improve the flotation separation. The micro-flotation test results demonstrate that, compared to conventional depressants, Ghatti Gum exhibits a stronger depressing effect on talc while maintaining excellent selectivity toward chalcopyrite. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed that Ghatti Gum adsorbed selectively on the surface of talc, which significantly altered its surface roughness and elemental composition. In contrast, Ghatti Gum exerts a weaker influence on chalcopyrite. Further analysis through Zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that Ghatti Gum adsorbs onto the talc surface through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Meanwhile, Ghatti Gum has less influence on the elemental composition and floatability of the chalcopyrite surface. In summary, Ghatti Gum emerges as a promising eco-friendly depressant for the flotation separation of chalcopyrite and talc. This discovery not only expands the applications of Ghatti Gum but also provides novel insights for the efficient separation of chalcopyrite from talc.