Effect of Cu²⁺ on the cassiterite and calcite flotation using octanohydroxamic acid as collector

Abstract

In this study, the effect of Cu²⁺ on the cassiterite and calcite flotation using octanohydroxamic acid (OHA) as collector was investigated through flotation tests, solution reaction tests and calculation, zeta potential measurements, XPS analysis and residual reagent concentration measurements. Results indicated that Cu²⁺ played an activation role on cassiterite flotation but a depression role on calcite flotation. The copper cations were adsorbed on the cassiterite surface by forming a Cu—O bond, and the pre-adsorbed copper cations and the OHA-Cu complexes promoted the adsorption of OHA on the cassiterite surface. Thus, cassiterite flotation was activated. The dissolved HCO₃⁻ in the calcite pulp underwent a double hydrolysis reaction with copper cations (Cu²⁺, CuOH⁺, Cu₂(OH)₂²⁺ and Cu₃(OH)₄²⁺) to form CuCO₃. Some copper cations were adsorbed on the calcite surface as well, but some adsorbed Cu²⁺ on the calcite surface was desorbed by bonding with OHA, and most of OHA was consumed by Cu²⁺, basic copper carbonate and copper hydroxide. The residual OHA in the pulp was not sufficient for flotation, so calcite flotation was depressed. Finally, a model of the reaction mechanism of Cu²⁺ and OHA on the cassiterite and calcite surfaces was established.

Keywords

cassiterite / calcite / flotation / adsorption / Cu²⁺

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