Effect of electrolytes on the flotation of copper ore containing clay

It is known that inorganic ions affect interfaces, altering colloidal interactions between bubbles-particles and affect flotation. In this study, flotation of clayey chalcopyrite was investigated in the presence of inorganic salts by using collector and frother. Parameters as salt type (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, Al2(SO4), concentration, pH medium, flotation time, kaolinite-montmorillonite amount (5-10-15%) were studied. As a result with different ore types-concentrations with no clay addition, optimum result was obtained in 0.001 M NaCl, with 51.89% CuFeS2 grade and 72.40% yield. The common finding was decrease in grades and increase in yield values at high salt concentrations. Salt type-concentration effects investigations on foam height showed, that the best grade-yield were obtained by increasing of the foam height. Generally this parameter doesn't affect results, but addition of 15% montmorillonit decreased froth height sharply because of changes in montmorillonite's pulp viscosity, which has high swelling potential. With increasing amount of added clay in 0.001 M NaCl solution; as concentrate's grade decreased with kaolinite, recovery increased; as for montmorillonite both of them were decreased. Generally kaolinite's results were better. In flotation with 10% clay in tap-sea water-0.001 M NaCl, the lowest yield was obtained in sea water because of it's high salt content.