Process for selective flotation of copper-lead-zinc sulfide

摘要

In a process for a selective flotation of a copper-lead-zinc sulfide ore the raw ore is ground and slurried with water and the resulting suspension is aerated with air to adjust a certain oxidation-reduction potential and is subsequently successively conditioned with SO2, Ca(OH)2, and collecting and frothing agents, whereafter a flotation of Cu is effected. An oxidation-reduction potential which is 70 to 90% of the oxidation-reduction potential desired for the flotation of Cu is adjusted by the aeration of the suspension with air before the flotation of Cu, the desired oxidation-reduction potential of 60 to 340 mV is adjusted during the flotation of Cu by the aeration with air, the flotation of Cu is effected at a pH of 8.5 to 10.5 and Cu is removed from the flotation process with the froth.