Reducing the environmental impact of the flotation of sphalerite : an alternative reagent scheme

Abstract

N-Hydrocinnamoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine (HCNPHA) was found to float sphalerite without activation by copper sulphate. However, concomitant flotation of sulphidic gangue minerals, such as pyrite, significantly reduced the grade. Adding 200 g/t of copper sulphate, which is approximately 80% reduction in the amount consumed in the xanthate reagent scheme currently used in the industry, improved the grade and the recovery.