Minerals Beneficiation - Interaction of Minerals with Gases and Reagents in Flotation

Interaction of sulfide minerals and native metals I with reagents in flotation is largely determined by particle-surface changes resulting from action of the medium and dissolved gases. A number of early studies were devoted to the selective action of various gases on minerals.' Mc-Lachlan' paid attention to oxygen as the most active gas affecting flotation properties of sulfide minerals. Opposing views were expressed concerning the influence of sulfide oxidation on xanthate flotation: Taggart3 recognized the positive influence of oxygen, and I. W. Wark4 rejected it. Shvedovh ffered the hypothesis of partial oxidation. As to the influence of such gases as hydrogen" and carbon dioxide on mineral floatability, opinions also differed. Effect of Oxygen on Sulfide Mineral Flotation: Research on the influence of oxygen and other gases on the floatability of sulfide minerals and native metals has been carried out at the Institute of Mining of the USSR Academy of Sciences in