Synergistic Effect of Diethylenetriamine and Sodium Metabisulphite on Xanthate-Induced Flotation of Cu-activated Pyrite

Abstract

The present study investigates the effect of diethylenetriamine (DETA) and sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) on Cu-activated pyrite flotation induced by xanthate using X-ray spectroscopy (XPS) under aerated and non-aerated conditions. The study showed that DETA is more effective for pyrite depression than SMBS on an individual basis; however, high dosages of DETA (500 g/t) are required. Oxidation (aeration of the flotation pulp) of Cu-activated pyrite induced by xanthate before 500 g/t DETA addition has a greater effect on the surface chemistry of the pyrite particles and subsequently increased pyrite depression. The above condition decreased pyrite recovery drastically from 92% to 12%. The XPS analysis showed that the significant pyrite depression observed in the presence of DETA than SMBS, was due to significant removal of adsorbed surface Cu and the formation of Cu(I)-DETA complex on pyrite surface.

Keywords: Pyrite, DETA, SMBS, Flotation, Surface Analysis