The Flotation Separation of Chalcopyrite and Galena: Crystal, Surface, Floatability and Reagents

Chalcopyrite and galena are primary raw materials for producing Cu and Pb metals, respectively. Flotation is still the main method to recover these two minerals. So far, lots of work has been done to recover them from low-grade refractory ores, whereas the efficient separation of these two minerals remains a major challenge. In this review, the crystal, surface, floatability and needed reagents were discussed. Firstly, the crystalline structures were introduced, including physical and chemical properties, and followed by surface properties from a density functional theory simulation perspective. As reviewed, the surface properties were closely related to their floatability, such as the degree of surface oxidization, particle size, galvanic interactions, metal ions, and so on. Moreover, the floatability of minerals could be influenced by flotation reagents, and therefore a range of new collectors and depressants were described. The review aimed to provide a deep understanding on the factors affecting Cu/Pb flotation separation as well as to develop new depressants helping to guide the flotation separation of Cu/Pb/Zn polymetallic sulfide ores for researchers.