Electrochemical behavior of galena and jamesonite flotation in high alkaline pulp

In order to effectively separate galena and jamesonite and improve the recovery during the mixing flotation, the interaction mechanisms between the minerals and the collector of diethyl dithiocarbamate (DDTC) were investigated. Single mineral flotation test was organized to research the effect of pulp pH value on the flotation behavior of galena and jamesonite. Electrochemistry property of the interaction of these two minerals with DDTC was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and Tafel tests. Flotation test shows that the recovery of jamesonite in high alkaline pulp is strongly depressed by lime (Ca(OH)(2)). The cyclic voltammetry and Tafel tests results show that the interaction between galena and DDTC is an electrochemical process. High pH value has little influence on the interaction between galena and DDTC, while it has great effect on jamesonite due to self-oxidation and specific adsorption of OH- and CaOH+ on jamesonite surface. Non-electroactive hydroxyl compound and low-electroconductive calcium compounds cover the surface of jamesonite, which impedes electron transfer and DDTC adsorption, thus leads to very low floatability of jamesonite.