The activation of sulphide minerals for flotation: a review

The chemistry of the activation of sulphide minerals by Cu(II) and other cations is reviewed, with special emphasis on work published in the past two decades. An attempt is made to resolve anomalies in the published results and theories, and to suggest directions which further work should take so as to advance understanding of the processes and to improve performance in the selective flotation of sulphide ores. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.