The Inadvertent Activation of Silicate Minerals Flotation and Their Depression in Molybdenite Beneficiation

Abstract

The Wushan Operation has been studied as a case study, particularly relevant to the copper-molybdenum separation circuit, in which efforts have been made to improve the quality of the molybdenum concentrate through diagnostic analysis. A key finding has been the appearance of coarser silicate minerals in the molybdenum concentrate due to their inadvertent activation in flotation. The suitable silicate minerals flotation conditions occurs, most likely, due to upstream bulk flotation regarding the usage of novel collectors and metal cations bearing process water. The flotation of silicate minerals can be diminished by the implementation of water glass and regrinding. The mechanisms underlying flotation behaviors have been revealed by using advanced in-situ surface analysis and particle size analysis techniques.