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XPS and ToF‐SIMS study of a chalcopyrite–pyrite–sphalerite mixture treated with xanthate and sodium bisulphite

We present data from the surface analysis of a mineral mixture of chalcopyrite, pyrite, and sphalerite, elucidating surface reactions occurring during grinding and flotation. Flotation tests are also performed on the mixture, carried out in the presence of collector (SIBX) and also in the absence and presence of sodium bisulphite (NaHSO3), a gangue sulphide mineral depressant. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies on the ground mineral sample prior to flotation indicate that the mineral feed is heavily oxidised, especially the sphalerite in the mixture. Flotation recovery data clearly shows the effect of this oxidation, with the mineral recoveries of all three phases being lower than those observed in single mineral studies. In addition, the flotation recoveries show the effect of the inadvertent copper activation of pyrite and sphalerite, and the effect of bisulphite in reducing the flotation of sphalerite and pyrite in the mixture. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry(ToF‐SIMS) data indicates that the depressing effect of bisulphite is due to the removal of copper and sulphur‐like species from the surface of pyrite and sphalerite and a consequent increase in the oxidation of these minerals. ToF‐SIMS data also indicates that the low recovery of pyrite and chalcopyrite in the absence of collector is most likely due to precipitation of zinc hydroxide on the surfaces of these minerals, formed in solution due to copper activation of sphalerite. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.