2495
Mercaptosuccinic Acid as a Novel Selective Inhibitor for Galena
in the Flotation Separation of Molybdenite from Galena
Guiye Wu, Tong Lu, Yangge Zhu, Chongjun Liu, Huinan Liu, Yanhong Ma
State Key Laboratory of Mineral Processing Science and Technology, BGRIMM Technology Group
Zaiding Zhong
Jinduicheng Molybdenum Co., Ltd.
ABSTRACT:This study introduces Mercaptosuccinic Acid (MSA) as a pioneering, environmentally benign
inhibitor, offering effective flotation separation of molybdenite from galena. This research addresses the limitations
of conventional Phosphorknox, notably their instability and toxicity. We conducted single mineral and artificial
mixed ore flotation tests to evaluate MSA’s efficacy. The mechanism of action was elucidated through contact
angle measurements, UV spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Our findings
reveal that MSA significantly diminishes galena recovery (from 90.25% to 5.78%) across a pH range of 4 to
12 at a concentration of 4.5 mg/L. This performance surpasses that of Phosphorknox, establishing MSA as a
superior alternative for Mo-Pb separation. The UV spectroscopy and XPS results suggest MSA’s chemisorption
on galena through its Pb sites. Additionally, Pb2+ UV-titration curves indicate a 2:1 complex formation between
MSA and Pb2+. The study concludes that MSA, due to its minimal adsorption on molybdenite and high galena
inhibition, is a viable selective inhibitor in Mo-Pb flotation separation.
Keywords: Molybdnite, Galena, Mechanism of action, Inhibitor, Separation of Mo-Pb.
INTRODUCTION
Molybdenite (MoS2), a critical strategic metal, finds exten-
sive applications in various sectors, including agriculture,
alloy production, electronics, and aerospace(Liu et al.,
2014). The rapid economic growth has led to increased
consumption of molybdenum, resulting in the depletion
of high-grade ores(Kholmogorov et al., 2015). The newly
discovered Mo ores often coexist with other sulfide ores like
galena, pyrite, and chalcopyrite, characterized by low-grade
and fine granularity(Qin et al., 2017). Such impurities pose
significant challenges, including alloy corrosion, product
quality degradation, and environmental pollution, thereby
diminishing the molybdenite concentrate’s market value(Yi
et al., 2021 Liu et al., 2012 Chen et al., 1994).
The high-end manufacturing industry’s stringent lead
content specifications in MoS2 concentrate necessitate
effective Pb removal to meet purity standards. Given the
similar floatability of molybdenite and galena, the efficient
separation of these minerals remains a significant challenge
in the industry(Castro et al., 2016). Conventional molybde-
num-lead separation techniques often involve environmen-
tally harmful inorganic depressants. However, increasing
environmental and safety regulations have prompted the
exploration of alternative, eco-friendly separation methods,
including the use of organic depressants.
Mercaptosuccinic Acid as a Novel Selective Inhibitor for Galena
in the Flotation Separation of Molybdenite from Galena
Guiye Wu, Tong Lu, Yangge Zhu, Chongjun Liu, Huinan Liu, Yanhong Ma
State Key Laboratory of Mineral Processing Science and Technology, BGRIMM Technology Group
Zaiding Zhong
Jinduicheng Molybdenum Co., Ltd.
ABSTRACT:This study introduces Mercaptosuccinic Acid (MSA) as a pioneering, environmentally benign
inhibitor, offering effective flotation separation of molybdenite from galena. This research addresses the limitations
of conventional Phosphorknox, notably their instability and toxicity. We conducted single mineral and artificial
mixed ore flotation tests to evaluate MSA’s efficacy. The mechanism of action was elucidated through contact
angle measurements, UV spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Our findings
reveal that MSA significantly diminishes galena recovery (from 90.25% to 5.78%) across a pH range of 4 to
12 at a concentration of 4.5 mg/L. This performance surpasses that of Phosphorknox, establishing MSA as a
superior alternative for Mo-Pb separation. The UV spectroscopy and XPS results suggest MSA’s chemisorption
on galena through its Pb sites. Additionally, Pb2+ UV-titration curves indicate a 2:1 complex formation between
MSA and Pb2+. The study concludes that MSA, due to its minimal adsorption on molybdenite and high galena
inhibition, is a viable selective inhibitor in Mo-Pb flotation separation.
Keywords: Molybdnite, Galena, Mechanism of action, Inhibitor, Separation of Mo-Pb.
INTRODUCTION
Molybdenite (MoS2), a critical strategic metal, finds exten-
sive applications in various sectors, including agriculture,
alloy production, electronics, and aerospace(Liu et al.,
2014). The rapid economic growth has led to increased
consumption of molybdenum, resulting in the depletion
of high-grade ores(Kholmogorov et al., 2015). The newly
discovered Mo ores often coexist with other sulfide ores like
galena, pyrite, and chalcopyrite, characterized by low-grade
and fine granularity(Qin et al., 2017). Such impurities pose
significant challenges, including alloy corrosion, product
quality degradation, and environmental pollution, thereby
diminishing the molybdenite concentrate’s market value(Yi
et al., 2021 Liu et al., 2012 Chen et al., 1994).
The high-end manufacturing industry’s stringent lead
content specifications in MoS2 concentrate necessitate
effective Pb removal to meet purity standards. Given the
similar floatability of molybdenite and galena, the efficient
separation of these minerals remains a significant challenge
in the industry(Castro et al., 2016). Conventional molybde-
num-lead separation techniques often involve environmen-
tally harmful inorganic depressants. However, increasing
environmental and safety regulations have prompted the
exploration of alternative, eco-friendly separation methods,
including the use of organic depressants.