3147
The Influence of Pulp Chemistry and Galvanic Interaction
on the Flotation Behavior of Chalcopyrite in the Presence of
Pyrrhotite Superstructures
L. Babedi, C.E. Gibson, E. Murhula
The Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, Queens University, Kingston
ABSTRACT: This study examines the complex mechanisms that control the selectivity and electrochemical
properties of chalcopyrite under typical flotation conditions. This was achieved through the evaluation of the
effects of galvanic interactions (with pyrrhotite superstructures) and variations of the pulp chemistry variables
(pH and redox potential) on the flotation response of chalcopyrite. Our systematic approach, involving
microflotation tests, collector adsorption analysis, and electrochemical assessments, unveiled connections
between noble character, oxidation rates, and chalcopyrite flotation performance. The observed changes in
rest potentials and polarization curves highlight the influence of galvanic contacts and pulp chemistry on
the electrochemical behavior of chalcopyrite. The noble character’s reliance on pH and redox potential is a
significant component that affects oxidation kinetics and flotation efficiency. This study enhances the theoretical
understanding of chalcopyrite’s electrochemical properties, with practical significance for optimizing chalcopyrite
flotation operations. Deciphering the interplay of noble character, oxidation rates, and flotation efficiency in our
study yields actionable insights. These insights guide the tailoring of operational parameters and recommend
considering selective ore blending, processing specific ore grades, and developing specialized reagents to enhance
chalcopyrite flotation performance.
INTRODUCTION
Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) serves as the primary source of
copper (Cu), contributing to 70–80% of the global cop-
per supply (Lee et al., 2022). Its intrinsic hydrophobic sur-
face facilitates selective separation from associated minerals
using the flotation method, with conventional collectors
such as xanthates used to enhance flotation performance
and kinetics. This well-documented process is extensively
explored in the literature, with numerous studies elucidat-
ing the mechanisms driving selective separation (Mu et al.,
2018 Feng et al., 1999). Despite these advancements, the
control of many factors influencing flotation performance
remains an ongoing challenge. Pivotal among these factors
are pulp chemistry variables and galvanic interactions.
The association of chalcopyrite with pyrrhotite super-
structures (a common gangue component of many chalco-
pyrite ores) and their contact during flotation generates a
galvanic cell, with one mineral acting as an anode and the
other as a cathode (Feng et al., 1999). Such galvanic inter-
actions between chalcopyrite and another electrochemi-
cally active minerals introduce changes in chalcopyrite’s
electrochemical behavior and, consequently, its floatability
(Yang et al., 2021). Various studies (Lee et al., 2022 Yang
et al., 2021 Mu et al., 2011 Ekmekçi et al., 1997) have
reported diverse galvanic interactions between chalcopyrite
The Influence of Pulp Chemistry and Galvanic Interaction
on the Flotation Behavior of Chalcopyrite in the Presence of
Pyrrhotite Superstructures
L. Babedi, C.E. Gibson, E. Murhula
The Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, Queens University, Kingston
ABSTRACT: This study examines the complex mechanisms that control the selectivity and electrochemical
properties of chalcopyrite under typical flotation conditions. This was achieved through the evaluation of the
effects of galvanic interactions (with pyrrhotite superstructures) and variations of the pulp chemistry variables
(pH and redox potential) on the flotation response of chalcopyrite. Our systematic approach, involving
microflotation tests, collector adsorption analysis, and electrochemical assessments, unveiled connections
between noble character, oxidation rates, and chalcopyrite flotation performance. The observed changes in
rest potentials and polarization curves highlight the influence of galvanic contacts and pulp chemistry on
the electrochemical behavior of chalcopyrite. The noble character’s reliance on pH and redox potential is a
significant component that affects oxidation kinetics and flotation efficiency. This study enhances the theoretical
understanding of chalcopyrite’s electrochemical properties, with practical significance for optimizing chalcopyrite
flotation operations. Deciphering the interplay of noble character, oxidation rates, and flotation efficiency in our
study yields actionable insights. These insights guide the tailoring of operational parameters and recommend
considering selective ore blending, processing specific ore grades, and developing specialized reagents to enhance
chalcopyrite flotation performance.
INTRODUCTION
Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) serves as the primary source of
copper (Cu), contributing to 70–80% of the global cop-
per supply (Lee et al., 2022). Its intrinsic hydrophobic sur-
face facilitates selective separation from associated minerals
using the flotation method, with conventional collectors
such as xanthates used to enhance flotation performance
and kinetics. This well-documented process is extensively
explored in the literature, with numerous studies elucidat-
ing the mechanisms driving selective separation (Mu et al.,
2018 Feng et al., 1999). Despite these advancements, the
control of many factors influencing flotation performance
remains an ongoing challenge. Pivotal among these factors
are pulp chemistry variables and galvanic interactions.
The association of chalcopyrite with pyrrhotite super-
structures (a common gangue component of many chalco-
pyrite ores) and their contact during flotation generates a
galvanic cell, with one mineral acting as an anode and the
other as a cathode (Feng et al., 1999). Such galvanic inter-
actions between chalcopyrite and another electrochemi-
cally active minerals introduce changes in chalcopyrite’s
electrochemical behavior and, consequently, its floatability
(Yang et al., 2021). Various studies (Lee et al., 2022 Yang
et al., 2021 Mu et al., 2011 Ekmekçi et al., 1997) have
reported diverse galvanic interactions between chalcopyrite