Effect of Different Depressants on Galena Flotation

Selective separation of sulphide minerals such as galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, pyrite etc., can be achieved with various collectors, depressants and modifiers. The aim of this study is to investigate different depressants for depression of galena. On this basis, the effect of Na2S, H2O2 and S7260 were investigated on galena flotation. Pure galena was used as ore sample and experiments were conducted with Denver flotation cell using 3418A as a collector and MIBC as a frother. The effects of depressant amount and different pH were examined. Flotation recovery of galena approached the highest value at pH 7 and decreased at pH 11 without any depressant. As a result of experiments it is found that depressing effect of these depressants was related to their amount and pH. The depressing effect of all depressants reached highest value at pH 11. It is found that S7260 was the most effective depressant among them.