Comparison of Anionic, Cationic and Amphoteric Collectors used in Pyrite Flotation

In this study, flotation tests were conducted with purified pyrite and ore samples. The collectors employed were anionic and cationic type such as potassium ethlyl-amyl xanthate, Tomamine M73 and Resanol Bal. According to the flotation tests, it was found that pyrite floated at low pH and depressed at high pH values with xanthates. On the other hand, in the case of cationic collectors which are Tomamine M73 (alkyl ether amine, an amphoteric surfactant) and Resanol Bal (N-3-tridecyloxy propyl 1-3 diamine, branched acetate) pyrite floated at high pH values. It was shown that amine type collectors could be efficient to selectively float pyrite from chalcopyrite at alkali pH ranges in the case of ore samples.