Work

Evaluation of Pyrite Recovery via Bench-Scale Froth Flotation from a Sulfide Ore Deposit in Southwestern Spain

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In recent decades, there has been an upsurge in focus on the extraction of pyrite from sulfide ore deposits due to its vital role in the process of metal extraction and environmental management. This study explores the flotation behavior of pyrite in sulfide ores using mechanical-cell flotation. This study compared the performance of two commonly used flotation collectors, potassium butyl xanthate (KXT) and diethyl dithiophosphate (DTP), in the beneficiation of a sulfide ore from southwestern Spain. Statistical analysis performed using MiniTab 4.0 revealed that collector type, reagent dosage, and pulp pH were the principal factors affecting pyrite recovery. Under the tested conditions, KXT exhibited superior metallurgical performance and selectivity compared with DTP. The flotation kinetics demonstrate that the chemical was more efficacious throughout both the rougher and cleaner phases of the process. The findings robustly corroborate the notion that employing xanthate-based chemicals to enhance pyrite concentration facilitates metal extraction from the Sulfide Ore Deposit in southwestern Spain. The study sets out a basis for process growth, and it is proposed that further research be conducted under industrial water conditions to validate the findings.

Source: Minerals

DOI: 10.3390/min15121234

Authors: Amina Eljoudiani, Moacir Medeiros Veras, Carlos Hoffmann Sampaio, Josep Oliva Moncunill, Jose Luis Cortina Pallas

Institutions: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Instituto Federal do Amapá

Language: English

Topic: Minerals Flotation and Separation Techniques

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896