A novel oxidation reagent scheme to realize efficient flotation separation of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite

Magnetic separation poses challenges for the effective separation of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. Therefore, flotation separation has emerged as a key research focus. This study investigated the oxidative properties and flotation behavior associated with the separation of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite using sodium periodate (NaIO 4 ). The results of flotation test show that without adding depressant, the recovery of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite were 91.57 % and 90.15 %, respectively. When addition of 1 × 10 –3  mol/L NaIO 4 and 1 × 10 –4  mol/L potassium butyl xanthate, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite achieved recovery of 88.25 % and 15.41 %, respectively. This effectively promoted the flotation separation of the two minerals. The NaIO 4 oxidation reduced pyrrhotite’s surface hydrophobicity by forming hydrophilic species. The S 2– and Fe 2+ species on the pyrrhotite surface were oxidized to hydrophilic SO 4 2– and Fe 3+ species, potentially forming FeOOH – species and sulfate films that hindered collector adsorption. However, the S 2– species on the chalcopyrite surface were oxidized to hydrophobic S 0 /S n 2– , enabling the mineral to maintain its good floatability. Moreover, a descriptive model was developed to illustrate the different oxidative properties of both chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite treated with NaIO 4 . This study provides a new approach for the efficient enrichment and utilization of pyrrhotite.