The effect of different clay minerals on the flotation kinetics of chalcopyrite

illite, and kaolinite) on chalcopyrite recovery and flotation kinetic
parameters. Classical first-order flotation kinetic model was applied
as a function of froth height and amount of clay minerals to fit overall
flotation results on chalcopyrite recovery against flotation time. Clay
minerals enhanced chalcopyrite recovery by mechanical entrainment
and slime coating of valuable chalcopyrite particles. Flotation tests
have shown that the deleterious impact of clay minerals on the
chalcopyrite flotation is enhanced as follows:
montmorillonite>kaolinite>illite. Montmorillonite significantly
raised viscosity and also considerably diminished chalcopyrite grade.
Recovery and selectivity were lower for montmorillonite than
kaolinite and illite. The adjunct of illite was of little effect on
chalcopyrite flotation kinetics. The obtained flotation rate constants
indicate that clay minerals are carried to the concentrate together with
the chalcopyrite. The flotation rate constants increased with
increasing the amount of all clay minerals. Slime minerals easily
entered to concentrate by mechanical entrainment, and the inhibition
effect of clay particles on chalcopyrite became more obvious with
increasing flotation time. However, the negative effect of clay
minerals is reduced with high froth height.