Prediction of the flotation rate of chalcopyrite particles in a copper ore

摘要

In this investigation, it is shown that the flotation rate of chalcopyrite particles in an Ok Tedi ore may be estimated. This prediction is based on the determination of contact angles for chalcopyrite particles in the ore, extracted from a calibration curve of contact angle versus ToF-SIMS intensity ratio for individual chalcopyrite particles. The flotation rate of single mineral chalcopyrite and chalcopyrite in the ore, determined in a calibrated Rushton turbine cell, compares favourably.