INFLUENCE OF SODIUM THIOSULPHATE ON OXIDATION OF SULPHIDE MINERALS DURING SELECTIVE FLOTATION OF COPPER-NICKEL ORES

摘要

The studies of sulphur distribution in oxidation products of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite being components of Cu-Ni ores showed that the elementary sulphur - sulphoxide ion ratio on the mineral surface and in the liquid phase of mineral suspensions changes in the presence of sodium thiosulphate. Sodium thiosulphate exhibits properties of a reducing agent and prevents formation of hydrophobic elementary sulphur on pyrrhotite surface due to oxygen absorption and oxidation of thiosulphate-ions to sulphates. The decrease in pyrrhotite floatability is observed, and more favorable conditions are provided for selective flotation of chalcopyrite on copper-nickel ore processing.