Method for achieving enhanced copper-containing mineral concentrate grade by oxidation and flotation

摘要

The present invention involves a method for separating a first copper- containing mineral from a second copper-containing mineral using froth flotation where one of the minerals has a more readily oxidizable surface than the other. Prior to flotation, a slurry containing the copper- containing minerals is oxidized and conditioned to achieve an effective pH. Thereafter, the slurry is subjected to a froth flotation process by which a first copper-containing mineral, such as chalcocite, and a second copper-containing mineral, such as enargite, are recovered.