Flotation of copper mineral fines and aggregates using novel bio-inspired Vitamin E xanthate collectors

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of novel bio-based collectors D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 400 succinate xanthate (TPGS-X) and α-tocopherol ethyl xanthate (VitE-X) in the flotation of chalcopyrite fine particles and aggregates, as an alternative replacement for conventional xanthate collectors. Potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) was used as a conventional collector for comparison. Commercial anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) flocculants were applied to selectively aggregate the fines with the aim of improving recovery via the formation of larger aggregates. The performance of all collectors was evaluated through the flotation recovery and grade of both the fines and aggregated particles. Contac..