Mineral Surface Complexation in Flotation

The equilibrium constants of surface chemical reactions are defined to describe mineral surface complexation. An experimental technique is presented involving potentiometric titrations of mineral suspensions supplemented by adsorption studies, solubility and zeta potential measurements. Experimental data are evaluated using advanced computer programs giving equilibrium constants of relevant surface reactions. The fundamentals of mineral surface complexation and their meaning in flotation are presented and discussed and used to interpret surface charge, as well as surface reactions with collectors, activators and depressants. Surface speciation and flotation principles are correlated for a sulphide (e.g. galena) and oxide mineral (e.g. quartz) system.