LAUSR

Abstract The pulp from the sulfidization flotation of copper oxide ores contains several metal ions, among which ferric ion (Fe3+) depresses the flotation of copper oxide minerals. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the effect of Fe3+ on the sulfidization and xanthate adsorption of copper oxide minerals to provide theoretical support for mitigating the negative effects of Fe3+. In this work, the effect of Fe3+ on cuprite flotation was determined via micro-flotation tests. The mechanism of the depression of cuprite sulfidization by Fe3+ was revealed through zeta potential measurements, scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The impact of Fe3+ on xanthate adsorption onto cuprite surfaces was investigated via surface-adsorption measurements and infrared spectroscopy. The micro-flotation test results indicated that the cuprite floatability was significantly weakened by Fe3+. The results of zeta potential, SEM-EDS, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that Fe3+ could generate hydrophilic species and reduce the number of active sites on cuprite surfaces, thus hindering the formation of copper sulfide species on cuprite surfaces. The results of surface-adsorption measurements and infrared spectroscopy showed that xanthate hardly interacted with the Fe3+-treated cuprite surfaces. Given the above, Fe3+ could weaken the cuprite surface hydrophobicity by reducing the number of active sites on cuprite surfaces, thereby depressing the cuprite flotation.