Impact of copper and lead on the activation of pyrite in the presence of thiol collectors

Lead and copper activation onto pyrite in the presence of thiol collectors was examined by means of cyclic voltammetry and micro-flotation techniques. Di-isobutyl dithiophosphinate (Aerophine 3418A) and alkyl thionocarbamate (AERO 3894) were employed as lead and copper collectors, respectively. Otherwise, isopropyl xanthate was also used as a collector of both lead and copper. The results revealed that, in the presence of non-conventional collectors, the increment in pyrite recovery owing to the activation by copper and lead species was noticeably smaller than that exhibited by the use of xanthate (IPX) under the same conditions. The electrochemical response of activated pyrite suggests the formation of copper and lead xanthate compounds and the increase in the peak could be attributed to the formation of dixanthogen. The voltammograms of pyrite stayed un-affected regardless of the activation by lead or copper.