Interface behavior of chalcopyrite during flotation from cyanide tailings

The interface characteristics of cyanide tailings are different from those of the raw ore. In this study, valuable elements could not be thoroughly recovered via the flotation of cyanide tailings from Shandong, China. The interface and floatability of these tailings were investigated by phase analysis and flotation tests. The chalcopyrite in the cyanide tailings was fine and had a porous surface. The floatability of 68% chalcopyrite was similar to that of galena in the presence of a collector. A layer of fine galena particles compactly wrapped the chalcopyrite. The chalcopyrite recovery sharply decreased as the nonpolar oil residue in cyanide tailings was extracted using alcohol; however, this removal had no effect on the galena. The remaining chalcopyrite in the flotation tailings was covered with an oxidation layer consisting of O, Fe, S, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Si.