Optimization of physicochemical parameters of pyrite flotation

Tailings issued from polymetallic ore flotation of Chaabat el-Hamra mine contain sulfides such as Galena (PbS), Pyrite (FeS 2 ) and Chalcopyrite (CuFeS 2 ). They present environmental threats such as the acid mine drainage. Chemical analysis showed that the major element of these tailings is Pyrite. The processing of the latter eliminates much of the sulfur. The flotation is based on the difference of the minerals surface properties such as hydrophobicity, hydrophility, addition of appropriate reagents and their adhesion to bubbles. In this work, we propose to use the method of thermodynamic analysis in view of studying and identifying the main physicochemical parameters of flotation, such as the thermodynamic potential and pH, which play a main role in collector adsorption on the mineral surface. The obtained results show that the optimal pH value is 7, in this condition; we can get an optimal adsorption and maximum recovery of Pyrite up to 90%.