The Aqueous and Surface Chemistry of Activation in the Flotation of Sulphide Minerals—A Review. Part I: An Electrochemical Model

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Abstract
The activation of sulphide minerals by heavy metal ions in acidic pH solutions has been reviewed from an electrochemical point of view. It is shown that the well-documented ion-exchange model is oversimplified. Surface oxidation of the mineral and reduction of the activator metal ions occur during the activation processes. Activation in an oxygen-deficient system leads to the formation of a sulphur-rich surface and results in activation-induced flotation. The overall process of activation is controlled by a mixed-potential mechanism.

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