Recent progress on research of molybdenite flotation: A review

Area of Science:

• Metallurgical Engineering
• Mineral Processing
• Materials Science

Background:

• Molybdenum (Mo) is a vital alloy element for high-temperature applications.
• Molybdenite (MoS2), the primary molybdenum source, is often found in copper deposits.
• Froth flotation is key for separating molybdenite from copper sulfide minerals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors affecting molybdenite floatability.
• To explore methods for enhancing molybdenite recovery.
• To understand the impact of process conditions on flotation performance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of molybdenite properties (mineralogy, microstructure, surface chemistry).
• Application of organic and inorganic depressants and surface pre-treatment.
• Electrochemical potential measurements for process monitoring.
• Evaluation of cation effects (Ca2+, Mg2+) in alkaline solutions.

Main Results:

• Molybdenite floatability is significantly impacted by its intrinsic properties.
• Depressants and pre-treatment methods can improve molybdenite recovery.
• Electrochemical monitoring aids in optimizing flotation parameters.
• Cations like Ca2+ and Mg2+ negatively affect molybdenite flotation in alkaline media, requiring dispersants and oil collectors.

Conclusions:

• Understanding molybdenite properties is crucial for effective froth flotation.
• Process optimization through chemical adjustments and monitoring enhances molybdenum recovery.
• Addressing the impact of cations and gangue minerals is essential for efficient molybdenite separation.