The effect of mixed collectors on zinc oxide flotation

In this study, factors influencing zinc oxide flotation are investigated. These factors include the dosages of sulfidizing reagent, the pH of the regulator and the activator, the use of sodium carbonate as the pH regulator and activator, the use of copper sulfate as the activator and the use of isoamyl xanthate as the collector. All of the above factors are essential to the effective recovery of zinc oxide. Flotation using mixed collectors (isoamyl xanthogenate + dithionphosphate) showed promising results. The ratio of the mixed collectors and the addition sequence of the mixed collectors were important in attaining a true mixed collector for zinc oxide flotation. In the closed circuit experiment, these agents helped to produce a zinc concentrate with 12.41% Zn, 80.03% recovery and 17.29% Zn in the tailings. The zinc concentrate with 12.41% Zn was used as a material for hydrometallurgy to collect zinc.