4. Summary
Selective flotation of arsenic minerals can be achieved through
pre-oxidation of flotation pulp, Eh control during flotation and the use
of selective depressants/collectors. To selectively oxidize arsenic or
non-arsenic minerals prior to flotation, oxidizing agents, such ashydrogen peroxide, and aeration conditioning have both been applied
effectively. Selective flotation of arsenic minerals through Eh control
has made significant advances in recent years, with enargite being the
most studied arsenic mineral in this area. Its use in combination with
pre-oxidation was also reported. Various depressants and collectors,
including new reagents and some conventional reagents in sulfide
flotation, have been found effective in the selective flotation of arsenic
minerals such as arsenopyrite–pyrite separation. The use of selective
reagents represents a traditional approach in arsenic removal and
makes it possible to remove arsenic minerals without additional
operations such as pre-oxidation or Eh control.