4. Conclusions
The results of the present study suggested that sodium humate can be used as a pyrite depressant for Cu–S flotation separation in alkaline medium. Flotation tests conducted on ores and an industrial-scale test performed at the Dexing Copper Mine indicated that a concentrate with a Cu content of 24% was obtained without reducing the Cu recovery rate by the addition of sodium humate and the recovery of Au, Ag and Mo was also enhanced.