Chalcopyrite (Cp), CuFeS2 is an important industrial copper-bearing
mineral with a nominal copper content of 34.5%. Xanthates are most
commonly used as collectors for separation of copper sulfide minerals
from gangue using froth flotation. Chalcopyrite floats exceptionally
well with moderate amounts of xanthate collectors over a wide pH
range [1,2] and the pulp potential has been shown to be closely related
to the floatability of sulfide minerals [3,4]. It has been reported that copper
sulfide minerals can be made to float or sink alternately by altering
the oxidizing and reducing conditions of the pulp. However, the interaction
between copper minerals and collectors is complex, in part due to
the complex chemistry of xanthate both in solution and in the adsorbed
phase.