Sulphidizing reactions in the flotation of oxidized copper minerals,I. Chemical factors in the sulphidization of copper oxide

The rate and extent of the heterogeneous reaction that takes place between dissolved sodium sulphide and synthetic tenorite is studied for a wide range of sodium sulphide to copper oxide ratios. Besides the sulphidization with the formation of a copper-sulphide layer, a substantial oxidation of sulphide ions takes place at the surface of the solid. The extent of both types of reactions is quantitized by combining specific analytical methods.The results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms and of their implications in the sulphidization process applied in the flotation of oxidized copper ores.