Research Progress on the Interaction Mechanism of Typical Metal Ions with Sphalerite and Its Effect on Flotation

Typical metal ions have a significant effect on the flotation behavior of sphalerite. The sources of metal ions in flotation pulp system are summarized. The influence of metal ions such as copper, lead, calcium, magnesium, zinc, ferric and ferrous on the flotation behavior of sphalerite and its interaction mechanism are reviewed. According to the differences between metal ionic property and the flotation environment, the effect and functionary mechanism of metal ion are also different. The analysis shows that metal ions affect the floatability of sphalerite by substitution, adsorption and covering. The application prospect of metal ions in sphalerite flotation is prospected, and the research direction of interaction mechanism between sphalerite and metal ions is pointed out.