Study of the flotability of auriferous pyrites contained in Venezuelan by-products from cyaniding processes

Abstract

Gold recovery from by-products of metallurgical cyaniding processes has been frequently subject of study. This work studies the flotability of auriferous pyrite by means of column flotation, taking into consideration its extremely fine size and the presence of residual cyanide. From preliminary results it was decided to study three variables: pH; Aero promoter 407 concentration; and conditioning time. The pH was varied between 4.5 and 6.0; the reagent dose between 33.3 and 133.3 g/t; and the conditioning time between 1 and 5 min. All the other conditions were kept constant. Sulphur content was analysed for all the concentrates obtained in the flotation tests. It was determined that the pH of the pulp and the ion interference on the adsorption of the collector on the surface of the ore exert a notable influence on both the recovery and the quality of the concentrates. The best results were obtained in conditions of pH 4.5 and 5.0, with 1 and 3 min of conditioning time, respectively; the most effective amount of reagent was 66.6 g per ton of cyaniding solid waste.