Effect of Pb2+ in pulp on the separation of lead-zinc sulfide minerals

The influence mechanism of Pb²⁺ on the separation of lead-zinc sulfide minerals was studied by micro-flotation test and XPS analysis. The micro-flotation test shows that when butyl xanthate was used as a collector, Pb²⁺ could significantly improve the recovery of sphalerite in a certain concentration range, which was also confirmed by XPS analysis. The influence of Pb²⁺ on the flotation separation of lead-zinc sulfide ore can be weakened by adjusting the pH in the pulp or by precipitation.