Improving molybdenum recovery in copper-molybdenum roughing by aerosol flotation technology

Aerosol flotation technology was used to improve the molybdenum recovery of some copper-molybdenum ores. In the flotation process, kerosene, a primary collector for molybdenum, was added into the pulp in an aerosol form. Kerosene dosage test, flotation speed test, and the influence tests of pH values and grinding fineness on the aerosol flotation process were carried out. It is found that the molybdenum recovery of copper-molybdenum bulk flotation phase increases by 3% and the flotation time shortens by 20%. At the same molybdenum recovery the dosage of kerosene decreases by 40%. The best grinding fineness for aerosol flotation is that particles of 0.074 mm in size account for 65%, and the optimum pH value of the pulp is 9. Compared with traditional flotation, aerosol flotation technology can decrease the dosage of reagents and accelerate the flotation speed, showing more advantages for low-grade refractory ores.