Bench-scale flotation of chrysocolla with n-octanohydroxamate

Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been employed to characterise the surface layer and compound formation during the interaction of n-octanohydroxamate with chrysocolla and malachite surfaces. The flotation response of a single mineral chrysocolla–quartz sand sample and mixed chrysocolla–malachite–quartz sand sample using n-octanohydroxamate collector has been investigated. Recoveries of 95% were achieved in bench-scale flotation testing, with the best Cu grades achieved at pH > 9. Long conditioning times adversely affected flotation performance. Moderate recovery of impurity minerals in the mineral and sand was also observed.