Question

vFroth floatation process may be used to increase the concentration of the mineral in (a) chalcopyrites (b) bauxite (c) haematite (d) calamine

Short answer

Chalcopyrites is suitable for concentration using the froth flotation process.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Froth Flotation

Froth flotation is a process primarily used for the concentration and beneficiation of sulfide ores. It is effective for separating valuable minerals from their ores, which are often sulfides like chalcopyrites.

Analyzing the Given Options

Consider the following options: (a) Chalcopyrites - a sulfide ore of copper. (b) Bauxite - primarily an ore of aluminum containing minerals like gibbsite; it's not a sulfide ore. (c) Haematite - an oxide ore of iron; also not a sulfide ore. (d) Calamine - an ore composed of zinc carbonate or zinc silicate; not a sulfide ore.

Identifying Suitable Ore for Froth Flotation

Out of the given options, chalcopyrites is the only sulfide ore. Because froth flotation is effective for sulfide minerals, this makes chalcopyrites the suitable candidate for concentration using froth flotation.

Key concepts

Sulfide Ores

Sulfide ores are a type of mineral deposit in which the principal metal is chemically bonded with sulfur. These ores hold significant value as they are the primary source of many important metals, such as copper, zinc, and lead. One common property of sulfide ores is that they are good conductors of electricity, making them easy to identify and valuable for commercial use.
In mineral processing, sulfide ores are particularly amenable to the froth flotation process. This method takes advantage of the different wettability of the metals and the impurities within the ore. By adding chemicals and air into a slurry of water, the valuable minerals attach to rising bubbles and can be skimmed off as froth, while the undesired materials remain submerged. This specificity makes froth flotation the preferred method for concentrating sulfide ores.

Mineral Concentration

Mineral concentration involves separating valuable minerals from the raw ore, enhancing its purity and marketability. It is an essential stage in the mineral processing pipeline, ensuring that the ore we obtain has sufficient mineral content while keeping impurities at bay. In operations involving sulfide ores, froth flotation is the most commonly employed technique. The key to successful mineral concentration, especially with complex ore mixtures, is selecting the right process based on ore characteristics. For sulfide minerals, flotation is ideal due to their hydrophobic nature which makes it easier for them to attach to air bubbles. The degree of concentration is crucial for maximizing the economic potential of the mining operation. For instance, extracting chalcopyrites for copper means isolating and increasing its copper content through effective concentration methods, thereby adding tremendous value to the mined material.

Chalcopyrites

Chalcopyrites, with the chemical formula CuFeS extsubscript{2}, is a major copper ore and a significant source of this metal worldwide. It's a type of sulfide mineral containing copper, iron, and sulfur in its structure. Visually, it often appears brassy yellow with a metallic luster.
This mineral is commonly extracted via froth flotation due to its sulfide nature, making it an excellent candidate for this method. During flotation, chalcopyrites can be effectively separated from unwanted material in the ore, like other sulfides and silicates, because of the differing surface properties. This capability means chalcopyrites often undergo beneficiation processes to increase its copper content before smelting operations can proceed.
Understanding chalcopyrites' properties and its flotation behavior is crucial for optimizing its processing, yielding higher returns for copper mines.

Beneficiation of Ores

Beneficiation refers to the various processes used to improve the quality of the ore by removing unwanted materials and increasing the concentration of the desired mineral. It's a critical preparatory step in mineral processing to ensure the quality and feasibility of mining operations. For sulfide ores, like those containing chalcopyrites, beneficiation often involves froth flotation due to its efficiency in separating sulfide minerals from gangue materials. This increases the concentration of the metal, thus enhancing its economic value and viability. The process is tailored based on the type of ore and its impurities. For example, during beneficiation, different reagents may be used to adjust the pH or modify the surface properties, thus optimizing the flotation conditions for sulfide ores. The goal is to maximize recovery rates while minimizing energy and cost requirements, ensuring the operation is both profitable and sustainable.