| Many base and precious metal mines in Canada contain pyrrhotite as a major waste sulphide mineral. The mechanisms of the oxidation of pyrrhotite and the real rates of reaction are poorly understood. A laboratory study on the oxidation of pyrrhotite by air and by hydrogen peroxide was conducted to quantify the differences in three pyrrhotite samples from distinct locations. Two samples were obtained from Inco Limited Co. from the Copper Cliff North mine (C3) and from Garson mine (G5). The other was purchased from Ward National Scientific Company (M97).; Based on iron release and sulphate release, oxidation rates of three samples by 0.5% (m/v) H2O2 at different temperatures were obtained.; These samples were submitted to passivating agents, triethylenetetramine (TETA) and potassium amyl xanthate (p.a.x.) two chemical compounds used in the floatation process by Inco limited. Solutions of TETA and TETA combined with p.a.x. were applied to pyrrhotite samples for examining their efficiency as coating agents.; FTIR and SEM were conducted for better understanding the processes. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
