Experimental Substantiation of Cassiterite Surface Modification by Stable Metal-Absorbent Systems as a Result of Selective Interaction with IM-50 and ZHKTM Agents

Adsorption of IM-50 and tall oil fatty acid (ZHKTM) on cassiterite is for the first time determined using the electron and laser microscopy. The micro images of cassiterite polished sections treated with the collecting agents show newly formed phases of an organic matter, the X-ray spectra of the phases feature the increased carbon content. When cassiterite interacts with IM-50 and ZHKTM, the mineral surface is modified by stable metal-absorbent systems, which promotes efficient tin recovery from tin sulphide ore. By the change in the surface relief parameters of cassiterite, the adsorption layer of IM-50 and ZHKTM agents is qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. The comparative flotation tests of cassiterite and quartz fractions prove high collecting ability of IM-50 and ZHKTM relative to tin. It is found that ZHKTM efficiently floats cassiterite in neutral and alkaline environments while IM-50 is used at higher consumption.