Abstract:
With the overexploitation of mineral resources, the “poor, fine, and miscellaneous” characteristics of sulfide ores in China have become more prominent. The shortage of nonferrous metal resources has become more serious. The existing research has indicated that a high-altitude area is an important strategic resource reserve in China. Many occurrences and shapes of sulfide ore bodies have been identified in high-altitude areas, and the scale of ore deposits varies significantly, which provides a favorable environment for the formation of large and even superlarge deposits. Moreover, nonferrous metal resources are rich in variety and high in mineral grade, which has high development and utilization value. The efficient development and utilization of sulfide ore resources in high-altitude areas is imperative. The special climate and environment of high-altitude areas have different degrees of impact on flotation operations; thus, higher requirements for the comprehensive utilization of sulfide ore resources have been proposed. This study summarizes the influences of low temperature and low pressure on the flotation of sulfide ore in high-altitude areas of China: Low temperatures will affect the dissolution, diffusion, foaming, and interaction with the mineral surface of the agent in the slurry. Low temperatures can also slow down the rate of degradation of chemicals. A low-pressure environment is inconducive to the stable existence of flotation bubbles. The dissolved oxygen content in the pulp will decrease at high altitudes, which will affect the pulp potential and thus affect the flotation separation results of sulfide ores. Harsh environmental conditions will also affect the power of the equipment and the work efficiency of personnel, reduce the working life of the equipment, and endanger human health and safety. Combined with the existing research and analysis, some technologies and methods suitable for the flotation of sulfide ores in high-altitude areas are discussed from the aspects of pharmaceutical equipment and process. For example, by adjusting the composition and molecular structure of the flotation reagent, the low-temperature adaptability and environmental protection of the reagent can be improved. The improvement of flotation machines in high-altitude areas and the adjustment of the flotation dosing equipment and slurry heat exchange system can better realize automatic control. Research on motor equipment in high-altitude areas is conducted to reduce flotation operation costs and improve work efficiency. The original flotation process is adjusted, and the flotation efficiency is improved by moving the dosing site forward and combining the column flotation machine with new processes. Prospects for the future development direction of flotation of sulfide ores in high-altitude areas are considered. From the aspects of reagent structure transformation and the combination of multiple reagents, the adaptability and degradability of flotation reagents in different environments are improved. New equipment and processes need to be actively developed to further reduce environmental pollution, improve the resource utilization efficiency of sulfide ores, and achieve the efficient and comprehensive utilization of nonferrous sulfide ore resources while protecting the ecological environment in high-altitude areas.