Title: Enhancing Precious Metal Recovery From Copper Sulfide Ores Through Advanced Flotation Strategies
Authors: Mutalibkhonov S.S., Kholikulov D.B., Khudoymuratov Sh.J., Musurmankulova A.S.
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 138-142
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
The declining grade and increasing mineralogical complexity of copper sulfide ores have intensified the need for more efficient flotation strategies capable of maximizing copper recovery while minimizing the loss of associated precious metals to tailings. This review critically synthesizes recent advances in copper sulfide flotation, with particular emphasis on collector optimization, selective pH and pulp potential control, fine-particle recovery, and the recovery of gold and silver associated with chalcopyrite and pyrite phases. The analysis demonstrates that combined collector systems, including xanthate-dithiophosphate mixtures and synergistic co-collectors, can improve flotation selectivity and maintain high copper recovery at substantially reduced reagent dosages. Controlled activation with copper sulfate and staged adjustment of pulp chemistry further enhance the selective separation of valuable sulfide minerals. Particular attention is given to fine and ultrafine particles, which remain a major source of copper and precious-metal losses because of their low collision probability with conventional flotation bubbles, surface oxidation, and poor flotation kinetics. Recent developments in nanobubble-assisted flotation show considerable potential for improving fine-particle attachment, hydrophobic agglomeration, flotation kinetics, and overall recovery. Process mineralogical studies further indicate that gold and silver recovery is strongly governed by their association with chalcopyrite and pyrite, highlighting the importance of liberation characteristics and host-mineral flotation behavior. The reviewed evidence suggests that an integrated strategy combining process mineralogy, optimized reagent schemes, staged pH control, and advanced fine-particle flotation technologies can significantly improve copper and precious-metal recovery while reducing valuable metal losses and the environmental risks associated with sulfide-bearing tailings. Future research should prioritize pilot-scale validation of nanobubble systems, real-time mineralogical control, data-driven reagent optimization, and the development of environmentally compatible flotation reagents.