Reagents used for batch flotation tests were Aeroxanthate-343 & 350, Dow Z-6, & reagent-4037 (from Benambra)
as copper collectors; Na2SiO3 & Na2S2O3as gangue depressants; lime & HCl as pH regulators; and pine oil & MIBC
(methyl isobutyl carbinol) as flotation frothers. A Denver Sub A flotation cell of capacity 250 gms was used for the
batch flotation experiments. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for copper assays and microscopy
for selectivity and liberation studies. Melbourne tap water was used throughout the experiments. Unless
otherwise stated, the following parameters apply to the flotation experiments: flotation impeller speed - 1300 rpm,
pulp density during flotation- 22%, reagents addition - in 4 stages, total conditioning time for collectors - 8
minutes, total flotation time- 9 minutes. A variable quantity of copper mineral collector according to the test in
question was added, then conditioned the pulp for 2 minutes. The froth was removed by hand, scraping the full
length of the cell at constant depth every 10 seconds. No frother is required for this copper tailing flotation. Four
concentrates were collected after addition of collector and conditioning at 2,4,6 and 9 minutes. The pulp volume
was maintained at a constant level to yield a constant froth depth.