Depression of lead-activated sphalerite by pyrite via ...
In practice, chalcopyrite and galena are floated first followed by sphalerite, so activation of sphalerite by Pb 2+ is an unwelcomed side reaction because it dramatically limits the separation of these three sulfide minerals by selective flotation. Co-existing gangue sulfide minerals like pyrite are also known to strongly affect the floatability of target minerals due to …