Separation of Molybdenite from Copper Sulfides Concentrate by Thioglycolic Acid as a Depressant

Separation of molybdenite from copper sulfides concentrate BY thioglycolic acid (TGA) as a depressant of copper and iron sulfides was investigated. The results showed that the consumption amount of TGA was lower (3-3.5 kg per ton of feed) than that of sodium sulfide, which is more than 14 kg per ton of feed. It was found as a very effective depression for copper and iron sulfides. The final grade and recovery of molybdenite reached to 56% and 96%, respectively, while the copper and iron grades were about 0.26% and 0.56% respectively. These values are desirable for molybdenite concentrate and are in the standard range.