Abstract

The use of saline water in mining is an important alternative to the process, since it allows the viability of industries that have little access to water resources, but this also mitigates significant environmental impacts since it exempts electricity use in desalination. Whit this, the aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of different types of saline water on the kinetics of flotation, recovery and grade of copper sulphide ores. In the experiments distilled water, sea water, and seawater with calcium and magnesium removal were used. All tests were carried out at the same solid concentration, collectors, and frothers. The ore used, from a local mining, has as one of the main challenges to improve the performance of molybdenite flotation with major depression of pyrite.