Galvanic interactions of sulfide minerals in leaching of flotation concentrate from Lubin concentrator

The study investigates the galvanic interactions of sulfide minerals during the leaching of flotation concentrates from the Lubin Concentrator in Poland. The primary objective is to analyze the rest potential of copper sulfide electrodes and pyrite, which are significant components of copper ores from this region. Methodologically, measurements were conducted in both deoxygenated and oxygen-saturated sulfuric acid solutions containing Fe(III) ions. The results reveal significant galvanic interactions between copper sulfides and pyrite, particularly when short-circuited, highlighting a notable potential difference. Mineralogical analysis indicates that the Lubin polymineral copper concentrate is predominantly composed of chalcocite and bornite, with chalcopyrite and covellite present as minor constituents. The findings suggest that pyrite enhances the kinetics of copper leaching from the concentrate due to the observed galvanic interactions, which could have implications for improving the efficiency of copper recovery in flotation processes. This research contributes to understanding the complex interactions in copper sulfide systems and their impact on leaching performance.