Abstract:The influence of different poly(ethylene glycol) alkyl ethers (C_nH_2n+1O(C₂H₄O)_mH, C_nE_m) on flotation of carbonaceous copper shale mixed with quartz as a gangue mineral was investigated. The results show that all of the ethers C₄E₁, C₄E₂, C₄E₃, C₂E₂, C₆E₂ investigated can be used for the flotation of carbonaceous copper shale. The best selectivity of separation in the flotation of the carbonaceous copper shale and quartz mixture is obtained with the C₄E₂ and C₂E₂ ethers. The obtained data can be used for developing separation of organic carbon present in carbonaceous shale at a rougher flotation stage on an industrial scale.

Key words: flotation; frother; selectivity; shale; quartz; poly(ethylene glycol) alkyl ethers