Abstract: Moderate surface oxidation can improve the effect of sulfuration flotation of cuprite. The effect of sodium hypochlorite on sulfuration flotation of cuprite was investigated by single mineral flotation test,and the mechanism of sodium hypochlorite enhanced sulfuration flotation of cuprite was discussed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mineral surface Zeta potential measurement. The results show that compared with direct sulfuration flotation,sodium hypochlorite can increase the sulfuration flotation recovery rate of copper by 8. 95 percentage points,and sodium hypochlorite can promote the oxidation of Cu(Ⅰ) component on the surface of copper to Cu(Ⅱ) component,which can enhance the reactivity of copper component and sulfuration agent,and strengthen the sulfuration effect of copper. It can promote the sulfide flotation of cuprite.

Key words: cuprite,sulfuration flotation,oxidizing agent,enhanced sulfuration,surface adsorption