Synergistic effects of sulfidization flotation on malachite enrichment: a review.

Malachite and other copper oxide minerals are important copper resources that support industrial development and national defence. Flotation is the most widely used and effective method for enriching oxidized copper ores, and sulfidization has been increasingly employed to improve flotation performance. This review summarizes the sulfidization pathways on the malachite surface, the formation of reactive sulfide species, the factors influencing sulfidization, and the regulation of surface hydrophobicity. Various analytical techniques are reviewed to elucidate the sulfidization behaviour and morphological evolution of malachite from multiple perspectives. Sulfidization flotation primarily includes sulfidization-xanthate flotation and the combined use of sulfidizing and activation agents, both of which significantly improve flotation performance. The mechanisms by which activation agents enhance sulfidization are also discussed based on the sulfidization process of malachite. In addition, various activation mechanisms are analysed, the activation pathways and products are discussed, and the morphological and chemical changes occurring during sulfidization are described. These insights are crucial for optimizing reagent dosages and identifying optimal treatment conditions to enhance mineral recovery. Therefore, future research on sulfidization technologies for oxidized copper ores should focus on addressing existing knowledge gaps and developing sustainable reagent systems. Such efforts will provide theoretical guidance for improving the flotation performance and industrial utilization of oxidized copper ores.