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Abstract
After the techniques for studying the alteration of surface and bulk properties of mineral particles caused by grinding have been presented, the influence of grinding media and environment on the surface properties, pulp chemistry and flotation behaviour of sulfide minerals is reviewed. It is shown that grinding media and environment affect the surface properties and floatability of sulfide minerals mainly through the following three aspects: electrochemical interaction, surface morphology and mechano-chemical reaction. When sulfides and grinding media are in contact with each other, galvanic cells are formed and redox reactions take place due to the differences in the open-circuit potentials of sulfide minerals and grinding media. The galvanic reactions are controlled by the mixed-potential principle. Materials with lower open-circuit potentials act as anodes and undergo surface oxidation. The floatability of sulfides and thereby the selectivity of separation can be either improved or deteriorated. Particle morphology and surface roughness in particular depend strongly on the grinding media and methods. Surface roughness exerts a great effect on the hydrophobicity of mineral particles. The possible effect of mechano-chemical reactions on the surface properties and Rotation behaviour of sulfides is also discussed. It is concluded that the selectivity of sulfide mineral separation from each other can be greatly improved by selecting proper grinding media and conditions.