Influence of liquid phase and products of its radiolysis on surface properties of pyrite and arsenopyrite

A feasibility study has been made on improving the contrast of processing p roperties of pyrite and arsenopyrite, irradiated by accelerated electrons, when these minerals are in the form of neutral, weakly alkaline, and alkali ne aqueous suspensions. It has been shown that as a consequence of change i n the surface composition, sorption species, and quantity of adsorbed xanth ate and its derivatives, the contrast of flotation properties of pyrite and arsenopyrite can be increased by regulating the irradiation dose of the mi neral suspension.