Activators for nonsulphide compounds in froth floatation
· In the case of CuSO4 applied to ZnS, ZnS is about 20 times more soluble than CuS, so an exchange of ions will occur, with the copper going into the insoluble phase. Case 1 seems farfetched. Cases 2 and 3 are similar, and may occur simultaneously. The key is that the insoluble product is what sticks to the material that you want to float.