Structural and phase transformations of sulfide mineral surfaces irradiated by nanosecond electromagnetic pulses

The effect of high-voltage nanosecond electromagnetic pulses on the phase composition of chalcopyrite and sphalerite surfaces is investigated by IR-Fourier spectroscopy, XPS, and UVS. Electromagnetic pulse treatment results in the formation and accumulation of copper and/or iron sulphates Me _x (SO₄) _y in superficial chalcopyrite layers, zinc sulphate ZnSO₃, and carbonate ZnCO₃ on sphalerite surfaces, changing their electrochemical and physicochemical properties; i.e., a rise in electrode potentials creates favorable conditions for anionic collector sorption and promotes sulfide flotation activity.