Flotation of jarosites

The flotation of jarosites is a new problem which promises to be one of growing importance in the field of oxide flotation. In order to properly present the significance of this problem it will be necessary to discuss the rather peculiar position which is occupied by oxidized ores in the mineral industry and also the peculiarities of oxidized ores in their relation to methods of treatment. In nearly every mining district the upper or weathered portion of the ore deposits contain oxidized minerals. The depth and extent of the oxidized zone depends upon many geological, topographical, and olimatical conditions. Oxidation has reached great depths in many of the mining districts of the arid western United States. For instance, in the Tintic district of Utah, the zone of oxidation extends to a depth of at least 1,500 feet, end is known to be much deeper in many mines. Outstanding tonnages of oxidized ores occur especially In the states of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. These oxidized zones represent every gradation in value content from those in which the valuable minerals have been almost completely leeched, (to the re-deposited in the zone of secondary enrichment) through those in which the valuable minerals are present but converted to oxide forms, to those in which there has been a high concentration of values in the oxidized zone.