Flotation Theory and Technology
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Editors
Prof. Dr. Xiong Tong
Prof. Dr. Xiong Tong
E-Mail
Website
Collection Editor
School of Land Resource Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
Interests: flotation reagents; utilization of refractory polymetallic mineral resources; tailings utilization; rare metals
Prof. Dr. Ye Chen
Prof. Dr. Ye Chen
E-Mail
Website
Collection Editor
School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Interests: flotation theory and technology; quantum chemistry research on mineral flotation; comprehensive utilization of mineral resources
Topical Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
Flotation, as a pivotal mineral separation technique, relies fundamentally on breakthroughs in its theoretical foundation and process innovations to enable the utilization of low-grade and complex mineral resources. The core of the flotation process hinges on the precise control of the physicochemical properties of mineral surfaces, achieving the efficient separation of target components through reagent–mineral–bubble interfacial interactions. In recent years, interfacial interaction mechanisms at the micro/nano scale, the efficient separation of low-grade/refractory ores, and green and intelligent transformation have emerged as central drivers advancing flotation technology. This Topical Collection focuses on groundbreaking progress in flotation fundamentals, novel flotation processes, the development of environmentally friendly flotation reagents, and intelligent mineral processing technologies. Original research papers encompassing flotation theory, processes, equipment, and interdisciplinary applications are solicited, with a particular interest in systematic innovations enabling the green development of low-grade mineral resources.
Prof. Dr. Jianhua Chen
Prof. Dr. Xiong Tong
Prof. Dr. Ye Chen
Collection Editors
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Keywords
- flotation
- reageat
- surface
- interface
- minerals
Published Papers (3 papers)
Open AccessArticle
Selective Screening of Efficient Chalcopyrite Depressants and Their Mechanisms in Copper–Molybdenum Separation
by
Lujing Liang, Jianhua Chen and Anruo Luo
Viewed by 113
Abstract
Molybdenum (Mo) is a strategic raw material for high-end equipment manufacturing, aerospace technologies, and advanced alloys, and approximately 50% of global molybdenum resources are hosted in porphyry Cu–Mo deposits. To address the long-standing challenge of selectively separating chalcopyrite and molybdenite by flotation, this
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Molybdenum (Mo) is a strategic raw material for high-end equipment manufacturing, aerospace technologies, and advanced alloys, and approximately 50% of global molybdenum resources are hosted in porphyry Cu–Mo deposits. To address the long-standing challenge of selectively separating chalcopyrite and molybdenite by flotation, this study screened five sulfur-containing organic depressants and investigated their effects on the flotation responses of the two minerals, motivated by the strong affinity of sulfur donor atoms for surface Cu sites on chalcopyrite. The results indicate that thiomalic acid, 4-hydroxythiobenzamide, and 6-methyl-2-thiouracil markedly depress chalcopyrite flotation, whereas 2-(methylthio)acetic acid and N-phenylthiourea exert only minor effects. In contrast, none of the five reagents significantly affects the floatability of molybdenite. Among these depressants, thiomalic acid exhibited the best selectivity. In practical Cu–Mo bulk concentrate flotation, it showed a clear dosage advantage at low addition levels and improved Cu–Mo separation performance; at a Mo recovery of 76.09% and a Mo grade of 5.45%, Cu recovery was reduced to 9.54%. The adsorption mechanism of thiomalic acid on chalcopyrite was further investigated using FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and self-consistent charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) calculations. The results suggest that thiomalic acid interacts strongly with surface Cu sites on chalcopyrite via its S- and O-containing functional groups, likely increasing surface hydrophilicity and inhibiting collector adsorption (and subsequent bubble attachment), thereby contributing to selective chalcopyrite depression.
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Open AccessArticle
Integrating Mineralogical Characterization with Central Composite Design (CCD) for Enhanced UG2 Flotation Performance
by
Tintswalo Benovelence Zanele Baloyi, Willie Nheta and Elvis Fosso Kankeu
Viewed by 149
Abstract
This study investigates the optimized recovery of platinum group metals (PGMs), particularly platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd), together with associated base metals from UG2 ore through an integrated mineralogical–statistical approach. Comprehensive characterization using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
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This study investigates the optimized recovery of platinum group metals (PGMs), particularly platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd), together with associated base metals from UG2 ore through an integrated mineralogical–statistical approach. Comprehensive characterization using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) established ore composition, textural features, and PGM distribution, revealing Ni (0.28%), Cu (0.04%), Zn (0.04%), Pb (0.06%), and major gangue components Si (17.65%), Fe (13.33%), and Cr (7.37%). ICP-OES further quantified 1.18 g/t Pt, 1.41 g/t Pd, and 0.05 g/t Au in the run-of-mine sample. These mineralogical insights informed the design of flotation experiments using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD), enabling systematic evaluation of dosages, pulp chemistry, and operating conditions. Optimal flotation parameters—collector dosages of 200–900 g/t, depressant dosages of 400–900 g/t, pulp pH of 8.5–9.5, and a flotation time of ~10 min—yielded recoveries ranging from 6.8% to 23.9% (Ni), 3.5% to 100% (Cu), 9.5% to 100% (Zn) and averaging 80.1% (Pb). Post-flotation ICP-OES confirmed significant enrichment of PGMs, with Pt reaching 12.00–16.50 g/t, Pd reaching 11.60–15.10 g/t, and Au reaching up to 0.47 g/t under optimal conditions. By explicitly coupling mineralogical characterization with CCD-based optimization, this work demonstrates a robust framework for enhancing UG2 flotation performance, offering practical pathways for improved economic viability, reagent efficiency, and sustainable resource utilization.
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Open AccessArticle
Application of Nanobubbles in the Flotation of Sulfide Minerals from Chilean Copper Porphyry Deposits
by
Andrés Ramírez-Madrid, Nicolás Araya, Leopoldo Gutierrez, Cristian Soto and Cristian Melipichún
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1009
Abstract
Nanobubbles have recently been proposed as a promising technology to enhance mineral flotation; however, their behavior in real ores with complex mineralogy remains poorly understood. This study evaluates the effect of nanobubbles on the flotation of copper sulfide ores from Chilean porphyry deposits
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Nanobubbles have recently been proposed as a promising technology to enhance mineral flotation; however, their behavior in real ores with complex mineralogy remains poorly understood. This study evaluates the effect of nanobubbles on the flotation of copper sulfide ores from Chilean porphyry deposits with contrasting clay contents. Two representative samples were analyzed: a low-clay-content ore (M1) and a high-clay-content ore (M2). Flotation tests were carried out in a 2.7 L forced-air cell, using kinetic experiments with and without nanobubbles and frother addition. The mineralogical composition was characterized by XRD and QEMSCAN, while SEM-EDS was used to analyze surface morphology and particle associations. The results showed that nanobubbles improved copper and molybdenum recoveries in M1 up to 7.5 and 20%, respectively, increasing both kinetics and final recovery, which was supported by SEM observations of clean surfaces and compact agglomerates. In contrast, in M2 the use of nanobubbles decreased flotation efficiency due to enhanced slime coating and the formation of non-selective agglomerates, which reduced the hydrophobicity of sulfide surfaces. Overall, this study demonstrates that the efficiency of nanobubbles strongly depends on ore mineralogy, offering advantages in clean systems but limitations in clay-rich ores, and highlights the need for mineral-specific strategies for their successful industrial application.
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