Flotation Theory and Technology
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Editors
Prof. Dr. Xiong Tong
Prof. Dr. Xiong Tong
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Guest 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
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
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- flotation
- reageat
- surface
- interface
- minerals
Published Papers (1 paper)
2025
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
Viewed by 141
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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