Ausmelt limited has developed and patented a range of alkyl hydroxamates for use as collector reagents in mineral flotations systems. The most effective reagent is potassium n-octyl hydroxamate, termed AM2, which has been manufactured in multi-tonne quantities using an environmentally friendly aqueous based reaction route. AM2 has a stabilised hydroxamate structure which results in strong and selective surface chelation during its application as a flotation reagent. It is used as a 20 percent solution in dilute potassium hydroxide as a flotation collector for oxidised base metal sulphides, precious metals (Ag, Au, PGM) plus copper metal and lithophile metal oxides. Extensive trials have shown that AM2 is synergistic with sulphide collectors and has great promise for upgrading oxidised minerals and mine tailings. As such its development represents a major advance in flotation technology.
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