Collecting agents for use in the froth flotation of silica- containing ores

摘要

A new froth flotation collecting agent and an improved flotation process for beneficiating silica-containing ores, particularly phosphate ores, are provided. In the process, silica particles are selectively separated, by froth flotation, as a froth phase from mineral particles, particularly phosphate particles, remaining in an aqueous concentrate phase in the presence of a silica-activating ion and a mixed collecting agent containing an anionic collector and a cationic collector.