Selective flocculation, magnetic separation, and flotation of ores

摘要

Low-grade, finely disseminated, ores that are not readily amenable to conventional flotation can be upgraded by a selective flocculation- magnetic separation-flotation process. Non-magnetic particles in such an ore can be selectively flocculated either by iron particles in the ore that contain residual magnetite or by the addition of a finely ground magnetic concentrate to the ore. The selectively flocculated pulp is then passed through a magnetic separator for the rejection of siliceous gangue. Depending on the grade of the magnetic concentrates, either cationic or anionic silica flotation may be applied for further upgrading.