Applicability of Electrostatic Separation on Talc-Containing Mineral Samples for Production of a High-Grade Talc Concentrate in Comparison to Flotation

Abstract

In the course of this study, the applicability of electrostatic separation and flotation for processing a mineral sample rich in talc was examined. The aim was a comparison of those two separation processes and the concentrates obtained. Furthermore the separation behaviour of the silicates and carbonates was a goal of the examination. The electrostatic separation test work was conducted with a triboelectric belt separator. The feed, an artificially prepared mineral sample, was composed of four components: talc, quartz, dolomite, and magnesite. The lab scale test work was done exclusively at the Chair of Mineral Processing, Montanuniversitaet Leoben, Austria.