Fine, coarse and fine-coarse particle flotation in mineral processing with a particular focus on the technological assessments

Abstract

After more than a century applying flotation to the mining industry, two completely different strategies have been introduced for processing purposes. One is the classical approach viz. grinding the ores to a certain extent and floating them via conventional mechanical and recently pneumatic cells e.g. Jameson and ImhoflotTM cells. This strategy continuous because mines face up to declining cut-off grades, complex and poly-mineralized ores, and they require to achieve an acceptable degree of mineral liberation. The other school of mind deals with the coarse particle processes mainly owing to the low energy needs, that includes flash, fluidized bed and HydroFloatTM cells. The third and newest system proposes processing both fine and coarse sizes by flotation machines like oscillating grid flotation (OGC) and Reflux flotation cells. The present paper endeavours to critically evaluate these concepts from several points of view including existing technological elaborations, water and energy usages, kinetics and circuit design. Brief introduction of advanced technologies, along with their applications, were presented. It was revealed that the incorporation of coarse grinding apparatuses, mineralogical techniques together with the technologically applicable classification systems and adapted simulator tools are urgent needs for coarse flotation as the future requirements for mining industries. However, fine particle flotation may remain as the main focus of re-processing tailings dams.