Selective flotation of magnesite from calcite using potassium cetyl phosphate as a collector in the presence of sodium silicate

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In this communication, we report the flotation behavior of magnesite and calcite using potassium cetyl phosphate (PCP) as a novel anionic collector. The results of the single mineral experiments showed an excellent natural selectivity between the two minerals unlike the flotation of their binary mixture that required the use of sodium silicate as a modifier. Results from zeta potential measurements are also reported in relation to the adsorption mechanism of this selective flotation system. It has been concluded that PCP is an appropriate collector for the flotation separation of magnesite from calcite.