Stage-wise flotation for the removal of colored minerals from feldspathic slimes using laboratory scale Jameson cell

Abstract

Fifteen percent of the total number of ores to be supplied to feldspar flotation facilities is generally comprised of fine particles under 38 μm in size. Upgrading of these particles by current commercial beneficiation methods poses an environmental threat besides causing economic losses. In this study, an attempt was made to remove gang minerals containing Fe and Ti from a feldspathic slime sample (−38 μm) using laboratory scale Jameson flotation cell in the presence of both anionic BD-15 and cationic G-TAP collectors. The finely sized ore was successfully upgraded to produce Na-feldspar suitable for ceramics industry. A Na-feldspar concentrate assaying 0.18% Fe 2O 3 + TiO 2 from a slime sample containing 1.06% Fe 2O 3 + TiO 2 at 50% recovery was obtained.