Surfactin as an alternative microbial collector to oleate in magnesite-quartz selective flotation

Abstract

ABSTRACT The interactions of some microorganisms and microbial metabolites with the mineral surface are still being studied thanks to biotechnological advances. Studies on the usability of such microorganisms and metabolites in flotation are gradually increasing due to their potential to be eco-friendlier and more cost-effective alternatives. The primary goal of this research was to compare the ability of surfactin for magnesite-quartz separation as a collector in selective magnesite bioflotation to the results of classical flotation using oleate. In the experimental study, statistical experimental design methods were used. Mathematical models of the processes were created and also Gaudin selectivity indexes were calculated for both reagents. The feed, which contains approximately 19.70% SiO2, was cleaned with surfactin through one-stage magnesite flotation, reducing the silicate content to as low as 4.77%. Moreover, the efficiency and selectivity of magnesite flotation are retained by using surfactin even at high collector amounts and relatively low temperatures, unlike oleate.