Transport of fibrous gangue mineral networks to froth by bubbles in flotation separation

Flotation beneficiation of ores containing fibrous minerals is highly problematic due to transport of such gangue minerals from pulp to the froth phase. Earlier studies have attributed such transport to the entrainment of fibrous minerals. In this work, this problem is investigated for the case of flotation of ultramafic Ni ore with fibrous serpentines (Mg silicates) interfering with their separation. Serpentines are proposed to form large (-1-2 cm) networks in pulp and thus unlikely to be transported by entrainment. Various simulation based studies suggest that the networks are stable under the dynamic flotation conditions. Furthermore, the pores in the networks are relatively small (e.g. <201 mu m-SEM studies) for the bubbles (1-2 mm) to penetrate through the network of fibers in the pulp. This leads to the hypothesis that bubbles which cannot penetrate through the network accumulate below the network in the pulp with the buoyancy force of the bubbles thrusting the network to the froth phase. Model system studies were carried out with nylon fibers of size similar to that of serpentines. The phenomenon of bubble-flux driven transport of fibrous serpentines was clear from the model system studies, and is proposed to be the key mechanism of transport of fibrous serpentines to flotation concentrate. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V.