Mineral separation using functionalized membranes

An apparatus comprising:

• first processing means having a functionalized polymer coated member, an attachment zone, and a first inlet to receive a mixture containing fluid and mineral particles into the attachment zone, the attachment zone arranged for placement of the functionalized polymer coated member, the functionalized polymer coated member comprising a surface coated with a hydrophobic silicone polymer having molecules to attach to the mineral particles in the mixture, the first processing means further arranged to provide an enriched functionalized polymer coated member having the mineral particles attached thereto;
• and
• second processing means in communication with the first processing means, the second processing means having a second inlet to receive water and the enriched functionalized polymer coated member in a release zone to release the mineral particles from the enriched functionalized polymer coated member, the second processing means further arranged to provide the mineral particles released from the enriched functionalized polymer coated member.