High throughput flotation column process

A high efficiency process for the recovery of selected mineral particles from an ore utilizing a flotation column, the process comprising the steps of:

• introducing a fee stream comprising a slurry of the ore into an upper portion of the flotation column wherein the mineral particles therein substantially range between about 20 mesh (840 microns) and about 325 mesh (44 microns) in size;
• establishing and maintaining a net upward flow of water (negative) bias through a top portion of said flotation column between where the feed stream is introduced and the top of the column, said net upward flow being maintained at a value of greater than zero and less than about 0.7 centimeters/second by introducing a selected flow of water at the top of said column and withdrawing a selected flow of pulp at the bottom of said column with substantially no water being added to the column below the location of the feed introduction;
• establishing and maintaining an upwardly moving stream of diffuse air originating at a lower portion of said flotation column wherein said superficial air velocity is between about 0.5 and 2.0 centimeters/second;
• establishing and maintaining the percent solids in said flotation column between about 35 and 50%;
• establishing and maintaining column throughput of said slurry between about 1.8 and 4.0 tons/hour/square foot;
• establishing and maintaining an overflow of wash medium at the top of said flotation column wherein said overflow does not exceed 0.6 centimeters/second;
• and
• recovering said selected mineral particles from the top of said flotation column.