Flotation of sulfide mineral species with oils
AssigneeVersitech Limited
InventorsTom L. Young, Michael G. Greene, Kathy Bauer, Norman R. Reber, Sharon K. Young
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Abstract
This invention is directed to the use of non-sulfur containing compounds as collectors in the froth flotation of certain mineral sulfide and metallic compounds. These non-sulfur-containing compounds may be from natural sources, such as vegetable oils, or synthesized commercial sources. These non-sulfide collectors can be used singularly, in combinations, and in mixtures with known commercial sulfur containing collectors. These non-sulfur-containing collectors are compatible with common frothers.
Claims25
A method for beneficiation of a mineral sulfide-containing material by air-injection froth flotation in the presence of a collector, the method comprising:
- a) providing an aqueous slurry of the mineral sulfide-containing material;
- b) adding a selective collector to the slurry in an amount less than about 100 g/ton of the mineral sulfide-containing material, the collector comprising:
- at least one oil selected from the group consisting of:
- 1) a natural oil or synthesized oil comprising:
- A) triglycerides containing fatty acids of only 20 carbons or less, or
- B) an ester made from a fatty acid and an alcohol;
- and
- 2) an essential oil;
- and
- a sulfur-containing sulfide mineral flotation promoter selected from the group consisting of xanthates, thionocarbamates, dithiophosphates, mercaptans, and combinations thereof;
- c) selectively floating the mineral sulfide by injecting air and selectively allowing the mineral sulfides to adhere to the air bubbles;
- and
- d) removing the mineral.
A method for beneficiation of a metallic species of gold, silver, copper, palladium, platinum, iridium, osmium, rhodium or ruthenium by air-injection froth flotation in the presence of a collector, the method comprising:
- a) providing an aqueous slurry of a material containing the metallic species, the material being derived from any ore, concentrate, residue, slag, or waste;
- b) adding a selective collector to the slurry in an amount less than about 100 g per ton of material containing metallic species, the collector comprising:
- at least one oil selected from the group consisting of:
- 1) a natural oil or synthesized oil comprising:
- A) triglycerides containing fatty acids of only 20 carbons or less, or
- B) an ester made from a fatty acid and an alcohol;
- and
- 2) an essential oil;
- and
- a sulfur-containing sulfide mineral flotation promoter selected from the group consisting of xanthates, thionocarbamates, dithiophosphates, mercaptans, and combinations thereof;
- c) selectively floating the metallic species by injecting air and selectively allowing the mineral sulfides to adhere to the air bubbles;
- and
- d) recovering the metallic species.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.