Flotation of sulphide minerals
US6945407B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB03D2203/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a process and an apparatus for flotation of sulphide minerals, such as sulphide minerals hosted in ores rich in magnesium minerals. The process involves grinding of the nickel ore rich in magnesium minerals and thereafter separation of the ground material into a coarse and fine stream of particles coarser than about 30 microns and finer than about 30 microns, respectively. Optionally, the fines stream may be further separated into a slimes fraction. The coarse and fine flotation streams are then fit to separate parallel flotation circuits. Acid and/or activator is added during flotation of the coarse stream only. Significantly improved recoveries and grades were obtained with reduced acid consumption.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.