Amax Incorporated

Raul M Hoover

Guy W Lussiez

Hugh F Reid

Undigested matte particles in autoclave leach residues containing iron oxide are separated from iron oxide by subjecting an aqueous slurry thereof to flotation without the use of a flotation reagent by bubbling air therethrough to form a froth containing said undigested matte particles which is recycled for further leaching and provide an iron oxide-containing tails which is removed and discarded.

Flotation separation of iron oxide from undigested matte particles

A method is disclosed of separating a suspension of fine tailings particles from a material of value in a liquid medium which comprises, adding a small but effective amount of fluocculant to said liquid medium while mixing said liquid medium and continuing said mixing to effect flocculation of said fine tailings particles, passing said liquid medium containing said flocculated particles to a rotating pelletizing drum and subjecting said medium to the rotational action of said drum to pelletize said flocculated tailings particles, thickening said pelletized tailings particles to provide an underflow of said pelletized tailings particles, and disposing said pelletized tailings particles.

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Arvada, CO, United States of America

Raul M Hoover