Cellulose-based derivatives as chemical aids for mineral enrichment in froth flotation

Abstract

Frother composition and method of concentrating minerals by flotation. The method comprises providing an aqueous slurry formed by the minerals in finely divided form in water; optionally adding a collector to render the mineral hydrophobic; subjecting the slurry thus obtained to flotation in a flotation cell aerated to form bubbles; and recovering the hydrophobic mineral particles together with the froth to form a concentrate. In the method, an amphiphilic cellulose derivative, is used as such or in combination with a second surfactant as a frother to promote the formation of a stable froth on top of the slurry in the flotation cell. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose are combined with at least one non-ionic organic surfactant or polyglycol esters, for providing a frother. The novel cellulose-based frothers can be used in mineral processing plants to allow for processing of larger quantities of minerals without significant modification of existing facilities.