Investigation of surface properties of gangue minerals in platinum bearing ores

Martinovic, J., Bradshaw, D. and Harris, P. (2004). Investigation of surface properties of gangue minerals in platinum bearing ores. In: , Proceedings of: International Platinum Conference: Platinum Adding Value. International Platinum Conference: Platinum Adding Value, Sun City, South Africa, (151-158). 3-7 October 2004.

Author Martinovic, J.
Bradshaw, D.
Harris, P.
Title of paper Investigation of surface properties of gangue minerals in platinum bearing ores
Conference Paper Type Fully Published Paper
Conference name International Platinum Conference: Platinum Adding Value
Conference location Sun City, South Africa
Conference dates 3-7 October 2004
Proceedings title Proceedings of: International Platinum Conference: Platinum Adding Value
Place published Johannesburg
Publisher The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Publication date 2004
ISBN 9781919783673
Start page 151
End page 158
Total pages 8
Abstract/Summary The large proportion of gangue minerals present in platinum bearing ores in South Africa provides challenges to the flotation and down stream processes. In order to take effective measures to reduce their recovery in flotation an understanding of the mechanisms and factors influencing their behaviour is needed. Typical gangue minerals are pyroxene, feldspar, quartz, chromite and talc. Of these, talc is a naturally hydrophobic mineral and although it is present in relatively small quantities, it has a disproportionate effect as it has a strong froth stabilizing effect, increasing the recovery of other gangue minerals by entrainment. Talc recovery is effectively reduced with the addition of polymeric depressants. Although the other gangue minerals are assumed to be hydrophilic and their recovery by entrainment is expected to follow the water recovery, there is some evidence that they may be activated by the typical reagent suites used. Reagents such as copper sulphate, added as an activator, and collectors are used to selectively induce hydrophobicity on the sulphides. It has been shown that some of these gangue minerals can be activated. This research work investigates whether inadvertent copper activation is mineral specific and evaluates the mechanisms and factors affecting the reversal of activation with the addition of the depressants using electrokinetic measurements, adsorption and microflotation tests. Results are presented that show that the selected minerals do respond differently and that the reversal of activation is dependent on mineral type, depressant type, dosage and ionic strength of the electrolyte.
Subjects 0403 Geology
Keyword Gangue minerals
Platinum bearing ores -South Africa
Entrainment
Q-Index Code EX

Document type: Conference Paper
Sub-type: Fully Published Paper
Collections: Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre Publications
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Created: Mon, 25 Jan 2010, 12:43:05 EST by Ms Therese Nolan-brown on behalf of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre