Identifying opportunities for the selective flocculation-flotation of fine valuable minerals: A techno-economic analysis

Abstract

Selective flocculation-flotation represents a potential approach for overcoming some of the challenges associated with fine particle recovery during froth flotation. To identify key opportunities and limitations for the implementation of selective flocculation-flotation, this work presents a techno-economic analysis of its application with the use of three reference plants: the Mt. Keith nickel plant, Los Colorados (Escondida) copper concentrator, and Fresnillo lead mine. Three main scenarios were examined: direct addition of flocculant to the existing flotation circuit; split flotation, where the fines are treated by flocculation-flotation while coarser particles are treated conventionally ..