Flotasjon

Flotasjon is a process used to separate valuable minerals from waste rock. It relies on the differences in the surface properties of the particles. In a flotation cell, finely ground ore is mixed with water and specific chemicals called collectors. These collectors attach to the surface of the desired mineral particles, making them hydrophobic or water-repelling. Air is then bubbled through the mixture. The hydrophobic mineral particles attach to the air bubbles and rise to the surface, forming a froth. This froth, containing the concentrated minerals, is then skimmed off. Other chemicals, called frothers, help stabilize the froth, while modifiers can be used to enhance or suppress the flotation of certain minerals. The process is widely used in the mining industry for the concentration of ores like copper, lead, zinc, and gold. It is an efficient method for recovering fine-grained minerals that might be lost through other separation techniques. The effectiveness of flotation depends on careful control of factors such as particle size, pH, reagent dosage, and air flow.