Iron Ore Slimes Flotation Tests Using Column and Amidoamine Collector without Depressant

This work describes the concentration of iron ore slimes on a pilot scale by using 500-mm diameter flotation column and novel collector, which renders use depressant unnecessary. The was operated in series with industrial plant Vargem Grande 2 (Iron Quadrangle, Brazil) receiving, as feed, part underflow from desliming thickener. These tests represented only rougher stage circuit. collector used an amidoamine (average dosage 160 g/t), were carried out absence starch, at pH 10.5 bubbles/microbubbles generated cavitation tube. It possible to achieve concentrate, reverse flotation, average content 53% metallurgical recovery 91.5% silica froth 53.1% for one flotation. high variability slime characteristics rendered difficult stabilization SiO2 recovery; however, applicability proven. In circuit, online analyzers Fe adoption control logics based adjustment parameters such reagents washing water flow rate should contribute optimization results obtained tests. Further studies adding cleaner be performed.