Nanobubble-Assisted Flotation of Apatite Tailings: Insights on Beneficiation Options

Processing of materials that originated from tailings industrial plants (with a wide range particle size distribution, “PSD”) without grinding has several advantages since mines are faced with lot pressure to minimize their environmental impacts. This article indicates the introduction submicron bubbles (known as nanobubbles, “NBs”) conventional flotation could improve separation efficiency valuable minerals associated gangue phases. It was demonstrated metallurgical responses (recovery, grade, selectivity, and kinetics) NB compared those tests. Various hydrodynamic cavitation setups for generation may lead different responses. In general, addition surfactants (frothers collectors) increase both mass water recoveries, which would be key factors on selectivity. Selectivity is also markedly dependent PSD feed, selectivity improved significantly by decreasing feed size. NBs in presence frother leads higher than collector.