Selective flocculation and floc-flotation of iron bearing mineral slimes

The mineral processing of friable iron ores usually generates ultrafine (smaller than 15 µm) particles, normally called slimes, which have a high grade and are disposed into tailings dam. traditional process techniques for ore do not work efficiently with ultrafines; however, selective flocculation is an alternative to concentrate that fraction. physical-chemical treatment slime was studied here, on bench scale, based the scientific foundations flotation. Samples slimes from two Brazilian plants (CEII VGII) industrial waters were used in tests. Complexometric titration calcium magnesium indicated adequate flocculation. Only flocculation, even under optimum conditions, did achieve good results. However, its use prior flotation led promising VGII sample has stood out, final achieved 60.1 % Fe, mass recovery 64.5 13.5 Fe tailing, resulting selectivity index 6.58, only one stage