The Challenges and Prospects of Recovering Fine Copper Sulfides from Tailings Using Different Flotation Techniques: A Review

Flotation is a common mineral processing method used to upgrade copper sulfide ores; in this method, particles are concentrated froth, and associated gangue minerals separated as tailings. However, significant amount of lost into tailings during the processing; therefore, can be considered secondary resources or future deposits copper. Particle–bubble collision efficiency particle–bubble aggregate stability determines recovery target particles; attachment plays vital role selectivity process. The presence fine flotation circuit because excessive grinding, which achieve higher degree liberation. Complex ores markedly low grade further necessitate grinding maximum In process, due their small mass momentum unable collide with rising bubbles, rate very slow, lowering minerals. This mainly depends on size ratio concentration present pulp. To overcome problem maintain favorable ratio, different techniques have been employed by researchers enhance either increasing particle decreasing bubble size. article, mechanism tailing loss discussed detail. addition, methods for such microbubble flotation, column nanobubble polymer flocculation, shear oil agglomeration, carrier reviewed, applications limitations