The Use of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) in the Flotation of a Platinum-Group-Minerals-Bearing Merensky Ore

Water scarcity is compelling mining houses to not only recycle process water but also identify alternative sources of make-up in concentrators. South Africa has significant volumes acid mine drainage (AMD) generated from vast operations. This study investigated the viability using AMD as a replacement for potable flotation platinum-group-minerals (PGM)-bearing Merensky ore. Rougher and cleaner testwork was conducted at laboratory scale compare performances (baseline water), treated with Ca(OH)2, Veolia process. analysis showed that three types differed pH, hardness, conductivity, total dissolved solids. The results Ca(OH)2 detrimental PGM recovery compared depressant dosages 50 g/t. Specifically, achieved rougher 67.8%, while 88.4%. Depressant dosage optimisation treatment were potential strategies mitigate effects on performance 70.8%. Thus, beneficial, though base metal sulphides (BMS) recoveries still lower than those water. Reducing 25 g/t resulted highest PGM, Cu, Ni 91%, 60.2%, 58%, respectively. outperformed terms BMS concentrate grades, indicating replace ore processing plants. important achieve superior metallurgical when Ca(OH)2. use plants conserves freshwater minerals reduces high contaminated effluents.