Flotation innovation is another hot topic at next week’s SME Annual Conference & Expo in Denver, including a joint talk from Solvay and Freeport-McMoRan. They state: “Optimal flotation circuit performance is an integral part of attaining the highest possible degree  of mineral separation. The performance of a flotation circuit is influenced by particle size, water chemistry, equipment, and mineralogy of the ore. Each orebody presents its own set of challenges, requiring a unique chemical scheme to maintain optimum recovery and concentrate grade levels. Creating unique, customised chemistry blends involves a significant amount of planning, lab work, plant trialling, and data analysis.”

However, the two companies added that with cooperation between metallurgical and operations teams, such a challenge is attainable. A customised frother blend, OREPREP® F-717, was jointly developed by Solvay and Morenci personnel for Freeport-McMoRan’s Morenci copper concentrator in an effort to address opportunities to improve metallurgical  performance. “This paper addresses the  successful development and implementation of OREPREP®  F-717 at Morenci and its subsequent performance in the plant. OREPREP® F-717 improved froth mineralisation and mobility, thereby improving both coarse and fine particle recovery while avoiding detrimental downstream effects.”