Publikationsrepositorium - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

The “OptimOre” project, as part of the EU Horizon 2020, proposes the research and development of improved modelling and control technologies of tantalum and tungsten ore processing using advanced sensing and artificial intelligence techniques. The Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology is responsible for the Work Package „Froth flotation”.
Within the frame of the OptimOre project, a lab scale froth flotation study was conducted on the tailings of the Barruecopardo mine (Spain) with scheelite as the main tungsten-bearing mineral and a feed grade of 0,025% tungsten. Barruecopardo is part of the world-class tungsten deposits and is being redeveloped for mining.
The reagent system is the main focus of this study, with an emphasis on the influence of depressant combinations aimed at depressing silicates in the gangue. Two collectors at four dosages, two frothers and four depressant combinations were tested at two different pH.
The results show that a higher pH usually stabilizes the froth regardless of the frother and increases the mass pull but does not impact the tungsten recovery. The depressant combination is highly relevant in grade, as expected, but also in recovery. It can hinder it badly or increase it tremendously. Furthermore, the performance of the first collector without depressant is significantly higher than after adding depressant. On the contrary, the second collector that performed poorly in a depressant-less environment yields the best results in presence of depressants. The presence of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) enhances that effect. Possible interpretations for these observations are given.