Back-calculating froth flotation rates of scheelite by size fractions and liberation classes : first results

This paper is part of an EU funded collaboration under the Horizon 2020 program on the optimization of mineral processing operations of European tungsten and tantalum complex low-grade ores, called OptimOre. There froth flotation is an important process especially for scheelite. It is a versatile mineral processing method, which still lacks of physical and chemical comprehensive, accurate and internationally recognized models. The work package on froth flotation within OptimOre is thus dedicated to developing improved fundamental flotation models with the help of advanced automated mineralogical analyses of the input and output streams of flotation cells.

Reliable flotation models can be potentially used to simplify and shorten lab testing procedures, better understand and predict ore behavior but also establish the potential recovery and grade of the targeted mineral(s).

A first step in fundamental flotation modelling is to obtain the flotation rates of minerals with respect to their size and liberation. This is achieved by back calculation of recovery rates typically under the assumption of a first-order rate process.

In this paper, froth flotation rates of scheelite are back-calculated by size fractions and liberation classes. Flotation parameters such as reagent regime, cell hydrodynamics and pulp and froth properties are systematically varied in properly designed experiments with measured effects on the bubble surface area flux. Finally these flotation rates are then used to critically assess several existing first principle flotation models (Yoon, Pyke and others), which are compared with each other in terms of applicability and limitations.

The scheelite bearing ore used for the experiments is from the Mittersill deposit (Austria). The particle properties (e.g. liberation, mineral composition) are studied with automated mineralogy (Mineral Liberation Analysis) as well as elemental assays by ICP-MS analyses. Froth flotation tests are conducted with a bottom-driven Magotteaux cell equipped with a bubble cam sizer and froth cam.