Regrinding Chemistry and Particle Breakage Mechanism in Increased Surface Hydrophobicity on Fine and Ultra-Fine Particles in Mineral Flotation (2011-2014)

This project deals with one of the most important problems confronting the mining industry: low flotation recovery of fine and ultra-fine particles by targeting the regrinding process. In an important new initiative, the effect of particle breakage mechanism and grinding chemistry on the redistribution of flotation collectors and the evolution of metal oxidation species on mineral surfaces during regrinding will be studied. New methodologies to increase the collector adsorption and reduce the metal oxidation species on the surfaces will be developed to improve fine and ultra-fine particle flotation. This project will also have a great impact on the reduction of cyanide consumption in gold leaching and energy consumption in grinding mills.