Abstract: There are provided compositions and processes for enhancing the initial and long term shear strength and initial tip stability of process wastes. The process wastes are aqueous dispersions such as the slurry tailings from mining operations. The compositions are comprised of the process waste, cement and a water absorbent polymer which is a mixture of Mannich acrylamide polymers and dimethyldiallyammonium halide polymers.

Abstract: Collector compositions for use in froth flotation processes for the beneficiation of gold, silver and platinum group values from base metal ores are disclosed. The collector compositions comprise at least one dithiophosphate compound of the formula: ##STR1## and at least one allylalkylthionocarbamate of the formula: ##STR2## wherein each R is, individually, a C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alkyl radical. The use of the collector combination provides excellent selective recovery of the gold, silver and platinum group metal values into froth flotation processes conducted under neutral to alkaline conditions.

Abstract: Collector compositions for use in froth flotation processes for the beneficiation of gold and silver values from base metal sulfide ores are disclosed. The collector compositions comprise at least one mercaptobenzothiazole compound selected from compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl or a C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alkoxy radical. The use of the substituted mercaptobenzothiazole collectors provides excellent metallurgical recoveries of gold and silver values in froth flotation processes conducted over a broad range of pH conditions including acid, neutral and mildly alkaline pH.

Abstract: An improved method of separating non-sulfide value minerals from non-sulfide ores is disclosed. The improved method includes the step of adding a depressant selective for siliceous gangue minerals and materials to a flotation slurry previously conditioned with an anionic collector. In preferred embodiments, the depressants comprise copolymers or terpolymers derived from acrylamide units and N-acrylamidoglycolic acid units. The method provides generally improved recoveries of non-sulfide value minerals at higher grade, in a reduced number of flotation steps and at reduced consumption levels of flotation reagents.