Abstract: A binder composition and method for its use to bind metal ores in a pelletizing process is disclosed. The composition includes the use of superabsorbent cross-linked polymers alone or in combination with at least one of the materials chosen from linear water-soluble vinyl addition polymers and polysaccharides.

Abstract: A method of preventing and inhibiting scale on solid surfaces in contact with mineral processing waters which comprises treating such waters with a scale preventing or inhibiting amount of a composition comprising:______________________________________ Ingredients % By Weight ______________________________________ A. Polyacrylic acid 25-65 B. An acrylic acid lower alkyl acrylate ester 25-65 copolymer which contains from 1-6 carbon atoms in the alkyl group C. An acrylamide terpolymer which contains 0-30 from 1-80 mole % of acrylic acid and from 1-50 mole % of an alkyl sulfonate substituted acrylamide wherein the alkyl group contains from 1-6 carbon atoms ______________________________________with polymers A, B, and C having a molecular weight range between 1,000 to 50,000.

Abstract: A process for thickening gold ore slurries or slimes for gold purification which comprises adding to such gold ore slimes an effective amount of flocculant comprising a terpolymer containing 5-35 mole % 2-AMPS, 5-45 mole % sodium acrylate and 50-90 mole % acrylamide, said terpolymer having an RSV of at least 20.

Abstract: A method and composition for producing a more coarse alumina trihydrate crystal in a Bayer process pregnant liquor, involving the addition of approximately 5-400 mg/l of surfactant-oil, the oil dissolving the surfactant which can be selected from a host of surfactants which are stable in (hot) caustic solutions and capable of dispersing hydrophobic liquids in the Bayer liquor. The preferred embodiment involves the use of tall-oil fatty acids; a number of equivalent surfactants are established. The oil or hydrocarbon (hydrophobic) liquid can be selected from paraffinic oils, naphthenic oils, mineral seal oils, fuel oils, and bottoms or residue from a C.sub.10 alcohol distillation.

Abstract: The following inorganic compounds of iron, when added to Bayer process liquors, form a precipitate of the finely divided iron present in:A. Ferric oxide;B. Ferrous salts; orC. Ferrous salts in combination with ferric oxide.The precipitate is removed using a polymeric flocculating agent. This treatment reduces iron levels below those obtained using other iron removal treatments.