Abstract: A method of using the synergy of multiple depressants to improve the depression of iron sulphide without compromising the recovery of the valuable sulphide minerals in the flotation of non-ferrous metal sulphides, while reducing or eliminating the use of environmentally problematic chemicals such as polyamines. The method has significant economic and environmental benefits. The multiple depressants comprise at least one organic polymer, at least one sulphur-containing compound and/or at least one nitrogen-containing organic compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing organic chemicals and organometallic complexes (organic heavy metal complexes) using zeolites from process water or tailings streams of a mineral processing plant where diethylenetriamine (DETA) or triethylenetetramine (TETA) is used as a flotation reagent and DETA-metal complexes are found in process water or tailings streams. The process water or slurry tailings streams of a mineral processing plant containing DETA, DETA-metal complexes and residual heavy metals may be contacted with natural zeolites. This may be carried out by adding the natural zeolites to the process streams or slurries while mixing with a mechanical mixer to efficiently adsorb DETA, DETA-metal complexes and heavy metals from the process streams on the zeolite. The loaded zeolite may then be discarded with the flotation tailings.

Abstract: A method of using the synergy of multiple depressants to improve the depression of iron sulphide without compromising the recovery of the valuable sulphide minerals in the flotation of non-ferrous metal sulphides, while reducing or eliminating the use of environmentally problematic chemicals such as polyamines. The method has significant economic and environmental benefits. The multiple depressants comprise at least one organic polymer, at least one sulphur-containing compound and/or at least one nitrogen-containing organic compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing organic chemicals and organometallic complexes (organic heavy metal complexes) using zeolites from process water or tailings streams of a mineral processing plant where diethylenetriamine (DETA) or triethylenetetramine (TETA) is used as a flotation reagent and DETA-metal complexes are found in process water or tailings streams. The process water or slurry tailings streams of a mineral processing plant containing DETA, DETA-metal complexes and residual heavy metals may be contacted with natural zeolites. This may be carried out by adding the natural zeolites to the process streams or slurries while mixing with a mechanical mixer to efficiently adsorb DETA, DETA-metal complexes and heavy metals from the process streams on the zeolite. The loaded zeolite may then be discarded with the flotation tailings.

Abstract: A mineral separation process includes wet-grinding the ore to liberation of minerals, oxidizing the slurry using air, hydrogen peroxide or other oxidants and floating the valuable minerals at a pH between about 9.0 and 10.0 with a xanthate as collector, and a combination of a polyamine and a sulfur containing species as depressants for arsenide minerals. This depressant suite effectively depresses the flotation of arsenide minerals with no effect on the flotation of the valuable minerals.

Abstract: A column flotation system including tailings recirculation. The system includes a column for particle separation and a gas injected reactor providing the site for bubble generation within a treated slurry feed. The reactor may contain a plurality of the spaced internal discs that cause shearing of the slurry to generate and entrain bubbles therein. The column may contain internal partitions in order to accommodate additional reactors. Recirculation of the tailings permits increased bubble control and improved particle separation.