Abstract: A method for reducing both reagent consumption and scale formation in a mineral separation circuit employing sulfoxy compounds as reagents. The method involves introducing into the mineral separation circuit a non-oxidizing gas in a quantity sufficient to reduce the degree of oxidation of the sulfoxy radical. Preferably the gas is introduced during the reagent conditioning and flotation stages, the stages where the presence of dissolved oxygen in a slurry is most likely to create the conditions conducive to oxidation of the sulfoxy radicals which result in reagent consumption and scale formation problems. The process is suitable for a wide range of mineral separation circuits which use sulfoxy reagents for the separation of sulfidic minerals including chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite or galena.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the flotation of a mineral concentrate comprising the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of a milled mineral ore containing particles of a desired mineral species and adding a flotation reagent which causes a desired variation in the flotation tendency of the desired mineral species present within the slurry so as to increase the efficiency of separation of that mineral species from the slurry relative to a situation where said flotation reagent is absent from the slurry. A stabilising agent is introduced to the slurry in an amount which creates electrochemical conditions conductive to separation of the desired mineral from the slurry and causes the destruction of a deleterious component from the slurry which consumes the flotation reagent thereby maintaining or improving the efficiency of separation of the desired mineral species from the slurry of milled ore.

Abstract: A flotation process for the separation of a mineral of non-sulphidic character, such as a talcose mineral, from a mineral of sulphidic character, for example a base metal sulphide, characterized in that a slurry containing a mixture of the minerals is subjected to a sequence of mineral dressing operations in which a non-oxidizing gas or gas mixture and a reducing agent are added to the slurry to maintain an electrochemical potential conducive to the separation of the minerals by flotation.

Abstract: A process for removal of iron from reduced titanium ores involves hydrometallurgical treatment with an aqueous solution through which an oxidising gas including oxygen and/or ozone is passed to oxidise metallised iron present within said reduced titanium ore.