Abstract

MBERI, T.; MGUNI, L.L.  and  NTULI, F.. Effect of frother and depressant interaction on flotation of Great Dyke PGM ore. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2018, vol.118, n.1, pp.65-69. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2018/v118n1a8.

In the optimization of platinum group metal flotation plants, various parameters are considered in order to achieve the desired recovery and grade of the precious metals. There should be a balance in the operating parameters so as to produce a high-grade valuable mineral concentrate without compromising recovery. This project seeks to investigate the individual and interactive effect of flotation reagents at different dosages, using a full factorial experimental design approach with two factors at six levels. Laboratory tests were conducted to illustrate the effect of frother and depressant on flotation. The results were analysed using SPSS and MiniTab. Based on the F-test at 95% confidence level, the frother had no significant effect on the concentrate grade but had a significant effect on 4E recovery, mass pull, and water recovery. The depressant had a significant effect on concentrate grade, water recovery, and mass pull. The interactive effect of frother and depressant had significant negative effect on all responses except concentrate grade. The optimum levels for recovery and grade were analysed assuming equal importance of grade and recovery as well as double importance for grade.

Keywords : froth flotation; PGMs; flotation reagents; frother; depressant; interactive effect.

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