Improved sparge compositions for reverse froth flotation separation and uses thereof, and methods of reverse froth flotation are described. The sparge compositions comprise sulfonated polymeric modifiers which can act as dispersants and depressants, and the compositions are suitably used in the reverse froth flotation of particulate material containing ultrafine particles. For example, the compositions and methods can be used in the separation of iron oxide beneficiary from iron ores comprising silica, silicates, and the like.

Improved sparge compositions for reverse froth flotation separation and uses thereof, and methods of reverse froth flotation are described. The sparge compositions comprise sulfonated polymeric modifiers which can act as dispersants and depressants, and the compositions are suitably used in the reverse froth flotation of particulate material containing ultrafine particles. For example, the compositions and methods can be used in the separation of phosphate beneficiary from ores comprising phosphates, dolomite, calcite, clay, silica, silicates, carbonates, and mixtures thereof.

Improved sparge compositions for reverse froth flotation separation and uses thereof, and methods of reverse froth flotation are described. The sparge compositions comprise sulfonated polymeric modifiers which can act as dispersants and depressants, and the compositions are suitably used in the reverse froth flotation of particulate material containing ultrafine particles. For example, the compositions and methods can be used in the separation of phosphate beneficiary from ores comprising phosphates, dolomite, calcite, clay, silica, silicates, carbonates, and mixtures thereof.

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for increasing the alumina content of a bauxite ore prior to alumina extraction by an extractive process, such as the Bayer process. By adding a beneficiation agent to an aqueous ore slurry, then applying a gravitational force to separate, or partition, the slurry into a beneficiary and a gangue, a number of quantifiable benefits are observed. These include increased alumina content and reduced silica content in the beneficiary solids as compared to the starting ore. These benefits are in excess of those observed by pre-extraction gravitational separation of ore slurries without the addition of a beneficiation agent. Beneficiation agents include DADMAC polymers, and combinations of DADMAC polymers with dextrans. The beneficiary is collected and applied to an extractive process, such as the Bayer process.

A cold water saponification method is disclosed. The method is for preferred use in industrial applications such as mining operations wherein saponification of fatty acids is required. Broadly, the method comprises the steps of filling a tank with a solution comprising water, a base and fatty acids, installing a mixer capable of creating a vortex in order to effectively saponify fatty acid particles. The use of a high-shear mixer installed vertically has been proven successful in saponifying fatty acids in cold water.

A cold water saponification method is disclosed. The method is for preferred use in industrial applications such as mining operations wherein saponification of fatty acids is required. Broadly, the method comprises the steps of filling a tank with a solution comprising water, a base and fatty acids, installing a mixer capable of creating a vortex in order to effectively saponify fatty acid particles. The use of a high-shear mixer installed vertically has been proven successful in saponifying fatty acids in cold water.

Frother composition and method of concentrating minerals by flotation. The method comprises providing an aqueous slurry formed by the minerals in finely divided form in water; optionally adding a collector to render the mineral hydrophobic; subjecting the slurry thus obtained to flotation in a flotation cell aerated to form bubbles; and recovering the hydrophobic mineral particles together with the froth to form a concentrate. In the method an amphiphilic cellulose derivative, such as and a second surfactant as a frother to promote the formation of a stable froth on top of the slurry in the flotation cell. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose are combined with at least one non-ionic organic surfactant or polyglycol esters, for providing a frother. The novel cellulose-based frothers can be used in mineral processing plants to allow for processing of larger quantities of minerals without significant modification of existing facilities.

Frother composition and method of concentrating minerals by flotation. The method comprises providing an aqueous slurry formed by the minerals in finely divided form in water; optionally adding a collector to render the mineral hydrophobic; subjecting the slurry thus obtained to flotation in a flotation cell aerated to form bubbles; and recovering the hydrophobic mineral particles together with the froth to form a concentrate. In the method an amphiphilic cellulose derivative, such as and a second surfactant as a frother to promote the formation of a stable froth on top of the slurry in the flotation cell. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose are combined with at least one non-ionic organic surfactant or polyglycol esters, for providing a frother. The novel cellulose-based frothers can be used in mineral processing plants to allow for processing of larger quantities of minerals without significant modification of existing facilities.

An engineered collection medium for use in mineral separation is described. The engineered collection medium has a solid phase body configured with a three-dimensional open-cell structure like foam or sponge to provide collection surfaces. The surfaces are functionalized with a hydrophobic chemical having molecules with a functional group for attaching mineral particles to the collection surfaces. The engineered collection medium can be a foam block, a filter or conveyor belt to be placed in a slurry to collect mineral particles in the slurry. The engineered collection medium carrying the mineral particles is provided to a release apparatus where the mineral particles can be released by using mechanical agitation, sonic agitation and so forth.

An engineered collection medium for use in mineral separation is described. The engineered collection medium has a solid phase body configured with a three-dimensional open-cell structure like foam or sponge to provide collection surfaces. The surfaces are functionalized with a hydrophobic chemical having molecules with a functional group for attaching mineral particles to the collection surfaces. The engineered collection medium can be a foam block, a filter or conveyor belt to be placed in a slurry to collect mineral particles in the slurry. The engineered collection medium carrying the mineral particles is provided to a release apparatus where the mineral particles can be released by using mechanical agitation, sonic agitation and so forth.