Recovery of calcite using eco-friendly bio-collector in the flotation of low-grade limestone

Abstract

Limestone flotation is a vital process in mineral processing, aimed at selectively separating valuable minerals such as calcite, from its associated gangue in the limestone matrix. The flotation of a low-grade limestone analyzing 41.78% CaO, 5.74% MgO, and 9.87% SiO2 by utilizing a new eco-friendly, plant seed oil processing industry waste-based fatty acid, as an anionic bio-collector for developing a sustainable process, was studied. A flotation concentrate of 59.94% weight recovery and analyzing 2.67% MgO, 49.92% CaO and 2.79% SiO2 could be obtained at 2.4 kg/t bio-collector dosage. The flotation results indicated the selective recovery and enrichment of CaO and reduction of MgO and SiO2 content from the low-grade limestone thereby making it a suitable raw material for cement manufacturing. The study highlights the development and the effective utilization of industrial waste-derived, bio-based calcite collector that aligns with the growing emphasis on the broader industry trend toward more sustainable mineral processing practices.