Reverse flotation studies on an Indian low-grade iron ore slimes

The present investigation deals with the recovery of iron values from the screw classifier overflow slimes from
an iron ore washing plant by means of reverse cationic flotation as an alternate to direct anionic flotation.
Selectivity index, an indicator of separation efficiency, was chosen as the response parameter for optimizing the
quantity and evaluating a series of generically same but chemically different cationic collectors used in reverse
flotation and for further optimization of other flotation process parameters. In the optimization, the main
variables investigated were percent solids, collector and depressant dosage. An increase in the iron content of
the concentrates is obtained with concomitant reduction in Si02 and Al203levels.