Impact of pulp rheology on selective recovery of value minerals from ores

Rheological behavior of mineral pulps plays a critical role in almost all mineral processing unit operations. Although the impact of rheology in unit operations such as grinding and slurry transport has received much attention in the past, this is not the case for flotation. The pathway by which the pulp rheology influences the flotation performance is not well understood. The aim of this paper is to explore how physical (shape, size and morphology) and surface chemical properties of minerals contribute to pulp rheology and pathways by which rheology can influence selective value mineral recovery and/or concentrate grade. Systematic studies involving spiking experiments (deliberate addition of fibrous minerals and other solids), measurement of pulp viscosity and yield stress, flotation tests, SEM, EDX and XRD were conducted on a Ni ore and a Cu ore. A phenomenological model was developed. The key components of the model are the formation of a macro-network comprising micro-aggregates of fibrous minerals which significantly increases pulp viscosity, and as a result impedes gas dispersion and bubble-particle attachment and influence froth phase properties. Additionally, the role of various reagent types in regulating pulp rheological behavior was explored.