Patent ID: 6827220
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: B03D

Abstract:
A method for beneficiation of a mineral sulfide-containing material by air-injection froth flotation in the presence of a collector, the method comprising:a) providing an aqueous slurry of the mineral sulfide-containing material; b) adding a selective collector to the slurry in an amount less than about 100 g/ton of the mineral sulfide-containing material, the collector comprising: at least one oil selected from the group consisting of: 1) a natural oil or synthesized oil comprising: A) triglycerides containing fatty acids of only 20 carbons or less, or B) an ester made from a fatty acid and an alcohol; and 2) an essential oil; and a sulfur-containing sulfide mineral flotation promoter selected from the group consisting of xanthates, thionocarbamates, dithiophosphates, mercaptans, and combinations thereof; c) selectively floating the mineral sulfide by injecting air and selectively allowing the mineral sulfides to adhere to the air bubbles; and d) removing the mineral.