Which gold ores suit flotation processes, and what methods are used?

2025-09-09

Flotation is a widely used method for processing gold ores, especially when gold is finely dispersed or associated with sulfide minerals. However, not all gold ores are suitable for flotation. Below are the types of gold ores that are commonly processed using flotation, and the methods used:

Gold Ores Suitable for Flotation Processes

1. Refractory Gold Ores:

   • These ores contain fine gold particles encapsulated in sulfide minerals (e.g., pyrite, arsenopyrite).
   • Flotation is used to concentrate the sulfide minerals, which can then be subjected to further processes like roasting, pressure oxidation (POX), or bio-oxidation for gold recovery.

2. Associated Sulfide Gold Ores:

   • When gold is associated with sulfide minerals like chalcopyrite, pyrite, or galena, the ore can be floated to concentrate both sulfides and contained gold.

3. Low-Grade Gold Ores:

   • Some low-grade ores, where gold recovery by gravity methods is inefficient, may be upgraded through flotation.

4. Polymetallic Ores with Gold:

   • Gold in association with other valuable metals such as copper, silver, or lead can be floated along with these metals.

5. Carbonaceous Ores:

   • Flotation can be used to deal with ore containing "preg-robbing" organic material that binds to gold during leaching. After flotation, the carbonaceous material is removed, making gold recovery more efficient.

6. Free-Milling Ores (in Rare Cases):

   • Although rare, flotation may be used for free-milling ores if gold particles are fine or associated with sulfide gangue.

Methods Used in Gold Ore Flotation

1. Conditioning and Reagent Addition:

   • Gold ore flotation uses various reagents to promote selectivity and recovery:
     • Collecteurs (e.g., xanthates, dithiophosphates): Enhance the hydrophobicity of gold and sulfide particles.
     • Mousses (e.g., MIBC, pine oil): Produce a stable froth that allows the separation of floated particles.
     • Modificateurs: Adjust pH using lime or soda ash, and control depression or activation of specific minerals.

2. Flotation Cells and Equipment:

   • Open or closed-circuit flotation cells are used, where crushed ore is mixed with water and flotation reagents, and air is bubbled into the mixture.
   • Froth is skimmed from the top, containing concentrated gold-bearing sulfides.

3. Depression of Gangue Minerals:

   • Dépresseurs (e.g., cyanide, starch, or sodium silicate) are often applied to suppress unwanted gangue while allowing the gold-containing sulfide minerals to float.

4. Flottation séquentielle (for Polymetallic Ores):

   • Separate flotation of different metals (e.g., copper first, followed by gold) is conducted to maximize recoveries and minimize contamination.

5. Cyanide Flotation (Flotation-Cyanide Combination):

   • Flotation is often used as a pre-treatment step before cyanide leaching, especially for refractory ores, to remove sulfide minerals that may interfere with cyanidation.

6. Flotation of Native Gold Particles:

   • In some cases (fine free gold), flotation can be used alongside gravity separation methods. Special collectors like Aero 5688 or similar are tailored for finer free gold particles.

Challenges with Gold Flotation

• Gold flotation can be challenging in the presence of:
  • Carbonaceous material that competes for reagents and adsorbs gold (preg-robbing).
  • Clays or fine slimes that reduce froth stability.
  • Arsenic-bearing sulfides that may require special handling due to environmental issues.

In some cases, a combination of methods, such as gravity separation before flotation or flotation followed by roasting and leaching, makes gold recovery more efficient.

By carefully tweaking flotation conditions and reagents, along with integrating other gold recovery methods, the flotation process can be optimized for various gold ore types.

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