Mineral Flotation Solutions

Kao’s advanced R&D laboratories have made a long contribution to optimization and yield improvement in the flotation process for the iron industry under the COLMIN® range, following the detailed analysis of each iron ore type. Key factors such as foaming control and the kinetics of chemical interaction in the froth flotation system seeking a more efficient process also form part of all the parameters considered to offer integrated solutions.

Lithium is becoming indispensable in the transformation of energy sectors to reduce petrol-based sources. Lithium is being used for the production of lithium-ion batteries that are expected to increase greatly in demand over time. One of the most relevant sources of lithium is the hard rock mineral spodumene (petalite & lepidolite), where it is selectively separated from the original gangue component in the industrial froth flotation process.

Complex routes are implemented for the enrichment of Nb mineral, requiring specific solutions in each step of the industrial process to optimize the eventual obtainment of highly purified Nb.

Kao’s R&D experts have developed collectors for industrial flotation systems to remove impurities and support higher concentrates of Nb while selectively adding co-collector agents that maximize the recovery.

Selectivity and mass recovery improvements are afforded industrially by the COLMIN® and DANOX® FL range.

The flotation process is designed according to the existing impurities in the ore. Commonly, the presence of silicates and carbonates results in lower purity of natural phosphate rock sources. With Kao’s chemistry, specific answers are available for each challenge in both the direct and reverse process. Selectivity and mass recovery improvements are afforded industrially by the COLMIN and DANOX FL range.