Which gold mines are suitable for flotation?

Flotation is a mineral processing method widely used in current gold ore dressing plants. In the process of separation, various flotation agents are added to adjust the physical and chemical properties of selected minerals and flotation media, and to expand the relationship between gold minerals and gangue. The difference in hydrophobicity between minerals enables the separation of gold minerals and gangue minerals. This method can enrich gold into sulfide mineral concentrate as much as possible, and is conducive to the comprehensive recovery of mineral resources.

So, in actual production, which gold ores are suitable for recovery by flotation? What are the common processes?

Gold ore suitable for flotation method

In production practice, when gold-bearing ores have the following characteristics, flotation can be considered for separation:

■ Ore in which gold and sulfide closely coexist; 

■ Although most gold is not symbiotic with sulfides, the ore contains considerable amounts of metal sulfides that have generated stable foams containing gold sulfides;

■ The ore does not contain sulfide, but contains a large amount of iron oxide (such as iron cap). At this time, ocher mud can stabilize the foam;

■ The ore does not contain sulfide or iron oxide, but contains minerals that can enter the foam and stabilize it (such as sericite);

■ Pure quartz gold ore is pre-mixed with sulfide ore in a certain proportion, or about 3% of metal sulfide is added, or appropriate selection is made to form a stable foam;

■ The main metals (copper, lead, zinc, etc.) in gold ores have been recovered by flotation, and the tailings need to be cyanidated.

Gold ore flotation method

Generally speaking, sulfide gold-bearing quartz vein ores with fine gold particles and good floatability, gold-bearing sulfide ores containing a variety of valuable metals (such as copper, lead and zinc) and graphite-containing gold-bearing ores are suitable. Recovered using flotation method.