Effect of pH on the floatability of base metal sulphides PGMs

Ayo Samuel Afolabi, Edison Muzenda, Saka Ambali Abdulkareem

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of pH on the recovery and grade of the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) and base metal sulphides from the UG2 ore of the bushveld complex. This was achieved through running a series of test work in a Denver flotation cell at varying pH 6-11 at constant reagent dosage. The UG-2 reef is characterized by two predominant gangue phases i.e., chromite and silicate, that have significantly different physical and chemical properties. The test work was aimed at evaluating which pH produces the best recoveries, and finding the effect of the chrome content in these recoveries. A pH of 9 produced the highest recovery compared to other pH values. However, the highest PGM grade was attained at a pH of 6 which is slightly acidic. Ideally this trend could be expected since the collectors (xanthates) are more stable in alkaline medium. The higher PGM recovery was also accompanied by higher chrome content as a result of their similar chemical properties.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIAENG Transactions on Engineering Technologies - Special Edition of the World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science 2011
Pages239-248
Number of pages10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2013
EventWorld Congress on Engineering and Computer Science, WCES 2011 - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Oct 19 2011Oct 21 2011

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Electrical Engineering
Volume170 LNEE
ISSN (Print)1876-1100
ISSN (Electronic)1876-1119

Other

OtherWorld Congress on Engineering and Computer Science, WCES 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period10/19/1110/21/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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