Interactive effect of minerals on complex ore flotation: A brief review

Froth flotation is the most effective industrial method used to separate fine-grained minerals. The main problem of complex ore flotation is the negative effect of interactions among minerals in slurry, leading to variation in surface properties during separation. In this review, studies on the interactive effect among minerals on the flotation of iron ores, magnesite ores, and scheelite ores are summarized, and the main problems and mechanisms that diminish the separation efficiency of minerals are revealed in detail. Recent research progress on the flotation of these ores has confirmed that mineral aggregation, coating, and dissolution, as well as other factors caused by interacting behavior, explain the depressing effects of fine particles on mineral separation. Solvable methods for these effects are further discussed. Novel flotation processes and more selective reagents are critical for further investigations on various approaches to improve the beneficiation efficiency of these ores. This review aims to provide a good reference for conducting studies related to complex ore flotation.