Understanding the collection behavior of gangue minerals in fine flake graphite flotation

Flotation is one of the most common and effective methods for the beneficiation of natural graphite resources. However, the upgrading efficiency of flotation is always finite due to the undesirable collection of gangue minerals. In this work, the collecting mechanism of three typical gangue minerals, including mica, quartz, and feldspar, in fine flake graphite flotation was investigated. Results of batch flotation tests for single-minerals and artificial mixtures confirmed the enhanced collection of gangues in the presence of graphite particles. Contact angle and zeta potential results and theoretical calculations of the interaction between graphite and gangue particles based on typical DLVO theory indicated that it is impossible to collect gangue minerals by true flotation or through heterocoagulation with graphite particles. The fitting results of accumulated gangue recoveries and accumulated water recoveries using the Warren method demonstrated that most gangue minerals entered the concentrate through entrainment, with a small proportion by bubble inclusions.

Automated summary

This study investigates the collection mechanism of gangue minerals in fine flake graphite flotation. The presence of graphite particles enhances the collection of gangue minerals. Experimental results and theoretical calculations suggest that the gangue minerals are mainly collected through entrainment.