Objective
The main objective of the Micro Ecros project is to solve the following challenges:
- Recovery of metals in the flotation circuit is affected by sulphide species that interact with the reagents and are in consequence carried up to the froth unintendedly;
- Pyrite is one of the most common gangue sulphides present in mineral ores: c.a. 70%;
- Successful processing of complex sulphides is key to face the coming years of extractive technology;
- Pyrite accompanies flotation reducing processing efficiency unless successfully depressed.
The solution (technology)
The Project Output:
- A process and equipment that enables the selective separation of Pyrite before it reaches the flotation circuit;
- Lower cost in the flotation circuit – less reagent consumption, less air inlet and less energy consumption;
- Higher successful use of specific contact surface Bubble/Particle thus reducing the flotation costs and efficiency.
The Solution will:
- Separate pyrite before it reaches the flotation circuit and therefore will enable a cleaner mineral entering for flotation, boosting the recovery efficiency of flotation.
Partnership
- Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain
- Boliden Mineral AB, Sweden
- Trinity College Dublin, Ireland