Investigation of Sulfide Mineral Flotation in High Salinity Water

Direct Applicability to Industry:

High concentration of soluble salts can cause gypsum crystallization of mineral surfaces and pipelines and reduce the selectivity and recovery of flotation. Restrictions in fresh water use and high concentrations of salt in used water have forced industry to look at alternative methods of mineral processing.

Nature of Problem:

Development of methods of fine particle processing in high salinity water could help to curb the need for fresh water and minimize the disposal of spent water.

Financial and Environmental Impact:

Water use, especially that of fresh water, will be reduced with the implementation of new technologies for the use of high salinity water.

Lead PI: Qingxia Liu

Co-PI(s): Hongbo Zeng, Juli Gibbs-Davis

Students: Jeff Ma, Chao Qi