Considering Specific Ion Effects on Froth Stability in Sulfidic Cu-Ni-PGM Ore Flotation

The mining and mineral processing of Cu-Ni-PGM sulfide ores in South Africa occurs in semi-arid regions, presenting challenges regarding water resource scarcity. As a response, mineral concentrators are increasingly engaging in the recycling and re-use of process water, which alleviates reliance on municipal water and addresses environmental regulations on freshwater usage, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the mining sector. However, the re-circulated water typically exhibits elevated ion concentrations compared to fresh water, potentially impacting critical flotation parameters, including froth stability. This underscores an imperative for both industry stakeholders and researchers to identify the specific ions within the process water that significantly influence the flotation of platinum group minerals. The paper critically examines these challenges and suggests approaches to mitigate the negative effects of ion concentration variations on flotation efficacy.