Abstract
To meet global sustainability goals the mining industry will need to move away from established processing techniques to more innovative and environmentally friendly methods of extracting metals. These techniques must have the capability to reduce the GHG footprint associated with known processing technologies, which often require major energy input, water consumption and plant footprint. By combining improved processing efficiency, reduced energy and water consumption along with reduced footprint i.e., reducing concrete and steel requirements, the REFLUX™ Flotation cell (RFC) is showing to provide industry with a solution to meet these demands.
Results from extensive laboratory, pilot and industrial testing are showing that the RFC is transforming the hydrodynamics of traditional flotation and proving to meet the challenge of delivering as a high efficiency flotation technology. Several pilot testing campaigns have been conducted in cleaning, scavenging and rougher applications across various commodity types including copper, molybdenum, gold, graphite, and coal. Results from this testing consistently show that the technology improves the flotation system kinetics and can shift the grade-recovery curve. The RFC has the capability to produce high grade concentrates while simultaneously increasing recovery in a reduced footprint when compared to conventional methods.
An overview of the results from these testing campaigns will be discussed along with their impact on flotation circuit design. In addition, the potential savings in energy and additional revenue possible with the increased efficiency offered by the REFLUX™ flotation cell are illustrated.