How a reagent from Nasaco helps
Pyrite is one of the most common sulphide minerals found in a variety of geological settings. It contains valuable materials such as gold and lithium. However, extracting these precious metals can be challenging.
The pyrite flotation process
Pyrite flotation is the process of separating pyrite from other minerals in ore, improving the quality of the minerals. The flotation process contains many steps, beginning with ore preparation, where the ore containing pyrite and other materials is crushed to reveal individual particles of minerals. The ore is then mixed with water to form a slurry, and depressants are added to selectively depress pyrite, thereby preventing it from floating alongside the other materials.
Pyrite depression
Pyrite depression changes the surface properties of the minerals, enabling the separation of valuable materials from tailings. Various reagents can be used to depress pyrite. High Ph levels, for example, can do so by separate it from other minerals by inhibiting its ability to float.
Nasaco's solution
A solution from chemical specialist Nasaco is a reagent called Nasmin 1032, The product is engineered for safety, performance, and sustainability, and tackles depression by stripping copper from pyrite surfaces – like cyanide, restoring it to ‘normal pyrite’. It also reduces pulp electropotential, which limits oxygen’s role in dixanthogen formation. In addition, Nasmin 1032 is non-toxic and
non-volatile.
Locked pyrite
If the pyrite is locked in Cu-sulphides, Ni-sulphides or similar value minerals, it will float with the host mineral.
Where pyrite recovery is still an issue after optimising pH, grinding media and reagents, an operator should check for pyrite locking using a scanning electron microscope. Nasaco helps its clients determine the level of locking and find possible solutions.
For more information visit: www.nasaco.ch
