A Novel Strategy for Sylvite Flotation through Controlled Crystallization

Abstract

As one of the most valuable treasures on our planet, soluble or semi-soluble minerals such as phosphogypsum, calcium carbonate, fluorite, and another important type-inorganic salt like sylvite-are significant. Froth flotation has been widely recognized as a powerful method for recovering various minerals. Numerous efforts have been dedicated to improving flotation recovery through methods such as exploring new types of collectors, using different grinding media, and adjusting mineral surface properties. However, most of these methods focus on fine-tuning the end stages rather than addressing the mineral properties that hinder the flotation process, such as exposed faces and shapes, which could potentially enhance mineral recovery. Here, taking sylvite as an example, the crystal growth of its component crystal KCl was carefully controlled to produce samples with varied shapes and structures. The flotation behaviors of these samples were then described. The crystallization-controlled methodology was applied to help modulate KCl samples with various exposing faces and particle shapes. Further, their growing mechanism, properties as well as flotation behaviors were well researched to yield a better understanding of improved flotation recovery.