This paper presents an integrated approach to studying the attachment interaction between glass particles and air bubbles in the presence of dodecyl amine hydrochloride (DAH). The research presented is novel as it integrates microfl otation experiments, bubble-particle attachment time measurements, bubble-particle wetting fi lm stability, and colloid and surface characterisation and analysis. Flotation recovery was found to increase with increasing DAH concentration up to 7 × 10-4 M, and then decrease with further increases in concentration. The bubble-particle attachment time was inversely related to the fl otation recovery and the minimum attachment time matched the maximum fl otation recovery, which occurred around the point of zero charge for the particle and air bubbles. Bubble-particle force spectroscopy measurements, performed with an atomic force microscope, showed a similar trend. In addition, the adsorption isotherm of the glass-DAH system was obtained. An explanation was given for the reconciliation needed to correlate the contact angle and thin fi lm lifetime results. All results obtained show the important role of liquid fi lms and colloidal forces affected by surfactant adsorption in bubble-particle attachment. Attachment time, as a lumped parameter, is useful for quantifying bubble-particle attachment and for improving our understanding of the fl otation process.
An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.
A sustained programme of research and human capacity development in the context of the extraction and beneficiation of mineral resources in Africa is considered critical in ensuring that the minerals sector continues to thrive and contribute to socio-economic development in a manner consistent with sustainability principles. Of key importance in this regard is the need to promote interand trans-disciplinary research activities and to generate highly skilled people who have a broad understanding and awareness of the complexities involved. To this end, the Minerals to Metals Signature Research Theme was established at the University of Cape Town in 2007, with a view to addressing the key sustainability challenges in the minerals sector through the establishment of integrated and holistic research and education programmes. This innovative and dynamic initiative draws together the skills of world-renowned academic and research staff in existing groupings both within and beyond the University of Cape Town, to advance the provision of metal and mineral-related products and services to society in a manner which maximises development opportunities for its stakeholders, and which minimises adverse environmental impacts due to mining, processing and related activities.
'Process mineralogy' is a form of applied mineralogy which focuses on addressing problems associated with the processing of ores. 'Mineralogy' is the scientific study of minerals and 'mineral processing' is the production of concentrates from ores. 'Process mineralogy,' however can be defined as the practical study of minerals associated with the processing of ores, concentrates and smelter products for the development and optimisation of metallurgical flowsheets, including the waste and environmental management considerations. This hybrid discipline consists of teams that include geologists, mineralogists, samplers, mineral processors and often others, working together. The degree of cross-training, communication and trust dictates the potential capacity of the team and where an appropriate work dynamic is fostered, in which relationships flourish as much as does the ethic of technical excellence, it is possible to develop technical capabilities that surpass those of conventional teams. The world's demand for metals is ever increasing and ore deposits available for extraction and processing are lower grade and more complex, often containing deleterious elements that require tailored treatment. Generally, in the past, the technical challenges only needed to be overcome and assessed economically to make an ore deposit viable; increasingly and in the future, a more sustainable approach including environmental and societal considerations is needed. Process mineralogical assessment is increasingly providing the critical information that stands between failure or collapse and survival or success of some mining operations. In this paper, selected case studies are used to demonstrate the valuable role of the process mineralogy tools being used to provide the platform for innovative technology development. Their common attributes are discussed and distilled, thus providing some insights and potential guidance for addressing some of the likely future challenges of the mining industry.