OPTIMIZATION OF SELECTIVE FLOCCULATION OF ULTRAFINE IRON-ORE

A laboratory scale selective flocculation process capable of recoverin g iron oxide from a sample of ultrafine (less than 10 mum) iron ore ta ilings containing kaolinite as the main gangue mineral has been develo ped. Experiments were carried out (i) to select the most appropriate f locculant from a large range of commercially available starches and po lyacrylamides and, (ii) to optimise the many parameters that affect se lectivity and recovery. Under optimum conditions, a feed containing 46 .6% iron was upgraded to a concentrate with 57-58% iron at 65-75% reco very. Wheat starch was shown to be the most appropriate selective floc culant.