THE EFFECT OF BIOPRETREATMENT ON THE FLOTATION RECOVERY OF MAGNESITE TAILINGS

The potential for using a heterotrophic microorganism (Aspergillus nig er) to depress magnesite from magnesite tailing has been assessed. The influence of metabolic activities produced by Aspergillus niger on th e surface properties of magnesite tailings was studied. In this resear ch studies of the adsorption of sodium oleate microflotation tests and FTIR spectroscopy analysis were carried out. it has also been demonst rated that a depressing effect can be obtained using both selected ami no acid (Arginine, Asparagine and Methionine) and organic acid salts ( potassium citrate and potassium oxalate). The mechanism of competition between a modifier reagent and sodium oleate was discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.