Detailed solution chemistry of flotation circuits in Nordic conditions

Ended year 2022

Researcher

David Sibarani (M.Sc.), Doctoral student, Aalto University

Supervisor

Daniel Lindberg (D.Sc.), Associate professor, Principal Investigator and supervisor. Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering.

Description of the project:

The goal of this project is to study the aqueous chemistry in mineral processing of sulfidic ores, where the water circulation of the flotation circuits are closed and the same water circulates between the mineral processing plant and the tailing pond. Closed water cycles will change the composition of the water used in the mineral processing, which will be problematic, e.g., in flotation processes. The properties of the aqueous phase in the flotation processes has not been studied in detail to any large extent due to lack of proper tools for these studies. In the present project, the goal is to systematically and critically develop thermodynamic databases for aqueous solutions, with the following areas of application:

• The detailed solution chemistry of the aqueous phase in mineral processing of sulfidic ores, with a focus on Nordic conditions.
• The detailed solution chemistry of acidic leachate waters from mines, as well as the recovery of metals from these solutions.

The project will promote the Finnish mining and metallurgical industry, as well as the development of circular economy through

• increased utilization and recycling of the process water from flotation processes
• more efficient utilization of mineral resources
• increased metal recovery from depleted mines and waste heaps.

The expected outcome is a doctoral thesis, including several scientific papers, as well as a detailed thermodynamic database that can be utilized by the Finnish industry to further optimize metals recovery from complicated processes and streams.

David Sibarani (M.Sc.), Doctoral student, Aalto University

Supervisor Daniel Lindberg