MINING CHEMICALS evaluation of our filtration aids and other dewatering chemicals to process tailings across many industries such as iron , gold , niobium , and
graphite , among others .”
Mining companies are also increasingly focusing on reusing their water in the beneficiation process , alongside using less and less water to transport the tailings to the tailings dams .
“ The use of rheology modifiers allows mining companies to handle higher-density thickened tailings , maximising productivity by sending less water to the tailings dams ,” Clariant said . “ This concept seems to be particularly relevant to mining companies operating in areas of high water scarcity , including a number of copper mines .”
Sustainable solutions
Solvay is also addressing the industry ’ s needs to recover more ore from low-grade mineralised material while addressing the growing pressures operators are under to save energy and confront HSE concerns , the company says .
“ Solvay ’ s commitment to more sustainable mining spans from safer and more efficient
chemicals for core business sectors , such as minerals processing and solvent extraction , to digital solutions for tailored formulations and better dosing , as well as to metal recovery from end-of-life electric vehicle batteries ,” it said .
Sustainability is a main driver for mining companies as they look to reduce workplace hazards and their environmental impact , with Solvay having devised several solutions in this area .
When separating copper from molybdenum , for instance , the common use of sodium hydrosulphide ( NaSH ) is associated with highly toxic hydrogen sulphide gas , unpleasant odour , high treatment cost and logistical challenges . For a safer and more responsible alternative , Solvay has developed AERO ® 7260 and AERO NR 7361 depressants to replace NaSH in coppermolybdenum separation by up to 100 % and provide a wider operating window .
Likewise , in flotation , the company ’ s AERO XR ® collectors and phosphinate-based AEROPHINE ® promoters enhance selectivity and improve the toxicity profile of reagents compared with conventional xanthates , while delivering a strong return on investment .
In alumina refining from bauxite , the ‘ green ’ profile of final aluminum in transportation , construction and packaging is curtailed by high energy input and emissions , resulting in a large carbon footprint , Solvay explained .
“ An intrinsic challenge with this process is that
“ Solvay ’ s commitment to more sustainable mining spans from safer and more efficient chemicals for core business sectors , such as minerals processing and solvent extraction , to digital solutions for tailored formulations and better dosing , as well as to metal recovery from end-of-life electric vehicle batteries ,” the company says
sodalite scale forms on heat exchanger tubes ,” it said . “ In contrast to inefficient acid or mechanical cleaning methods , Solvay ’ s MAX HT ® sodalite scale inhibitor provides significant economic and environmental benefits , including better heat transfer , less acid waste and higher throughput .”
This has helped a mid-sized alumina refinery in Asia save nearly 40,000 t / y of coal , which translates to a CO 2 reduction of 123,000 t , or the equivalent of taking 25,000 cars off the road .
Another current issue is the increased demand
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