MINING CHEMICALS
BME Metallurgy, the minerals processing segment of the JSE-listed Omnia Holdings, helped a mining company reduce frother consumption by 50 % and further delivered a slight improvement in recovery, lowering costs and easing logistics.“ In hydrometallurgical circuits, our reagents have improved solvent extraction efficiency, reduced organic losses and increased throughput by up to 20 % through better impurity management.”
The company has also expanded into emerging commodities, supporting efficient processing of rare earths, uranium, cobalt and other critical minerals.
Masiuana added that ESG performance was particularly important in the green critical metals sector where there is greater pressure on producers to align extraction practices with sustainability goals.“ BME Metallurgy supports these requirements through greener reagent alternatives, including biodegradable and lower-toxicity products that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance,” he said.
Verwey said that innovations include improved acid mist suppressants for copper electrowinning and solutions that support cyanide detoxification and emission control.“ In water management, advanced thickening technologies – combining polyacrylamide flocculants with synergistic coagulants – improve settling rates, overflow clarity and process efficiency,” he said. This helps mines reduce freshwater consumption and recycle more effectively.
Safety remains a priority, with comprehensive SHEQ support covering training, chemical handling, transport, emergency response and community engagement.
Masiuana noted that water and tailings management remain key operational and environmental risks.“ BME Metallurgy optimises reagent selection, dosing and application to prevent inefficiencies such as overdosing while improving performance.” The company also addresses slurry rheology to enhance flowability, reducing blockages and improving downstream efficiency.“ In tailings management, BME Metallurgy addresses dewatering to reduce storage risks and environmental footprint,” he said, adding that the company was also developing backfilling solutions to support mine closure strategies.
Verwey said that a notable advancement is membrane-based reagent recovery technology, which enables the reuse of chemicals such as sulphuric acid and caustic soda.“ Early results indicate potential in reagent recovery of up to 70 %. This is alongside benefits such as metal concentration, reduced equipment requirements and lower capital costs – potentially improving the viability of lowergrade deposits.”
Verwey highlighted that global supply disruptions and price volatility continue to challenge mining operations.“ BME Metallurgy mitigates these risks through strategic stocking, diversified sourcing and a strong supplier network, supported by regional infrastructure that reduces lead times,” he said.
By combining supply security with highperformance reagents that lower overall consumption, BME Metallurgy improves total cost of ownership.“ Higher unit-cost products often deliver greater value by reducing volumes, enhancing recovery and minimising downtime.”
Masiuana noted that BME Metallurgy is expanding its portfolio of more selective, efficient and environmentally responsible chemistries.
“ We have positioned ourselves as a trusted partner,” he concluded.“ This is underpinned by our ability to deliver integrated, sitespecific solutions that enhance recovery, reduce environmental impact and support long-term operational success.”
Metso’ s redefined OKTOP ® Conditioner series
Last November, Metso launched a redefined OKTOP Conditioner product series, designed to enhance flotation performance in minerals processing. The Conditioners are located before the flotation circuit, and their primary function is to prepare a homogenous slurry by mixing it with flotation reagents. This ensures optimal chemical contact and residence time, which are critical factors for maximising flotation cell circuit performance.
Most flotation chemicals require relative high mass transfer rate in particle diffusion layers to be effective. This requires not only strong mixing but also enough time for the chemicals to react and attach to the desired particles. Slurry, reagents and chemicals are typically fed into the tank from the top. Inside, the OKTOP Agitator ensures that the mixture is blended well, creating a uniform solution.
An outlet nozzle, located at the top part of the tank shell, is equipped with an uptake channel – a half-pipe at the wall of the conditioner that brings out the slurry from the tank lower section to the outlet nozzle. This design ensures movement of even larger particles efficiently to the flotation cells and prevents short circuiting of solution.
The OKTOP Conditioner provides both the necessary mixing intensity and residence time to enable precise reagent-particle interaction. It also ensures that solids are suspended evenly throughout the tank, allowing for free and consistent contact between the particles and the reagents.
“ Metso’ s streamlined OKTOP Conditioner series is designed to unlock the full potential of flotation cells and circuit efficiency. The series includes improved features, such as Metso’ s latest agitator design to give the best durability and minimise chemical consumption. The solutions integrate effortlessly with any flotation unit, such as Metso TankCell ® and Concorde Cell TM, and enable
Conditioners are located before the flotation circuit, and their primary function is to prepare a homogenous slurry by mixing it with flotation reagents
fast design, installation and commissioning,” said Ville Strömmer, OKTOP Reactors Product Manager from Metso.
It says the OKTOP Conditioners can be used for various applications, such as oxidised sulphide ores, silicates, phosphates, copper-molybdenite separation, complex sulphides like nickel and copper, PGM metals, and more. Optional features can be added to add even more flexibility and control to the operation.
In parallel, Metso introduced a new Resource Center, which offers customers and Metso experts instant access to 3D models, GA drawings and foundation layouts for OKTOP equipment. With pre-engineered, proven designs for OKTOP Conditioners, the Resource Center simplifies equipment selection and reduces engineering time and costs, thus accelerating early project phases. Metso says designs for other agitated reactor products will be added soon.
30 International Mining | JUNE 2026