MINING CHEMICALS businesses , recently told IM : “ Syensqo is a science company of more than 13,000 explorers focused on developing ground-breaking solutions that enhance the way we live , work , travel and play . The company ’ s unique portfolio is aimed at addressing disruptive megatrends , including electrification , light weighting , connectivity and quality of life . As explorers , our aim is to identify new applications for our products , new markets and new ways of collaborating to unlock the potential of our technologies while helping our customers meet their environmental and social goals .”
“ Our reagent technologies are enabling recovery of the metals and minerals that are critical to a net zero future ,” Davis said .
In all the company ’ s product development efforts , it aims to help customers maximise grade and recovery while minimising reagent consumption , water and energy use .
Traditionally , this has been through brands such as CYANEX ® , ACORGA ® , AERO ® , AEROPHINE and MAX ® HT .
On the solvent extraction side , Syensqo ’ s reagents and hydrometallurgical expertise are employed for both primary mining of battery metals , as well as for battery metal recycling applications . Extractants like CYANEX 272 are the reagent of choice in separating cobalt from nickel in both sulphate and chloride media , according to the company , where the product ’ s selectivity and stability drive greater efficiency . CYANEX 936P , meanwhile , enables more efficient and sustainable lithium recovery via a direct lithium extraction process .
And , on the mineral processing side , Syensqo collectors , depressants and modifiers offer similar selectivity benefits for the recovery of metals like copper , gold and molybdenum from sulphide-bearing ores , the company claims .
“ One of our most well-known brands is the AEROPHINE line , which offers excellent base metal grade and recovery , as well as exceptional precious metal recovery in the flotation of polymetallic ores ,” Davis says . “ AEROPHINE has been shown to help mines boost their return on investment by up to 500 % or greater , which has been a real step change for our customers .” The company recently debuted its new
Transfoamer™ frothers .
Syensqo claims Transfoamer frother technology brings the “ first true innovation ” to frothers in more than six decades .
Davis explained : “ When mines process coarse particles , they require stronger flotation reagents in the rougher stage , but that strength can be detrimental to downstream operations in the cleaner circuit . Innovation can play a key role here .
“ These frothers are based on a novel technology that changes froth strength in response to pH to optimise coarse particle recovery , circuit stability and , potentially , grade .”
Transfoamers frothers start as strong and robust frothers in the rougher circuit . Then , in response to pH , they “ switch ” to weaker frothers in the cleaner circuit , where less froth is needed , according to Syensqo . This single-frother solution overcomes the limitation of reagent blends , where strong and weak frothers are often combined to achieve performance that is “ good enough .”
“ While blends result in a steady froth , they ’ re not fully optimised for either the rougher or cleaner stage ,” according to Davis , “ and this is why our adaptive technology will change the game .”
Syensqo ’ s coarse particle flotation solutions also include AERO ® CP Series collectors , which the company tailored to work more efficiently in flotation cells designed for coarse particle recovery , supported by collaborations with leading universities and equipment suppliers .
BASF on achieving more with less
It is the flotation modifier market that BASF Mining Solutions is targeting with its new innovations .
The company recently added two new product brands to its range of flotation solutions as part of its plan to become a full solution provider for the mining industry .
Luprofroth™ has been added to its growing frothers portfolio and Luproset™ is tailored for flotation modifiers .
In recent years , BASF ’ s flotation business has expanded from niche applications to a broad range of flotation solutions . By introducing two distinct brands for frothers and modifiers , BASF says it can now communicate its flotation portfolio in a clear and consistent way .
The launch of the Luprofroth brand comes with the introduction of a brand-new range of sulphidic frothers formulated to enhance the overall flotation circuit performance .
Graeme Stewart , Sulphide Flotation Specialist
The launch of the Luprofroth brand comes with the introduction of a brand-new range of sulphidic frothers formulated to enhance the overall flotation circuit performance
for BASF , explains : “ Our new sulphidic frother portfolio comes with a wide spectrum of products suitable for diverse process conditions , such as bubble size , bubble coalescence , presence of fine and coarse particles , induction time and froth stability . A key feature of the new range is its enhanced EHS profile , with lower toxicity and ecotoxicity values and reduced flammability risks , which are often major concerns for our customers .”
The Luproset portfolio consists of multiple innovative technologies designed to improve mineral recovery , maximise concentrate grades and reduce reagent consumption with clear downstream benefits .
Benjamin Hepe , Head of Global Segment Flotation , BASF Mining Solutions , said : “ Because BASF recognises the challenges and transformation in the mining industry , our priority is to develop solutions that enable our customers to achieve more with less . An example I particularly like is the Gold Activator Luproset A 1127 , an innovative technology that improves gold recovery at low dosage rates .”
One of the key advantages of Luprofroth and Luproset is BASF ’ s extensive integrated chemical value chain , the company says . As a result of the backward integration , along with BASF ’ s global scale operations , the company can use resources more efficiently and expand its mining portfolio continuously through innovation .
BASF says the Luprofroth frother and Luproset modifier product ranges are being adopted by the mining industry in all regions across the globe .
“ Of particular note are the successes our customers are experiencing with our organic carbon depressant Luproset D 1313 for both base metal and gold ores that utilise flotation for concentration ,” the company told IM .
Recently this solution helped a leading
MAY 2024 | International Mining 53