FLOTATION TECHNOLOGY recovery, and grade. The weaker frothing in the downstream dewatering stages also helps process-water recycling by improving thickener performance.
In a recent plant trial, Transfoamer T-200 demonstrated improvements with respect to flotation of challenging copper oxide ores. The ore feed contained acid-soluble copper ranging from 8 % to over 18 %. Compared to the incumbent frother, Transfoamer T-200 delivered significant performance improvements, achieving approximately 3 % higher copper recovery on ore feeds containing more than 15 % acid-soluble copper.
For safer mineral separations, Syensqo continues to develop its AERO ® NR-7361 and AERO 7260 HFP series, which offer an alternative to hazardous NaSH in coppermolybdenum separation, enhancing both efficiency and worker safety. In a recent plant trial in North America, the use of AERO NR-7361 resulted in full replacement of the incumbent depressant, reducing consumption by about 60 % without negatively impacting molybdenum recovery or the grade of the final molybdenite concentrate. Additionally, the change reduced the risk of hazardous hydrogen sulphide gas generation and associated employee exposure.
In other developments, Syensqo is applying its proven expertise in sulphide ore flotation and solvent extraction across the rare earth elements value chain, delivering measurable results both upstream and downstream. This integrated approach was recently demonstrated during trials in California, where Syensqo’ s technologies were put into practice- including ACCO- PHOS ® for the removal of trace impurities such as lead and arsenic during leaching and solvent extraction, and CYANEX ® extractants for the final separation of highpurity elemental compounds. The rare earth elements recovered and purified using these reagents support a variety of end applications, like magnets for EV motors and wind turbines.
During these trials, Syensqo introduced additional reagents for rare earth ore concentrates, which contributed to significant operational improvements. These reagents included CYQUEST ® 4000( a barytes / strontianite / calcite depressant), OREPREP ® froth stabilisers and CYQUEST modifiers. CYQUEST 4000 provided a more selective depressant, resulting in approximately 1 % to 2 % greater recovery. OREPREP D202HMW was also used in trials to produce a“ dry froth,” preventing overflow spillages and enabling metallurgical balance to be maintained. In another application leveraging Syensqo’ s frother innovations, recovery increased by more than 1 %, with comparable concentrate grade versus incumbent products.
Collectively, these advancements not only enabled the production of high-quality rare earth products but also demonstrated the versatility and adaptability of Syensqo’ s technologies beyond their traditional applications in sulphide ore processing.
Thermo PGNAA Slurry analyser enhances flotation circuit control
Mineral processing plants rely on online slurry analysers for real-time elemental analysis, crucial for optimising extraction processes – including in flotation. However, complex ore structures pose challenges that traditional methods cannot address, necessitating advanced techniques for effective response to variable feedstocks. Thermo Fisher in another Flotation 2025 paper argues that Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis( PGNAA) technology revolutionises process control in iron ore
INNOVATIVE Coarse and fine particle recovery in one device.
PROFITABLE Increases mine throughput by up to 30 %.
flotation plants by providing accurate, realtime elemental analysis of multiple slurry streams, including light and heavy elements.
“ Unlike X-ray fluorescence( XRF), PGNAA measures elements lower than calcium and handles coarse particles while analysing large slurry volumes. The Thermo Fisher PGNAA Slurry analyser enhances flotation circuit control by monitoring contaminant elements, optimising reagent dosage, and improving circuit stability, leading to better product grades, increased recovery rates, and reduced penalty costs. Factorycalibrated for slurry applications, it supports rapid start-ups and handles multiple streams, making it versatile for various mineral processing environments. This paper presents case studies demonstrating PGNAA’ s effectiveness in improving flotation operations’ efficiency and economic viability.”
SUSTAINABLE Reduces energy and water consumption by up to 50 %.
International Mining | OCTOBER 2025