Rejection of Pyrite: Challenges and Sustainable
Chemical Solutions
Mario Palominos* and Carmina Quintanar
In recognition of the growing interest in meeting sustainability challenges, Cytec has been
focused on the creation of greener products (collectors, modifiers and frothers) and processes
using the FLOTATİON MATRİX 100™ approach.
Abstract
The mining industry is currently facing significant
sustainability challenges in terms of dealing with difficult-
to-process low-grade resources. These ores are typically
characterized by complex mineralogy and the presence of
significant amounts of penalty gangue sulfide minerals and
toxic elements. Among them, pyrite is a common challenge
in many operations.
Three chemical strategies for dealing with gangue sulfides
and penalty elements include:
a) selective flotation of value minerals while rejecting
penalty minerals throughout the entire circuit;
b) rejecting penalty minerals in an appropriate part of the
circuit using selective depressants; and
c) using a combination of selective collectors and
depressants in appropriate parts of the circuit.
New products and application technologies have been
developed in recent years for implementing these strategies
as dictated by the particular needs of a given plant.
However, in recognition of the growing interest in meeting
sustainability challenges, Cytec has been focused on the
creation of greener products (collectors, modifiers and
frothers) and processes using the FLOTATİON MATRİX 100™
approach.
Chemicals today play a critical role, not just in flotation, but
in almost all areas of mineral processing. They will play an
even greater role in tackling the challenges and achieving the
goals of sustainable mineral processing, particularly in the
areas of water efficiency and water resource management;
waste reduction and remediation; minimizing environmental
impact, safety and health risks (meeting and exceeding the
requirements of regulations); energy efficiency; and dealing
with difficult-to-process, low-grade mineral resources and
reserves. Together, these challenges are often termed greener
processing. There is also a growing desire to develop greener
chemicals, a major challenge in itself.
Different strategies for dealing with difficult-to-process
low-grade resources in a sustainable manner are evaluated
in order to determine the most efficient alternatives. The
discussion includes an overview of recent developments at
Cytec using case studies in which the application of selective
collectors and polymeric modifiers, including the newer,
greener chemistries, are demonstrated.
23