Developments of the Iron Ores Flotation Routes

This book shows a critical review on the various flotation methods (direct and reverse cationic and anionic flotation) of iron oxide minerals which have been proposed in the literature with the purpose of identifying the important factors involved in the flotation process and gives perspectives for further research in the future. Novel and common used collectors, depressants, auxiliary reagents, and their mixtures are tabulated. The advantages and disadvantages of the reagent type and structure on flotation are criticized. The predominate role of the pH, as well as the type and molecular structures of the collectors and depressants on flotation are discussed critically. The range and optimum values of these parameters, as also the mechanisms of their interactions with the minerals, together with the resultant flotation of the iron oxide minerals reported in the literature are summarized and highlighted.