The effect of ionic strength of plant water on valuable mineral and gangue recovery in a platinum bearing ore from the Merensky reef

► An increase in ionic strength resulted in increased froth stability, leading to increased mass pulls and water recoveries. ► An increase in ionic strength had no apparent affect on the recovery of the sulphide minerals as measured by copper and nickel recoveries. ► The grades were somewhat decreased as the higher mass pull and water recovery at higher ionic strengths introduced more NFG to the final concentrate.