The critical importance of the grinding environment on fine particle recovery in flotation

This paper examines published and new experimental evidence on the effect of the grinding environment on fine (−10 μm) value mineral recovery in flotation. Reasons for increases in fine value mineral recovery from ores with fully electrochemically inert grinding media are discussed in relation to reduced surface contamination by iron hydroxide emanating from the grinding media. The application of stirred milling technology, which allows the use of fully inert grinding media, to primary grinding applications may lead to increased fine value mineral recovery in flotation rougher applications. It is suggested that the effect of the grinding media, which is important for fine particles and progressively becomes more important as the grind size becomes finer, is principally due to the abrasion mechanism of the minerals with the grinding media in the production of fine particles. Opportunities for research and industry application are discussed.