Flotation of water-soluble mineral resources

The flotation-based separation of the salt minerals sylvite (KCl), halite (NaCl), carnallite (KCl·MgCl2·6H2O) in saturated solutions of electrolytes (KCl–NaCl–H2O and MgCl2–KCl–NaCl–H2O is discussed. The use of special organic polymers and surface-active substances makes it possible to separate, at a high selectivity at normal temperatures, the particles of salt minerals of differing crystalline-chemical properties, by suppressing the negative effects of alumosilicate and carbonate slimes. Requirements are specified to the composition and properties of the flotation reagents depending on the type of potassium- and magnesium-containing ores, conditions of their processing and quality requirements to the end product. New reagents are proposed for flotation of salt minerals and suppression of alumosilicate and carbonate mineral slime impurities. Examples of commercial use of the technologies developed are given.