Flotation of Iron Oxides and Quartz—A Review

Froth flotation of iron oxides and quartz is reviewed over the broad range of particle sizes. The review, which embraces laboratory-, pilot plant- and industrial operations, encompasses (i) surface chemistry of iron oxides and quartz flotation (ii) relevant collectors and their adsorption mechanism and (iii) activation/depression in selective flotation, in this system. The diverse effect of temperature on iron oxides and calcium-activated quartz flotation is also indicated; the flocculation-flotation process of upgrading fine-grained iron ores is highlighted; and the economic advantage of reverse flotation in high grade, coarse- or medium grained iron ore flotation circuits is noted.