An Environmentally Friendly Chelator for Improving the Flotation Separation of Magnesite and Dolomite: Flotation Behavior and Adsorption Mechanism
2025
Benying Wang | Changfeng Liu | Wenyu Fan | Yong Mao | Wengang Liu
During the grinding process, magnesite (MgCO3) and calcareous gangue minerals, such as dolomite (MgCa(CO3)2), are prone to surface dissolution. The dissolved metal ions adsorb onto the mineral surfaces, causing the surface properties of both minerals to converge, which complicates flotation separation. This study investigates the use of ethylene glycol tetra-acetic acid (EGTA) to optimize the grinding&ndash:flotation system for the recovery of magnesite. The mechanisms underlying EGTA&rsquo:s effects on the minerals were examined through various characterization techniques, including contact angle measurements, zeta potential analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Single-mineral flotation tests revealed that EGTA addition during grinding enhanced the separation between magnesite and dolomite in flotation. An artificial mixed-ore flotation yielded a concentrate with 46.47% MgO grade and 92.21% MgO recovery. Mechanistic studies indicated that EGTA selectively adsorbed onto Ca sites on the surface of dolomite, increasing its hydrophilicity. Additionally, EGTA effectively chelated Ca2+ in the slurry, improving the chemical environment. Therefore, EGTA demonstrated significant potential for improving the flotation of magnesite.
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