TOMSK, Aug 7 – RIA Tomsk. Chemists of the Laboratory for Catalytic Research of Tomsk State University (TSU) developed flotation reagents for the separation of precious metals from ore; these reagents increase the extraction of copper, zinc and lead and their quality, which gives a good economic effect, is reported on the website of the regional innovative portal on Tuesday.
It is specified that the method of flotation enrichment of ores involves the separation of precious metals from the rock by the use of foam. In the foam remain metal particles, and the empty rock falls into the water. In the process of flotation reagents of different purposes are used – foaming agents, collectors, depressors.
"Сustomers calculated the cost of economic efficiency of use of our reagents. In particular, the use of our depressant makes it possible to increase the extraction of copper, zinc and lead into concentrates and improve their quality. According to preliminary calculations, when processing 200 tons of ore using our reagent, income on concentrates minus costs of reagents will increase by one million dollars", – the project manager Ivan Mutas is quoted in the message.Flotation reagents of TSU passed successful laboratory tests in the company of Kazzinc LLP in Kazakhstan, as well as the product is being introduced at concentrating plants in the Far East and at processing of technogenic waste in Buryatia, is said in the report.
It is added that at the moment it's decided on conducting industrial tests of the reagents.