Tshwane University of Science and Technology (Pretoria, South Africa):

Adeleke A. A., Research Fellow, adelekeAA@tut.ac.za

Modiba S. S., BTech. Graduate

Popoola A. P. I., Senior Lecturer

Olubambi P. A., Senior Lecturer

Samples of the Middle Group 1 chromite ore of the South African Bushveld complex were subjected to batch flotation tests using sodium isobutyl Xanthate (SIBX) and Senkol 433 as collectors and Flomin F200 as fother. The test work was conducted using an 8L Denver flotation cell with pulp of 1.3 specific gravity, conditioning time of 20 minutes and rotor speed of 1500 rpm. The results obtained showed that the low-grade ores with PGM contents of 2.17 to 3.9 g/t were upgraded to concentrates with Platinum Group Metals (PGM) contents of up to 57.2 and 69.2 g/t with SIBX and Senkol collectors, respectively. The results obtained showed that the PGM grade and recovery generally increased with increasing dosages of SIBX and Senkol from 120 to 200 g/t and increasing froth scraping times, with Senkol producing higher grades and recoveries at dosages above 120 g/t. The cumulative grade of 68.4 g/t obtained for Senkol at 160 g/t dosage and 8 minutes scraping time was very close to the 69.2 g/t at 200 g/t dosage and 18 minutes scraping time. The Senkol collector produced the best grades PGM of 69.2 and 68.8 g/t at cumulative scraping times of 18 and 8 minutes and 200 and 160 g/t dosages, respectively.

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