Research Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources, Moscow, Russia:

T. N. Matveeva, Acting Head of Department of the Problems of Complex Extraction of Valuable Components from Natural and Technogenic Raw Materials, e-mail: tmatveyeva@mail.ru
L. B. Lantsova, Leading Engineer
A. O. Gapchich, Researcher

This article shows the results of laboratory tests of plant modifier, obtained in the form of stems and leaf aqueous extract of Sosnowsky's hogweed, under the flotation of gold-bearing ores of Olimpiada and Natalkinskoe deposits. The urgent application of the new plant compounds as modifier reagents in flotation of gold minerals helps to replace toxic chemicals by environmentally safe substances of plant origin. The composition of the plant modifier incorporates highly water-soluble substances like pectin, proteins, tannins, amino acids, glutamine, esters of butyric and acetic acid, accumulated in leaves and stems of hogweed plants. Presence of hydrophilic groups in the molecules of these compounds determines their effect on minerals floatability. Tests were carried out according to the scheme of direct flotation in open cycle for obtaining of concentrate and tailings. The obtained results indicate the efficiency of the plant modifier in the flotation recovery of gold from refractory minerals. Using plant modifier in terms of operating enterprises does not involve changes to the flotation scheme, grind size products, flotation time, as well as the pulp alkalinity. Preliminary technical and economic assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation of plant modifier showed its investment attractiveness: the use of a new reagent mode will provide the increase in the gross profit of the enterprise. Additionally, application of a new reagent mode will help to expand the resource base of the mining enterprise by engaging in ore mining of with low gold content.

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