Polymer Usage in Mineral Beneficiation

Polymers of a wide variety of composition are used in coal and mineral beneficiation. Applications include flocculation and coagulation in thickeners, filtration enhancement, mill scale control, dust control, ore leaching improvement, and pond management. The proper chemistry of the polymer is determined by many factors, including the nature of the process, mineral type, and respective performance requirements. This paper provides an overview of the various current applications of polymers in mineral processing, and a description of the applicable polymer chemistries which find utility in these applications. Examples of structure/performance relationships are discussed.