Flotation of rhodochrosite fines induced by octyl hydroxamic acid as hydrophobic agglomerates

In this study, the flotation of rhodochrosite fines induced by octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) as hydrophobic agglomerates was investigated through the measurements of micro-flotation, laser diffraction, microscopy observations and zeta potential. The experimental results showed that the apparent particle size and morphology of rhodochrosite agglomerates were greatly affected by OHA concentration and stirring speed. Bigger agglomeration particle size and more regular agglomerates could be obtained at the OHA concentration of 60 mg/L, and appropriate stirring speed was required to form an optimum particle size of agglomerates for micro-flotation. The increased apparent particle size of rhodochrosite was favorable for micro-flotation recovery even though the particles were negatively charged in the presence of OHA. It's considered that OHA adsorbed on the surface of rhodochrosite through zeta potential results as well as the species distribution analysis of OHA and rhodochrosite. • Rhodochrosite agglomeration induced by OHA was investigated. • Agglomerates size was closely related to mechanical agitation. • Correlation of rhodochrosite aggregation with flotability was presented. • OHA could be well adsorbed on the surface of rhodochrosite.