The Flotation Chemistry Group integrates fundamental and applied aspects of flotation research, to develop new and improved processing technologies.
The Group specialises in base metal sulphide flotation systems, focusing on reagent chemistry (both novel and traditional), water properties, mineral surface chemistry and electrochemistry as well as advanced surface analysis, and see flotation chemistry as part of a greater whole.
Aims
The Flotation Chemistry Group aims to integrate fundamental and applied aspects of flotation research, to develop new and improved processing technologies.
The Group's wide range of expertise allows them to use the latest advancements in technology to provide whole-circuit diagnostic of flotation performance and solutions for improving process efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability.
Group lead
Associate Professor Liza Forbes
View Liza Forbes' research profile
Key researchers
Dr Susana Brito e Abreu
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Dr Lucia Dzinza
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Dr Ünzile Yenial Arslan
View Ünzile Yenial Arslan's research profile
Andrea Gray
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Higher Degree by Research candidates
Candice Brill
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Mayra Jefferson Montoya
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Joy Marisol Maniaul
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Anran Niu
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Anna Skliar
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Novel reagent technologies for arsenic minerals
This project is developing methods of early removal of arsenic-bearing minerals in a flotation circuit to significantly reduce the environmental risks associated with arsenic reporting to the circuit product streams and allow for concentration of the precious metal containing arsenic minerals for further treatment.
Correlation of surface chemical heterogeneity at the micron scale with hydrophobicity and particle-bubble interaction forces
This project investigates the role that chemical heterogeneity plays on surface hydrophobicity and bubble-particle interaction forces. It will provide insights into the fundamental knowledge of bubble-particle interactions for complex surfaces which will be critical to understand the behaviour of coarse particles in flotation.
Investigation of Direct Reagent Addition to Bubble Surfaces via the Gas Phase on Hydrophobic Particle Recovery
Over the past two decades there has been much research to provide the hydrodynamic conditions best suited for coarse particle flotation. But little attention has been given to chemistry within these machines and how it can be manipulated to enhance coarse particle recovery. This project investigates how dosing collector via bubble surfaces could benefit coarse particle flotation.
Relationship of pyrite textures and composition on flotation performance
This project is investigating the relation between pyrite textures and their prevalence, mineralogical associations, elemental composition, and electrochemical properties on flotation performance of ore samples from Mt Isa 500 and 1100 orebodies.
How does process water affect your plant’s performance?
The project aims to evaluate the effect of process water chemistry on flotation performance and devise treatment strategies for recycling water into the mineral processing plant.
Overcoming pyrite challenges in Queensland’s ore reserves and mine tailings (Advance Queensland Indsutrial Research Fellowship)
Ore bodies around the world are becoming more difficult to process as high grade material becomes depleted, this project focuses on ways to extract copper from reserves considered too difficult to process because of high levels of pyrite.
Contact us
Get in touch to learn more about our research.
Associate Professor Liza Forbes
Principal Research Fellow,
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
l.forbes@uq.edu.au
The Flotation Chemistry Group is a research group within the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre.