Processing an ultramafic ore using fiber disintegration by acid attack

摘要: Abstract Ultramafic ores are a potential major resource of nickel. For the Thompson area deposits northern Manitoba, Canada, processing challenge is serpentine polymorph chrysotile, dominant gangue mineral. Due to its fibrous nature chrysotile causes physical entanglement and increased pulp viscosity which reduces selectivity in flotation. The proposed approach involves disintegration fibers by combination chemical (H2SO4) mechanical (grinding) treatment adapting technology explored for CO2 sequestration. use H2SO4 also led collectorless flotation traced elemental sulphur formation, release magnesium solution ionic strength sufficient eliminate need frother. Significant improvement Ni grade-recovery with higher rejection MgO-bearing was achieved compared untreated ore. Structural changes were followed using spectroscopic techniques. A mechanism fiber suggested.