An investigation of physical and physicochemical methods for wollastonite-diopside separation

Wollastonite(CaSiO3) and diopside(CaMgSi2O6) are silicate minerals occurring in the mining operation near Kingston. Quantity of each mineral in the deposit vary from 30 to 40%. An efficient separation of wollastonite from diopside represents a challenge in processing this ore. Efficiency of flotation separation at high levels diopside is not consistent since both silicates respond the same type of collectors. A higher Wol/Diop ratio in the feed is one of the determining factors to achieve high grade wollastonite concentrates. The proposed research program will involve investigations to assess the potential of mineral separation methods both physical and physicochemical in nature. Unlike diopside, wollastonite has a tendency to form needle-like particles. The role the shape dependency has on classification and gravity separation methods involving shaking table and Humphrey spirals will be assessed. Additional research efforts will be dedicated to screening and selection of flotation reagents through contact angle measurements to assess relative effects of collectors/modifiers.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sadan Kelebek

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Wollastonite

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining

University:

Queen's University

Program: