Ⅰ. Current status of global mining
1. Traditional mining technology still dominates
Currently, global mining mainly relies on open-site method, caving method and backfill method. The backfill method is mostly used in high-value mines due to its high cost. However, as resource development extends to deep and complex deposits, traditional methods face problems such as low efficiency and high pollution, and technological innovation is urgently needed.
2. Acceleration of green and intelligent transformation
Green mining: In order to reduce environmental pollution, mining companies gradually adopt non-blasting mining technology and efficient mineral processing equipment to improve resource utilization. For example, segmented diversion flotation technology and gold-loaded pyrite interface flotation technology are used to optimize the mineral processing process.
Intelligent technology: The application of technologies such as X-ray fluorescence sensors and intelligent picking systems promotes the development of mining production towards automation and digitalization.
3.Environmental pressure and cost challenges
The pollution problems of wastewater, waste gas, waste residue and tailings generated by mining are prominent, and the global demand for mine environmental governance and ecological restoration is becoming increasingly urgent. At the same time, the high pollution of traditional mineral processing reagents (such as yellow medicine and black medicine) further increases the cost of environmental governance.
Ⅱ.The role of mining additives in mineral processing
Function: As the main frother, it is widely used in the flotation of metals (copper, lead, zinc, etc.) and non-metallic ores. The stability of the foam it generates is better than that of other frothers. At the same time, it has the ability to capture talc, sulfur and other easily floating minerals.
Characteristics: Yellow-brown oily liquid, slightly soluble in water, stable chemical properties, containing α-terpene alcohol and other ingredients.
Function: A powerful collector, suitable for mixed flotation of sulfide ores (such as chalcopyrite and sphalerite), especially for sphalerite activated by copper sulfate.
Market trend: The global market size is expected to grow from US$500 million in 2019 to US$800 million in 2025, with an annual compound growth rate of 8%, and the application areas will expand to pharmaceuticals and environmental protection.
3. Black medicine (such as butyl ammonium black medicine)
Function: Dibutyl ammonium dithiophosphate collector, with high chemical stability, suitable for preferential flotation of copper ore in sulfide iron ore, or used in combination with xanthate to improve flotation efficiency.
Application limitations: It needs to be used in conjunction with other reagents. It is not selective enough for some ores when used alone.
Ⅲ.Development trend of mining additives
R&D and promotion of environmentally friendly agents
Traditional agents (such as xanthate and pine oil) are highly toxic and polluting, with annual emissions reaching millions of tons. Low-toxic and biodegradable substitutes are urgently needed. For example, potassium n-butyl xanthate has become a key development target due to its low toxicity.
Combining intelligence with efficiency
New flotation processes (such as segmented diversion technology) combined with efficient reagents can reduce dosage and improve recovery rate. For example, in one case, the new reagent increased the metal recovery rate by 10% and reduced the dosage by 15%.
Development of multifunctional composite reagents
Composite reagents with foaming, capture or inhibition functions have become a research hotspot. For example, pine oil can capture specific minerals while foaming. In the future, its components may be further optimized to expand application scenarios.
Improvement of regulations and standards
At present, most reagents are put into use without environmental assessment. In the future, strict testing systems and quality control standards need to be established to promote industry standardization.
IV. Summary
Global mining is undergoing a transformation from traditional extensive mode to green and intelligent mode. As the core of mineral processing, the environmental protection, high efficiency and intelligent adaptability of mining additives will become the key development direction. The optimization and upgrading of reagents such as pine oil and potassium butyl xanthate, combined with the application of emerging technologies, China Jinmai will help the mining industry achieve sustainable development goals.
