Question

Explain the method of extraction by froth floatation.

Answer 1

Principle: This method is based on the difference in the wetting characteristics of the ore particles and the gangue with oil and water.

Process: The crushed sulphide ore is mixed with water and pine oil in a large tank. Compressed air is blown through the mixture to agitate it. The sulphide ore particles are preferentially wetted by oil and rise to the surface as foam or froth. The gangue particles are wetted by water and sink to the bottom. The froth is skimmed off and dried to obtain the concentrated ore.