Mineral processing
Research on the science and technology of primary mineral extraction.
Flotation
Base metals, industrial minerals, oxide/phosphate minerals, precious metals, penalty elements, soil remediation, plastics separation, water treatment and saline resources.
- Bubble-particle collection mechanisms including hydrodynamics in flotation;
- Mineral oxidation and adsorption of metal ions with respect to flotation properties;
- Surfactant/polymer adsorption at S/L and G/L interfaces and effect on interfacial properties with respect to flotation, including kinetics and thermodynamics;
- Insitu measurement and control mechanisms in flotation and grinding;
- Plant and pilot plant scale - cells, scale up, simulation, modelling and field measurements;
- Froth and foam properties with respect to flotation and other mineral processing related problems, eg. crud formation in petroleum extraction.
Solvent Extraction
For concentration of metal complexes in solution.
- Solvent/aqueous interfacial properties;
- Chelate transfer across solvent/aqueous interface
- Particle influence on solvent separation.
Selective Flocculation/Coagulation
For enrichment of minerals (excludes unselective flocculation for dewatering)
- Polymer adsorption and structure with respect to selective flocculation;
- Particle stability in mineral separation with respect to selective flocculation.
Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange
For concentration of metal complexes in solution.
- Adsorption on carbon and resin surfaces;
- Adsorption on competing surfaces.