MiningUNEARTHING POLYMER POTENTIAL IN THE MINING INDUSTRY

Polymers play a vital role in various mineral extraction processes, from promoting efficient solid-liquid separation with flocculants and coagulants, to enhancing gravity separation and flotation. Their use helps improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of mineral extraction operations. As the industry continues to evolve and focus on minimizing its environmental footprint, the role of polymers is expected to expand even further.

Selecting the appropriate polymer for a mining application requires a thorough understanding of its essential properties, such as solubility, molecular weight, charge density, chemical stability, mechanical properties, resistance to environmental factors, and compatibility with other materials.  Along with the largest selection of polymer and related equipment for mining applications, our technical services are at the core of our offerings.

Being the world leader in our field means nothing if we cannot provide the best quality of service to our customers. Thanks to our global network, we have developed a service team available 24/7. Our representatives come primarily from the mining industry where they have held positions such as metallurgists, process engineers, production managers, and engineering managers.  Our goal is not only to provide a quick response to specific problems but also to sustainably work with our customers in the context of continuous improvement.  Another important commitment of SNF is knowledge sharing: the theoretical and practical training of operators using our products is an important aspect of our business, especially since the mining sector faces a general shortage of skills.


Dust Suppression Agents for Ore Mining

Dust generated during the extraction, transportation, and processing of ores can pose significant health and environmental risks, including respiratory issues for workers and contamination of nearby ecosystems. To combat this issue, various dust suppression polymers have been developed. These polymers, typically water-soluble and environmentally friendly, are applied to the surfaces of roads, stockpiles, and other exposed areas to create a stable, cohesive layer that binds dust particles, preventing them from becoming airborne. By employing dust mitigation polymers, mining operations can effectively minimize the impact of dust on workers’ health and the surrounding environment while ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing overall sustainability.

Mining
Mining

Mineral Processing Aids

Polymers are used in mineral processing as fines recovery reagents, helping to reclaim valuable fine particles that would otherwise be lost in waste streams. These polymers, including flocculants and coagulants, enhance solid-liquid separation and improve the efficiency of downstream processes. Additionally, as dewatering aids, polymers facilitate the removal of water from mineral slurries, resulting in a more concentrated product and reduced waste disposal costs.

Polymers for Tailings Management

Polymers play a crucial role in mineral mining tailings management, offering innovative solutions for various challenges. Water-solids separation products, like flocculants and coagulants, enhance solid-liquid separation, promoting mineral recovery. Filtration enhancement polymers improve dewatering, reducing moisture content, while dust mitigation products minimize airborne dust emissions. These advanced polymer solutions contribute to safer and more sustainable mining practices.

Mining
Mining

Mine Water Management

Polymers are used extensively in mine water management, addressing challenges related to sediment, turbidity, and mine drainage. Flocculants, coagulants, and water treatment polymers effectively remove suspended solids, reducing turbidity and enabling water reuse in mine process streams or for water discharge programs. Polymers also assist in storm control, preventing erosion and sediment runoff. These advanced polymer solutions promote environmentally responsible mining practices and effective water management.

Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP)

Superabsorbent products transform problematic sticky/muddy ores into crusty/fragile agglomerates that are easy to handle and dry process.  This enables optimization of the throughput and performance, eases transport of ore, and prevents liquefaction. Superabsorbents are also used to prevent freezing or solidification of slurry tailings.

Mining
Mining

Binders for Agglomeration

Agglomeration is widely utilized in the Mining Industry for fine powdered ores or minerals to allow them to enter firing processes.

The use of a binder is required to for effective agglomeration processes and to reach the mechanical strength needed to avoid any breaks and failures during the transport and heat reduction of the agglomerates.

Organic binders have many advantages vs inorganic binders:

  • Uniform and plastic agglomerates formation
  • Higher metal content
  • Less abrasion on the equipment (roller presses or extruders)

Applications

  • Flocculants and Coagulants for Dewatering
  • Rheology Modifiers
  • Drag Reducing Agents
  • Dust Suppression Agents
  • Ore Handling Control Aids
  • Agglomeration Agents
  • Freeze Control Agents
  • Environmental Compliance Products
  • Anti-scalants

Mining
Mining

Industries Served

We serve the entire mining and metallurgical industry worldwide:

  • Bauxite and alumina manufacturing
  • Iron ore at the mine and in the pellet plants
  • Treatment of coal and fly ash
  • Treatment of ferrous and non-ferrous base metals: lead, copper, zinc, nickel
  • Precious metals: gold, silver, and platinum group metals
  • Industrial minerals: Phosphate & Potash, Aggregates, Kaolin, bentonite, limestone
  • Rare Earth Element Recovery
  • Lithium and Cobalt
  • Frac Sands and Specialty Glass Sand

CONTACT THE SNF MINING TEAM TODAY!

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