Vol. 337 No. 4 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/4/5136
Evaluation of the efficiency of sodium oleate and biodegradable ethoxyphosphate in the flotation of apatite ores with high iron content
Relevance. Stems from the declining quality of apatite raw materials due to increasing proportions of iron-containing impurities, which impair the flotation, as well as environmental concerns associated with the use of synthetic reagents. Aim. To compare the efficiency of biodegradable Reagent FE-10, derived from ethoxylated cashew nut shell liquid, and sodium oleate in the flotation of apatite ores under conditions of elevated iron content. Objects. Apatite-nepheline ore (Khibiny Massif), sodium oleate, and biodegradable ethoxyphosphate Reagent FE-10 based on ethoxylated derivatives of cashew nut shell liquid. Methods. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of reagents (IR and NMR spectroscopy, cryoscopy), surface tension measurement (Wilhelmy plate method), and laboratory flotation tests at pH=10 using Fe³⁺. Results and conclusions. The reagents were characterized using IR and NMR spectroscopy, cryoscopy, and surface tension measurements. Laboratory flotation tests were conducted at pH=10 with the addition of Fe³⁺ ions. Reagent FE-10 exhibits a lower critical micelle concentration (0.30×10–4 compared to 3.53×10–4 mol/L for sodium oleate), resistance to iron interference, and high apatite recovery. In alkaline conditions, sodium oleate loses effectiveness due to electrostatic repulsion, whereas Reagent FE-10 maintains stability owing to the dense molecular packing on mineral surfaces. The study confirms the potential of biodegradable ethoxyphosphate for processing refractory ores, combining high technological efficiency with environmental safety. The findings can contribute to the development of "green" technologies in the mining industry.
For citation: Cheremisina O.V., Balandinsky D.A., Gorbacheva A.A., Lysenko M.R., Malevinskaya K.A. Evaluation of the efficiency of sodium oleate and biodegradable ethoxyphosphate in the flotation of apatite ores with high iron content. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 4, pp. 45-54.
Keywords:
apatite ores, flotation, biodegradable reagents, ethoxyphosphates, iron-containing impurities
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