Effect of 25% Goethite on the Hydrophobicity and Oleate Flotation of Hematite

Flotation tests conducted on the two Iron Duke samples using oleate showed that the presence of goethite adversely affected the flotation response of the hematite but contact angle measurements showed a higher hydrophobicity for the sample containing 25% goethite. Correcting the oleate addition for the changes in surface area still showed that the goethite reduced the flotability of the hematite. Aspects of processing iron ores containing goethite will need to be addressed as the high grade hematite ores are depleted, especially if flotation is employed in the beneficiation process.