| abstract |
The invention relates to a multifunctional flotation agent having collection and frothing functions, for a froth flotation method for the recovery of commercially valuable metals from minerals, said agent consisting of organic residues selected from the group consisting of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants, organic mud from biogas production systems, hydrosoluble organic matter from compost or other similar organic residues that are biologically treated or stabilised in aerobic and/or anaerobic conditions, industrial mud from the treatment of industrial organic liquid residues, and hydrosoluble organic matter from peat, guano, manure, or a combination of at least two of any of same, or a fraction thereof, said biosolids containing between 35% and 98% of organic matter, with a bulk density of between 0.2 and 0.8 g/mL, a pH of between 6.0 and 8.5, and an electrical conductivity of between 4.0 and 15 mS/cm. The invention also relates to the method for producing said multifunctional flotation agent (collection and frothing agent) and to the froth flotation method using the disclosed multifunctional agent. |