How to separate quartz from gold tailings?

The process of separating and recovering gold, quartz, and feldspar from gold tailings samples is complex; therefore, the main separation process is divided into three steps.

1. Graded desliming to remove fine particles in the sample. The tailings sample is prepared and mixed thoroughly; then, the slurry is pumped tangentially into the cyclone using a slurry pump, and the slurry density is set between 35% and 40%. Subsequently, the particles are classified into underflow and overflow types. After ensuring stable operation of the hydrocyclone, underflow and overflow particles are removed and filtered.

2. Wet high-intensity magnetic separation process to eliminate magnetic impurities, including hematite, limonite and ultra-fine magnetite symbiotic particles. A wet strong magnetic separator is used to separate weakly magnetic minerals. Samples are prepared by mixing gold tailings with water and feeding it into the equipment. Magnetic and non-magnetic materials are transported through the water and then collected.

3. Flotation separation to eliminate sulfide impurities and other non-metal oxide impurities. The tailings sample is placed in the flotation cell and the surface level is readjusted by adding water. The tank is filled with air, and reagents are added vertically in sequence. Then the regulator, collector, and foaming agent are added to the slurry respectively, stirred for a certain period of time, and then aerated and flotated for a certain period of time. Dehydrate and dry the obtained concentrate and tailings.