Pretreatment and recovery of base metals from oxidised ores by froth flotation technology – A review

Base metals are among the key drivers propelling the economy’s expansion due to their widespread uses and applications. They are used as input factors in the construction of houses, transportation, plants, machinery, pipes, electrical cables, etc. As high-grade base metal sulphide deposits continue to diminish rapidly, the focus is shifting towards recovering these metals from lower grade oxidised and mixed ore deposits. This article critically discusses several research attempts made on the pretreatment of oxidised and mixed ores to increase base metal recoveries by froth flotation, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. Finally, the paper proposes further research and suggest steps forward to pretreatment of oxidised base metals. It is strongly believed that with proper pretreatment of oxidised base metals prior to flotation, when established as a viable technology recognised by industry, will contribute to the sustainability of base metal industry.