Effect of grinding media on the flotation of carbonate using sodium oleate as collector

In this study, the effect of grinding media on malachite flotation using sodium oleate as collector was studied. Laboratory scale grinding and flotation testing of malachite and calcite samples were performed using different grinding media, including steel balls and zirconia balls. For the minerals a higher flotation rate was obtained grinding with zirconia balls. The mechanism of the effect of grinding media on malachite flotation was also investigated.