Most ore beneficiation methods are conducted in an aqueous environment. Processing one ton of ore typically consumes about 2 to 3 tons of water. In the past decade, population growth and water scarcity caused by droughts have made water recovery a critical concern across all industries, including mineral processing.

In the mining industry, a major part of water recovery from tailings is carried out using thickeners. A thickener is a cylindrical tank where solids (tailings) are separated from water by gravity due to density differences. Fine particles often remain suspended because they carry like electrical charges and repel each other. To enhance density differences and accelerate sedimentation, polymeric substances called flocculantsare used.

Flocculants are long-chain polymers composed of carbon atoms with active functional groups. In mineral processing, they are used to aggregate particles. The mechanism works by adsorption of flocculant active groups onto particle surfaces, binding many particles into a single floc. These aggregated particles, being heavier than individual particles, settle more quickly. Flocculants are generally categorized into anionic, cationic, and nonionic types. Besides increasing sedimentation speed and thickener efficiency, flocculants also improve the clarity of recovered water.

Houman Pouyan Mining & Mineral Trading Company as the exclusive representative of Chemstar China is ready to supply all products related to processing, drilling, and mining for Iranian miners and industry owners. The company can also provide various custom equipment for domestic consumers.