Talc Flotation—An Overview

Abstract

Talc is a naturally hydrophobic gangue mineral in most sulfide ores. However, talc has vast applications in the cosmetics, paper, and paint industries due to its high chemical stability, and its demand continues to grow. Since flotation is the most effective beneficiation technique for upgrading sulfides, the high hydrophobicity of talc has made its selective separation challenging. This paper explored the different properties of talc and the different factors that affect its flotation separation performance as a proven versatile beneficiation technique. Surface properties, zeta potential measurements, contact angles, and other factors affecting the talc flotation efficiency were discussed in detail. It was observed that the surface face/edge ratio (particle size) has a direct relationship with the level of talc hydrophobicity. Talc surfaces are negatively charged in a wide pH range (pH 2–12). Different depressants have already been studied; however, most of them showed low selectivity. The addition of ions such as Ca2+ could enhance talc depression. Pretreatment methods such as ultrasonic and thermal treatments were reported to decrease the talc floatability. It was demonstrated that the development of new selective depressants or pretreatment options for talc flotation requires attention in future investigations to improve its selective separation.