Which mineral properties can be used to separate valuable minerals from ore?

In mineral processing, several physical and physicochemical properties are utilized to separate valuable minerals from ore. These methods rely on the distinct characteristics of mineral particles to achieve concentration:

• Density: Gravity separation methods exploit differences in mineral density. Techniques such as heavy-media separation, jigging, and the use of spirals or shaking tables allow heavier valuable minerals to be separated from lighter gangue particles.1
• Surface Properties: Flotation separation relies on the physicochemical surface properties of minerals, specifically their wettability. By using chemical reagents to adjust whether a surface is hydrophobic (water-repelling) or hydrophilic (water-attracting), valuable minerals can be induced to attach to air bubbles and be removed in a froth.2
• Magnetic Properties: Magnetic separation utilizes the varying degrees of attraction minerals exhibit when subjected to magnetic fields. Minerals are categorized by their response—such as ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic—allowing for separation via electromagnets.34
• Electrical Properties: Electrostatic separation exploits differences in the electrical charge and conductivity of particles. When exposed to an electrical field, particles with different electrical properties follow distinct trajectories, enabling their separation.56