Why is wet grinding more common than dry grinding?

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mineral processing Schematic diagram of a flotation separation cell.

In the field of mineral processing, grinding is the final stage of comminution used to liberate valuable minerals from waste rock. While both dry and wet methods are possible, wet grinding is the predominant practice in modern industry.1

Wet grinding is generally preferred for several reasons:

Efficiency: The presence of water reduces the viscosity of the ore slurry, which improves the flow of material through the mill and enhances the efficiency of the grinding media.
Energy Consumption: Wet grinding typically requires less energy per unit of production compared to dry grinding, as the water helps in the transport and classification of particles.
Dust Control: Operating in a wet environment eliminates the significant health and safety hazards associated with airborne dust, which is a major concern in dry grinding operations.
Downstream Compatibility: Most subsequent separation processes, such as flotation, are performed in an aqueous medium. Using wet grinding ensures the material is already in a slurry form, facilitating a seamless transition to these downstream stages.1