heavy-media separation

Also known as: sink-and-float separation

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June 29, 2026

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Heavy-media separation, also known as sink-and-float separation, is a mineral processing technique that separates valuable minerals from waste rock based on their differing densities. This method uses a liquid medium with a specific gravity higher than water, typically a suspension of finely ground heavy minerals like magnetite or ferrosilicon.1

When ground ore is introduced into this medium, less dense waste particles (gangue) float and are removed, while denser, valuable mineral particles sink and are collected. The separating medium can then be recovered from the tailings using magnetic separation and recycled. This process is effective for separating minerals with distinct density differences.1

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mineral processing
Gravity separation
In heavy-media separation (also called sink-and-float separation), the medium used is a suspension in water of a finely ground heavy mineral (such as magnetite or arsenopyrite) or technical product (such as ferrosilicon). Such a suspension can simulate a fluid with a higher density than water. When…
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In heavy-media separation (also called sink-and-float separation), the medium used is a suspension in water of a finely ground heavy mineral (such as magnetite or arsenopyrite) or technical product (such as ferrosilicon). Such a suspension can simulate a fluid with a higher density than water. When…
Read More