Molecular Modeling of Mineral Surface Reactions in Flotation

Minerals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 185
Author(s):  
Christine Putnis

Reactions at mineral surfaces are central to all geochemical processes. As minerals comprise the rocks of the Earth, the processes occurring at the mineral–aqueous fluid interface control the evolution of the rocks and, hence, the structure of the crust of the Earth during such processes at metamorphism, metasomatism, and weathering. In recent years, focus has been concentrated on mineral surface reactions made possible through the development of advanced analytical techniques, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), advanced electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), phase shift interferometry, confocal Raman spectroscopy, advanced synchrotron-based applications, complemented by molecular simulations, to confirm or predict the results of experimental studies. In particular, the development of analytical methods that allow direct observations of mineral–fluid reactions at the nanoscale have revealed new and significant aspects of the kinetics and mechanisms of reactions taking place in fundamental mineral–fluid systems. These experimental and computational studies have enabled new and exciting possibilities to elucidate the mechanisms that govern mineral–fluid reactions, as well as the kinetics of these processes, and, hence, to enhance our ability to predict potential mineral behavior. In this Special Issue “Mineral Surface Reactions at the Nanoscale”, we present 12 contributions that highlight the role and importance of mineral surfaces in varying fields of research.


Author(s):  
V.K. Berry

There are two strains of bacteria viz. Thiobacillus thiooxidansand Thiobacillus ferrooxidanswidely mentioned to play an important role in the leaching process of low-grade ores. Another strain used in this study is a thermophile and is designated Caldariella .These microorganisms are acidophilic chemosynthetic aerobic autotrophs and are capable of oxidizing many metal sulfides and elemental sulfur to sulfates and Fe2+ to Fe3+. The necessity of physical contact or attachment by bacteria to mineral surfaces during oxidation reaction has not been fairly established so far. Temple and Koehler reported that during oxidation of marcasite T. thiooxidanswere found concentrated on mineral surface. Schaeffer, et al. demonstrated that physical contact or attachment is essential for oxidation of sulfur.


1998 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Saucier ◽  
I. Pianet ◽  
M. Laguerre ◽  
Y. Glories

1991 ◽  
Vol 88 ◽  
pp. 2497-2503 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Vanderveken ◽  
G Baudoux ◽  
F Durant ◽  
DP Vercauteren
Keyword(s):  

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