Beneficiation Consequence on the Influence of Potential Hydrogen Variation in the Froth Flotation of Farin-Lamba (Plateau State) Cassiterite

Abstract

This study explores the influence of pH variation on the froth flotation performance of cassiterite ore obtained from the alluvial deposits of Farin-Lamba, Plateau State. Bulk ore samples were acquired via random sampling across the active mining site and subsequently homogenized to ensure uniformity. A 20 kg head sample was prepared, from which a representative 5 kg sub-sample was subjected to comminution and sieving. The processed material underwent chemical analysis, particle size distribution assessment, and beneficiation through froth flotation under controlled pH conditions. Initial analysis showed a tin oxide (SnO₂) grade of 20.22%. Sieve analysis across various mesh sizes identified -180+125 µm fraction as the optimal liberation size, recording the highest assay value of 23.28% SnO₂. Accordingly, sieve fractions -250+180, -180+125, and -125+90 µm were selected for flotation experiments conducted using a Denver D-12 mechanical agitator at 1200 rpm and gas flow of 0.5-1.0 m²/h. Experiments were carried out at pH 5, 7, and 9 to determine the best condition Farin-Lamba cassiterite to be beneficiated. Post-flotation analysis revealed that the highest SnO₂ concentration of 65.62% was achieved at pH 9 within the -180+125 µm size fraction, indicating this condition as optimal for tin beneficiation from Farin-Lamba cassiterite.