ZETA POTENTIAL AS A METHOD FOR SELECTING NEW ADVANCED BIOPOLYMERS IN THE TREATMENT OF COPPER TAILINGS

There are numerous critical aspects related to mineral extraction, such as water and energy consumption, besides the generation of tailings from the mineral processing. This work aims to select new advanced biopolymers for the treatment of copper tailings using the zeta potential (ζ) technique. Original samples obtained from a mining company in Bahia underwent drying and characterization of the solid and liquid phases. Then, the preparation of the suspension was carried out similarly to the process conditions for the residue flocculation tests and the measurement of the ζ potential. Three biopolymers proved to be promising flocculants for phase separation, which are more environmentally friendly than commercial flocculants and provide greater water clarification and reuse.