Review of flotation reagents for scheelite: collectors and depressants

Abstract Tungsten is a rare strategic metal with excellent properties. Scheelite is the main source of tungsten resources, but its low grade, fine embedded particle size and complex associated relationships make its efficient separation from gangue difficult. The surface properties and dissolution characteristics of scheelite, which are similar to calcium-containing minerals such as calcite, fluorite, and garnet, further complicate the separation process. The selection of collectors with strong collection ability and good selectivity for scheelite, as well as depressants with high selectivity for gangue minerals, is crucial. Based on the detailed introduction of scheelite crystal structure, anisotropy, this study comprehensively outlines the types of scheelite flotation collectors and depressants and their action mechanisms, focuses on the performance of new types of scheelite collectors and depressants that have been researched and developed in recent years, elaborates on the application of combined depressants and combined collectors in scheelite flotation, points out the future research direction of high-efficiency collectors and depressants and provides guidance for the development of new chemicals and new processes in scheelite flotation.