Extended abstract: Advanced processing methods for efficient flotation of Ti- and V- bearing ores

Titanium and Vanadium are listed as critical raw materials in the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (European Parliament and Council, 2024). Both metals are used in many high-performance applications, including wind turbines, airplanes, and nuclear applications. Regardless of their strategic importance in advanced technologies , they have received less attention compared to, e.g., battery minerals or rare-earth elements. Additionally, there is no Ti metal or V production currently in Europe. Although many untapped V-bearing titanomagnetite deposits in Europe, almost all remain unexploited due to their complex mineralogy and the consequent techno-economic feasibility.To enhance the feasibility of extraction for such ore bodies in Europe, this study investigates advanced processing methods applied to two different Ti- and V-bearing ores. The selected methods were inert atmosphere grinding (N or CO2) and combined microflotation (CMF). These methods were chosen because both have demonstrated improved flotation performance in other ore types. Maksimainen et al. (2010) reported improved PGM grades and recoveries for a low sulfur-containing ore, where the proposed mechanism for improved PGM flotation performance was depression of silicate gangue minerals. Similarly, Rulyov (2024) demonstrated significant improvements in Cu recovery through the use of combined microflotation in the flotation of Cu containing tailings.These advanced methods were applied for two different ores in a flotation column set-up, both independently and together. Their performance was compared against a general benchmark procedure with conventional grinding, and flotation.