Evaluation of Soy Lecithin as Eco-Friendly Reagent for Iron Ore Tailings Thickening

Managing tailings efficiently remains a critical significant challenge in the mining sector, affecting water usage, industrial process reuse, and environmental safety. Poor disposal practices can lead to water pollution, high infrastructure expenses, and the need for long-term monitoring. To address these challenges, thickening is commonly employed in tailings dewatering to improve particle aggregation and water clarity. In this regard, this study investigates the use of soy lecithin as a biodegradable alternative reagent for iron ore tailings thickening. Bench-scale tests assessed the impact of pH and reagent dosage on sedimentation speed and water clarity. Under optimal conditions (150 g/t at pH 5), there was a 110% increase in sedimentation rate and a 60% decrease in clarified water turbidity compared to untreated tailings. These findings highlight the potential of soy lecithin as a sustainable solution for mineral tailings treatment, providing both environmental and operational advantages, and fostering innovation in the mining industry.