PAM finds an irreplaceable position in various mining applications, especially in mineral processing. It is mainly used in solid-liquid separation processes in the mining of ores or as a flocculant in water treatment. Typical applications are in the areas of coal extraction or for precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum as well as base metals such as copper, iron, zinc, etc.
It also finds a wide use in the treatment of process water where it is employed to remove waste solids. Key applications within mining are tailings thickening, impoundment treatment and sludge / clean mineral dewatering.
The use of PAM based products in a variety of different process steps in the mining industry provides significant benefits. PAM derived flocculants are one of the key controlling factors in the efficiency and throughput of thickening devices.
PAM is mainly used in solid-liquid separation processes in the mining of ores or as a flocculant in water treatment.
The aim is to increase output / yield from existing assets whilst ensuring efficient use of available natural resources (water and land in particular) in order to improve the long term sustainability of mining operations.
The use of PAM is increasing in the mining sector, driven by the need to treat lower grade ores, the need for improvements in solid-liquid separation and, of equal importance, the requirement to observe greater environmental standards.
