Research Article
Eco-Friendly Collectors for Graphite Flotation: Performance Evaluation of Elaeis guineensis (Palm) Oil and Arachis Hypogaea (Groundnut) Oil
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
38-48
Received:
9 July 2025
Accepted:
28 July 2025
Published:
21 August 2025
Abstract: The increasing global demand for natural flake graphite, driven by its applications in green technology and the potential of graphene, offers a significant opportunity for Nigeria to effectively utilize its graphite resources. However, prioritizing sustainability in mineral processing is essential. The conventional collector, kerosene, is imported and non-biodegradable, presenting both economic and environmental challenges. This research aims to develop a sustainable graphite beneficiation process by exploring the use of locally sourced natural oils as alternative froth flotation collectors, focusing on Ningi graphite Run-of-Mine (R.O.M.) as a case study. The purity of the concentrate and processing efficiency were assessed using graphite burn-off assays and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis. The innovative eco-friendly froth flotation method achieved a graphite recovery rate of 82.40% using biodegradable oils, specifically Elaeis guineensis (palm) oil and Arachis hypogaea (groundnut) oil. This process resulted in a remarkable improvement in graphite purity—approximately 67-fold—while effectively reducing contamination from metal oxides. Additionally, this technique successfully separated graphite concentrate from non-combustible inorganic impurities, yielding a froth concentrate of 33.0% and achieving an impressive ash removal rate of 73.43%. This methodology addresses the economic and environmental concerns of traditional collectors while enhancing graphite purity. Further research is essential to optimize this novel approach.
Abstract: The increasing global demand for natural flake graphite, driven by its applications in green technology and the potential of graphene, offers a significant opportunity for Nigeria to effectively utilize its graphite resources. However, prioritizing sustainability in mineral processing is essential. The conventional collector, kerosene, is imported ...
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Fatai Olufemi Aramide
