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WO2025128866A1 - Polyamine defoamers capable of depressing talc for treating talc froth - Google Patents

Polyamine defoamers capable of depressing talc for treating talc froth Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025128866A1
WO2025128866A1 PCT/US2024/059841 US2024059841W WO2025128866A1 WO 2025128866 A1 WO2025128866 A1 WO 2025128866A1 US 2024059841 W US2024059841 W US 2024059841W WO 2025128866 A1 WO2025128866 A1 WO 2025128866A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
talc
froth
metal
flotation
ore
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2024/059841
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French (fr)
Inventor
Nicodemus MAUTSA
Ruan PRETORIUS
Bernard NEL
James Miller
Mduduzi MBONAMBI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kemira Oyj
Kemira Water Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Kemira Oyj
Kemira Water Solutions Inc
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Publication of WO2025128866A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025128866A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D1/00—Flotation
    • B03D1/001—Flotation agents
    • B03D1/004—Organic compounds
    • B03D1/01—Organic compounds containing nitrogen
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D1/00—Flotation
    • B03D1/001—Flotation agents
    • B03D1/004—Organic compounds
    • B03D1/008—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D1/00—Flotation
    • B03D1/001—Flotation agents
    • B03D1/004—Organic compounds
    • B03D1/012—Organic compounds containing sulfur
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D1/00—Flotation
    • B03D1/001—Flotation agents
    • B03D1/004—Organic compounds
    • B03D1/016—Macromolecular compounds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D1/00—Flotation
    • B03D1/001—Flotation agents
    • B03D1/018—Mixtures of inorganic and organic compounds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D1/00—Flotation
    • B03D1/02—Froth-flotation processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D1/00—Flotation
    • B03D1/08—Subsequent treatment of concentrated product
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D1/00—Flotation
    • B03D1/12—Agent recovery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D2201/00—Specified effects produced by the flotation agents
    • B03D2201/002—Coagulants and Flocculants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D2201/00—Specified effects produced by the flotation agents
    • B03D2201/005—Dispersants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D2201/00—Specified effects produced by the flotation agents
    • B03D2201/06—Depressants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D2203/00—Specified materials treated by the flotation agents; Specified applications
    • B03D2203/02—Ores
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
    • B03D2203/00—Specified materials treated by the flotation agents; Specified applications
    • B03D2203/02—Ores
    • B03D2203/025—Precious metal ores

Definitions

  • process stream or “industrial process stream” generally refers to any aqueous fluids, solutions, slurries, or dispersions produced during any type of industrial process, for example, processes relating to mining industries, including recovery, extraction, refining, beneficiation, purification of mined mineral ore.
  • mined mineral ore comprises desires metals, talc, and/or other gangue minerals.
  • talc refers to a clay mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate, with the chemical formula Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 or Mg3(Si2O5)2(OH)2, which has a T-O-T (2:1 structure), comprising an octahedral brucite (O) layer sandwiched between 2 silica (T) layers. T-O-T layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces. This structure results in a talc surface structure comprising two different surfaces, the basal cleavage face and the edge.
  • the face surface which occupies approximately 90% of the talc surface, consists of a tetrahedral siloxane surface with inert –Si-O-Si- links, and is nonpolar, ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 and therefore, hydrophobic.
  • the edge surface is hydrophilic due to the presence of pH dependent SiOH and MgOH groups.
  • the proportionally larger face surface area gives talc its natural hydrophobic character.
  • Talc is a mined mineral with commercial utility and is also a major gangue mineral in several base metal ores, including copper and nickel ores. In its natural form, talc is platy and hydrophobic due to its physicochemical structure.
  • talc has no chemical charge and talc edges are slightly anionic. These properties are responsible for talc having a strong tendency to be naturally floatable and to form talc froth during ore treatment processes, such as flotation.
  • aqueous solution or “solution” refer to a mixture of water and a water-soluble solute or solutes which are completely dissolved with little to no residual undissolved solute. The solution may be homogenous.
  • aqueous suspension”, “aqueous slurry”, or “slurry” generally refer to a heterogeneous mixture of a fluid that contains insoluble or sparingly soluble solid particles sufficiently large for sedimentation.
  • Suspensions and slurries of the present invention may also comprise some amount of ultra-fine solid particles, often termed colloidal particles, which do not completely settle or take a long time to settle completely.
  • the terms “mined ore”, “mineral ore”, or “mined mineral ore” refer to natural rock or sediment containing one or more “desired minerals” in concentrations above background levels, which are extracted from the earth’s crust and processed by industrial processing or beneficiation steps and purified to an extent that is acceptable for industrial use or sale.
  • exemplary “desired minerals” include talc, metal ores, and metals including, but not limited to nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, and platinum.
  • gangue refers to the unwanted minerals that are an intrinsic part of mined ore rock and mined mineral ore.
  • gangue may comprise insoluble talc, silicate, and/or clay mineral contaminants, and/or oxide contaminants, and in particular may comprise any or all of silicates; carbonates; sulfides; clays; oxides of aluminum, oxides of iron, silica (e.g., quartz), titanium, sulfur and alkaline earth metals; amphibole, talc, quartz, muscovite, sericite, biotite, chlorites, pyrite, feldspar, mica, clinoclore, serpentines of iron, and iron sulfides.
  • Gangue may be separated using techniques like crushing, grinding, milling, gravity, or heavy media separation, screening, magnetic separation, and/or froth flotation to improve the concentration of the desired minerals and remove impurities.
  • process water or “industrial process water” generally refer to any aqueous fluids, solutions, slurries, or dispersions produced during any type of industrial process, for example, processes relating to ore mining, processing and beneficiation of mined ore, and wastewater treatment from mining operations.
  • beneficiation refers to any process that removes gangue minerals from mined ore to produce a higher grade product and a waste stream.
  • Exemplary beneficiation methods for include crushing, grinding, milling, gravity, or heavy media separation, screening, magnetic separation, froth flotation, metal flotation, talc flotation, thickening, or gravity settling to improve the concentration of the desired minerals relative to impurities.
  • Waste streams comprising aqueous slurries, such as tailings, may be treated by solid-liquid separation methods such as gravity settling, centrifugation, thickening, or other dewatering method to separate solid components from the aqueous fluid component, thereby creating a “recovered water”, which may be reused in subsequent industrial processes relating to mining and beneficiation of ore.
  • solid-liquid separation methods such as gravity settling, centrifugation, thickening, or other dewatering method to separate solid components from the aqueous fluid component, thereby creating a “recovered water”, which may be reused in subsequent industrial processes relating to mining and beneficiation of ore.
  • the terms “recovered water” refers to any aqueous fluid component that is separated from an industrial process water relating to mining or beneficiation.
  • the recovered water must be of sufficient purity and clarity, and must not contain any process aids or materials that inhibit or adversely affect those subsequent processes, such as metal or talc flotation.
  • Exemplary embodiments of a recovered water include any aqueous solution resulting from processes including talc or metal flotation, defoaming, thickening, and gravity sedimentation of solids, wherein the aqueous solution contains no anti-foamers and has sufficient overflow clarity to be reused in ore milling and flotation.
  • overflow clarity refers to the optical clarity of a recovered water or a supernatant formed by any solid-liquid separation technique, such as talc or metal thickening or sedimentation.
  • NTU turbidity
  • flotation froth flotation
  • the ore is ground to a size sufficiently small to liberate the desired mineral or minerals from the gangue.
  • Water from various sources may be added in order to generate a flotation feed that is in a slurry form.
  • the slurry is then aerated, such as in a tank or column called a flotation cell.
  • Froth flotation physically separates the ground particles based on differences in the ability of air bubbles to selectively adhere to specific mineral surfaces in the slurry.
  • the particles with attached air bubbles are carried to the surface of the slurry, forming a froth that may be removed as a concentrate, while the particles that remain completely wetted stay in the aqueous slurry phase (i.e., “flotation tailings”).
  • Exemplary flotation methods include “talc flotation”.
  • Talc is highly floatable and during talc flotation the goal is to form a talc froth that is enriched in talc and separated as a “talc concentrate”, while leaving desired metals and other gangue minerals in the talc flotation tailings.
  • the talc ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 concentrates are pumped to thickeners, settling tanks, or tailings dams, where the talc froth is defoamed and solid talc particles are separated by gravity settling or other means. If the talc flotation tailings contain a desired metal, they are pumped to metal flotation stages.
  • Exemplary flotation methods also include “metal flotation”.
  • metal flotation the goal is to form a froth that is enriched in the desired metal (e.g., nickel, copper, etc.) and separated as a “metal concentrate”, while leaving residual talc and other gangue minerals in the metal flotation tailings.
  • the metal concentrates are pumped to thickeners, or settling tanks where the metal froth is defoamed and desired metal particles are separated by gravity settling or other means.
  • the term “foam” refers to entrained air, trapped undissolved gas bubbles, or air pockets in a liquid or solid composition.
  • Foam is generally a substance that is composed of many bubbles or small pockets of gas that are trapped within a liquid or solid. Foam tends to display a smooth and homogeneous appearance.
  • Froth is a type of foam that is characterized by its irregular, bubbly appearance and is usually formed by the agitation of a liquid. It is often used to describe foam that forms on top of a liquid. The air bubbles of a foam may selectively adhere to specific mineral surfaces, such as metal or talc.
  • the term “foam” refers to foam, froth, or a combination of foam and froth in the same process stream.
  • talc froth refers to foam and/or froth comprising talc and “metal froth” refers to foam and/or froth comprising a desired metal ore.
  • trimer refers to an industrial holding tank where thickening occurs.
  • Thickening is a process where a slurry or solid-liquid mixture is separated to a dense slurry containing most of the solids and an overflow of relatively clear water.
  • the driving force for the separation is gravitational, where the differences in phase densities drive the separation of the solids and liquid.
  • thickening by sedimentation is applied to both the product and tailings streams to recover water. The recovered water is recycled in the process.
  • the terms “gravity thickening”, “gravity settling”, or “gravity sedimentation” refer to a process by which solids in a slurry, such as an aqueous slurry of milled ore comprising metals, talc and gangue, are condensed by sedimentation or settling to produce a concentrated solids cake and a relatively solids-free supernatant.
  • Process Aids for Defoaming and Depressing Talc refers to a chemical or polymeric additive for improving ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO.
  • the term “defoamer” or “defoaming agent” refers to a chemical additive that “breaks” (i.e., reduces or eliminates) foam in an industrial process stream. Strictly speaking, “defoamers” eliminate existing foam. Formation of foam in a solution decreases the density of the solution.
  • the phase “defoamer performance” or “efficacy” refers to the relative defoaming response (i.e., % foam elimination) and defoaming rate of a defoamer at a given dosage.
  • Relative defoamer performance may be determined by testing several defoamers at a given by dosage in the same foamed process stream under the same conditions. Addition of a defoamer breaks the existing foam, allowing the density of the solution to increase again. The rate of foam removal after addition of a defoamer indicates how fast the defoamer acts, which is called the “defoaming rate” or knockdown phase. The quicker the knockdown, the more efficient is the defoamer. Defoamer efficacy can also be determined by volume of foam reduction after addition. Relative defoamer performance may be determined by testing several defoamers at a given by dosage in the same foamed process stream under the same conditions.
  • Exemplary embodiments of highly effective defoamers result in a froth volume approaching zero (i.e., 100 % foam elimination) after addition of the defoamer at a given dosage, over a time range of 20-60 or 20-30 seconds after addition.
  • the term “defoamed” refers to a composition, such as an industrial process stream, that has undergone a partial or complete reduction in the volume of froth and/or foam compared to the original volume of froth and/or foam in the composition, such as after the addition of a defoamer.
  • a defoamed industrial process stream may have a froth volume approaching zero.
  • a defoamed industrial process stream may have froth volume that has been reduced by 1-100%, 20- 100%, 40-100%, 60-100%, 80-100%, or 90-100%, compared to the original volume of the froth prior to defoaming.
  • defoamed industrial process streams include a defoamed talc froth, a defoamed talc concentrate, a defoamed metal concentrate, a defoamed metal tailings, a defoamed talc slurry, and a defoamed talc.
  • Defoamers that “target the foam” function by disrupting and breaking surfactant- stabilized bubble walls to release trapped air from a foam Commonly used defoaming/antifoaming agents include insoluble oils, polydimethylsiloxanes and other silicones, certain alcohols, stearates and glycols. These additive are used to prevent formation of foam or to break a foam already formed.
  • talc defoamers that “target the talc” are polyamine coagulants and combinations of polyamines with inorganic coagulants (e.g., PAC and/or ACH).
  • ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310
  • antifoamer or “antifoaming agent” refers to a chemical additive that prevents the formation of foam in an industrial process stream.
  • defoamer and antifoamer are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, “antifoamers” prevent formation of foam and froth.
  • the term “dispersant” refers to a substance, typically a surfactant, that is added to a suspension of solid or liquid particles in a liquid to improve the separation of the particles and to prevent their settling or clumping ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310
  • the terms “polymer” or “co-polymer” and similar terms are used in their ordinary sense as understood by one skilled in the art, and thus may be used herein to refer to or describe a large molecule (or group of such molecules) that may comprise recurring units.
  • polyamine formulations have a % polyamine solids by weight ranging from 20-80%, 30-70%, 40-60% or about 50%, preferably 40-50% [0090] Units [0091] As used herein, the terms, “total solids” refer the total amount by weight (% by wt.) of solids contained in a water based composition. [0092] As used herein, the term “ppm” refers to parts per million on the basis of milligrams of solute per liter of aqueous solution or slurry (e.g., mg/L).
  • the present invention relates to methods of defoaming talc froth and suppressing and settling talc solids using talc defoamers capable of depressing talc.
  • the present invention also relates to methods of defoaming talc froth and suppressing talc solids during talc purification and metal purification processes and allowing for recovered water to be reused in beneficiation of mined ore.
  • the disclosure provides methods of using polyamine-based talc defoamers capable of depressing talc, which are especially suitable in hydro-metallurgical base metal extraction processes for nickel and copper flotation, as well as in any other industrial processes for which defoaming and depression of talc is desired.
  • Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide methods for treatment of talc-froth with a polyamine-based talc defoamer capable of depressing talc during ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 beneficiation of nickel and copper ore, more specifically during and after nickel and copper flotation processes.
  • the polyamine is applied to process streams containing talc-froth and act to break or kill the froth by attaching to the talc solid particle surface and reducing hydrophobicity of the talc to increase defoaming rates and aid in solid-liquid separation and settling of the talc.
  • Defoamers are widely used in many industries including but not limited to extraction , processing, beneficiation, and water treatment relating to mineral ore mining.
  • Talc defoamers of the present invention also function as talc depressants and may be added to any industrial process stream comprising a talc froth that needs defoaming.
  • a process plant first pre-floats the talc without the addition of a depressants or polyamine, then the pre-floated talc is treated with a polyamine talc defoamer capable of depressing talc.
  • the polyamine treated talc goes through a three step talc flotation process to clean it of any residual nickel or copper.
  • the talc flotation tailings are then sent for Nickel or copper extraction process, which are done by metal flotation, while the clean talc is pumped to a storage facility.
  • Pre-floating talc ahead of nickel floatation helps to reduce the amount of talc and magnesium oxide contamination in the nickel concentrates final product.
  • talc defoamers capable of depressing talc may be used in methods of talc defoaming and talc settling, which methods result in improved reduction in volume of a talc froth, improved talc froth defoaming rate, improved pumpability of slurry compositions formed during talc or metal flotation processes, decreased overflow of the talc froth during pumping or storage; improved clarity of recovered water; improved turbidity of recovered water, and/or decreased talc particle and/or magnesium oxide contamination in the recovered water, relative to the same method performed in the absence of said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc.
  • the present invention provides methods for defoaming, depressing, and settling talc in any industrial process stream comprising talc and are particularly suited to process streams related to mineral ore mining.
  • the present methods effectively defoam talc froth and suppress and settle talc solids using talc defoamers capable of depressing talc during talc purification and metal purification processes and allowing for recovered water to be reused in beneficiation of mined ore.
  • the present invention also provides methods for improving talc froth defoaming rates an improving the clarity of recovered water from which talc has been removed by gravity settling.
  • the present invention provides a method of defoaming talc froth, the method comprising contacting a slurry composition with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0102] wherein the slurry composition comprises a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and [0103] wherein contacting the slurry composition with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc reduces the volume of the talc froth.
  • the method further comprises: (a) removing the talc by gravity sedimentation, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and (b) reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof.
  • said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises: (a) one or more polyamines, one or more surfactants, or one or more inorganic coagulants, including but not limited to polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum chloralhydrate (ACH), preferably one or more polyamines; or (b) one or more polyamines combined with (i) polyaluminum chloride (PAC) or (ii) one or more anionic polyacrylamide copolymer flocculants; wherein said one or more polyamines comprise a molecular weight ranging from 25-500 kDa, 40-300 kDa, or 50-250 kDa and/or comprise a % solids by weight ranging from 40-60%, 40-55%, or 40-50%.
  • PAC polyaluminum chloride
  • ACH aluminum chloralhydrate
  • said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises may be added at any pH above 7 or any pH in the range of 7-10 and preferably 8-9.
  • the slurry composition comprises a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water comprises talc particles having an average diameter of 1- 40 ⁇ m, 1-30 ⁇ m, or 1-20 ⁇ m.
  • said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc (a) it does not function as an antifoamer; (b) it is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to defoam the talc froth by reducing the volume of the talc froth by 10-100%, 20-100%, 40-100%, 60- 100%, or 80-100% by volume; (c) it is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to depress the talc solid; and/or ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO.
  • the talc froth was formed by (i) a talc flotation method comprising one, two, or three air flotation steps or (ii) a metal flotation method and wherein the slurry composition comprises: (a) one or more of water, purified water, process water, recovered water, or recycled water from any phase of mineral ore mining and/or processing; (b) an aqueous slurry comprising any industrial process stream related to mineral ore mining, including but not limited to a milled ore slurry comprising an aqueous component, a mined mineral ore comprising one or more desired metals, including but not limited to, nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, platinum, and one or more gangue minerals, including but not limited to,
  • the method results in one or more of: (a) an improved reduction in the volume of the talc froth; (b) an improved talc froth defoaming rate; (c) an improved pumpability of the slurry composition; (d) a decreased overflow of the talc froth during pumping or storage; (e) an improved clarity of the recovered water; (f) a decreased talc particle and/or magnesium oxide contamination in the recovered water; and/or (g) any combination of (a)-(f); wherein results (a)-(g) are relative to the same method performed in the absence of said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc.
  • the present invention provides a talc purification method, the method comprising: (a) performing one or more talc flotation steps on a process stream comprising talc, thereby forming and separating (i) a talc concentrate comprising a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and (ii) a talc flotation tailings comprising a residual talc and water; ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO.
  • ZA2310 (b) contacting the talc concentrate with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, optionally comprising one or more polyamines; and (c) defoaming the talc concentrate by allowing a reduction in the volume of the talc froth to occur, thereby forming a defoamed talc concentrate; wherein contacting the talc concentrate with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc reduces the volume of the talc froth, and wherein said one or more talc flotation steps comprises one, two, or three air flotation steps performed in the absence of chemical additives.
  • said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises may be added at any pH above 7 or any pH in the range of 7-10 or preferably 8-9.
  • the process stream comprising talc comprises talc particles having an average diameter of 1-40 ⁇ m, 1-30 ⁇ m, or 1-20 ⁇ m.
  • the method further comprises: (a) optionally, pumping the defoamed talc concentrate to a thickener, a storage facility, or a tailings dam; (b) thickening the defoamed talc concentrate by gravity sedimentation of talc solids, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and (c) separating and reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof.
  • the present invention provides a metal purification method, the method comprising one or more of the following: (a) performing one or more metal flotation steps on a metal ore process stream comprising a desired metal and a talc solid, thereby forming and separating (i) a metal concentrate comprising the desired metal, a residual talc, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and (ii) a metal flotation tailings comprising a residual talc and water; (b) contacting the metal concentrate with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, optionally comprising one or more polyamines; (c) defoaming the metal concentrate by reducing the volume of the talc froth, thereby forming a defoamed metal concentrate; (d) removing the residual talc by gravity sedimentation; and ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT
  • ZA2310 thickening the defoamed metal concentrate to form a purified metal comprising the desired metal.
  • said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises may be added at any pH above 7 or any pH in the range of 7-10 or preferably 8-9.
  • the metal ore process stream comprising a desired metal and a talc solid comprises talc particles having an average diameter of 1-40 ⁇ m, 1-30 ⁇ m, or 1-20 ⁇ m.
  • the method further comprises: (a) contacting the metal flotation tailings with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc; (b) thickening the metal flotation tailings by gravity sedimentation of talc solids, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and (c) separating and reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof.
  • the method further comprises one or more of the following: (a) optionally during said one or more metal flotation steps, adding (i) a collector chemical, which modifies the desired metal surfaces, thereby aiding in metal flotation; (ii) a talc depressant comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); (iii) a froth generating chemical; or any combination or (i)-(iii); (b) optionally, pumping the defoamed metal concentrate to a thickener; (c) optionally, pumping the metal flotation tailings to a thickener, a tailings tank, a tailings dam, or a storage facility; (d) optionally, if the metal flotation tailings comprises a residual talc froth, defoaming the metal flotation tailings by reducing the volume of the residual talc froth, thereby forming a defoamed metal tailings; and/or (e) optionally,
  • said desired metal comprises nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, or platinum or the desired metal comprises nickel or copper, and further wherein said metal ore process stream comprises: ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO.
  • ZA2310 any industrial process stream related to mineral ore mining, including but not limited to a milled ore slurry, said industrial process stream comprising (i) an aqueous component, (ii) a mined mineral ore comprising said desired metal; (b) one or more gangue minerals, including but not limited to, oxides of magnesium, silica, silicates, carbonates, clays, oxides of aluminum, oxides of iron, or iron sulfides; (c) one or more of water, purified water, process water, recovered water, or recycled water from any phase of mineral ore mining and/or processing; (d) any industrial process stream related to beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, and metal purification; or (e) any combination of (a)-(d).
  • gangue minerals including but not limited to, oxides of magnesium, silica, silicates, carbonates, clays, oxides of aluminum, oxides of
  • said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises: (a) one or more polyamines, one or more surfactants, or one or more inorganic coagulants, including but not limited to polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum chloralhydrate (ACH), preferably one or more polyamines; or (b) one or more polyamines combined with (i) polyaluminum chloride (PAC) or (ii) one or more anionic polyacrylamide copolymer flocculants; wherein said one or more polyamines comprise a molecular weight ranging from 25-500 kDa, 40-300 kDa, or 50-250 kDa and a % solids by weight ranging from 40-60%, 40-55%, or 40-50% and does not function as an antifoamer.
  • PAC polyaluminum chloride
  • ACH aluminum chloralhydrate
  • said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc (a) does not function as an antifoamer; (b) is added in an amount effective to defoam the talc froth by reducing the volume of the talc froth by 10-100%, 20-100%, 40-100%, 60-100%, or 80-100% by volume; (c) is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to depress the talc solid and/or the residual talc; or (d) is added at a dosage ranging from 10-500 ppm, 10-250 ppm, 10-150 ppm, or 50- 150 ppm, wherein ppm indicates micrograms per milliliter; and wherein the method results in: (i) an improved reduction in the volume of the talc froth; (ii) an improved talc froth defoaming rate; ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO.
  • FIG 1 provides an exemplary flow chart of an industrial process for talc flotation and purification, metal flotation, and tailings generation with three of many possible addition points for a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc.
  • ore milling (1) of a slurry comprising mined ore (Cu, Ni, or other metal), gangue (talc, etc.), process water, and recovered water from tailing dam (8) is performed first.
  • Ore slurry from ore milling (1) is fed into talc flotation stage (2).
  • talc flotation stage (2) talc is floated with air only and no chemicals are added.
  • talc pre-flotation This process is called talc pre-flotation.
  • the pre-floated talc is fed into talc flotation cleaning stages (3), which use a second and optional third stages of flotation to clean the talc.
  • cleaned talc concentrates comprising talc froth and water are pumped into talc tank (4) while talc flotation tailings comprising mined Nickel and/or Copper ore, residual talc, and water are fed into talc flotation tailings tank (5).
  • talc flotation tailings comprising mined Nickel and/or Copper ore, residual talc, and water are fed into talc flotation tailings tank (5).
  • clean talc slurry is pumped from to tailings dam (8) for additional solid-liquid separation of talc from recovered water. Gravity sedimentation of the talc is generally employed.
  • talc settling at the tailing dam (8) is difficult and may risk returning talc solids and dirty water from tailings dam (8) to ore milling (1).
  • a process aid i.e., a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc
  • talc tank (4), upstream of tailings dam (8) may be added to talc tank (4), upstream of tailings dam (8).
  • the volume of talc froth is reduced in talc tank (4) and in tailings dam (8) by the process aid.
  • the rate of talc settling and the clarity of recovered water in tailings dam (8) may be enhanced by the process aid.
  • the process aid may be added at tailings dam (8).
  • a known talc depressant carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) may be added to depress residual talc and other unwanted organic material. Another chemical may also added to generate froth, which will then float the Nickel or Copper as concentrates.
  • Ni/Cu flotation tailings which contain residual talc, are sent to the Ni/Cu flotation tailings tank (7) and then to tailings dam (8), where they may be combined with the defoamed talc slurry for additional solid-liquid separation of talc from recovered water.
  • the residual talc may froth and overflow the Ni/Cu flotation tailings tank (7) and may risk returning talc solids and dirty water from tailings dam (8) to ore milling (1).
  • a process aid i.e., a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc
  • Ni/Cu flotation tailings tank (7) may be added to control talc froth and more easily pump the Ni/Cu tailings to tailings dam (8).
  • the Ni/Cu concentrates (9), which also contain residual talc, are sent for thickening at the thickener Ni/Cu concentrates (10).
  • a process aid i.e., a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc
  • the process aid may be added to Ni/Cu concentrates at the thickener (10) to improve overflow water clarity.
  • the final Ni or Cu product is then filtered and bagged.
  • Recovered water from tailings dam (8) may be returned to ore milling (1).
  • the recovered water may be mixed with process water and fresh water for use in subsequent ore milling. Residual process aid in the recovered water should not function as an antifoamer, and should not prevent flotation of talc or of the desired Cu or Ni metal during subsequent steps.
  • the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc may be added at any point to an industrial process relating to mineral ore mining, talc mining, mineral ore beneficiation, or talc beneficiation, where (i) defoaming of a talc froth is desired or (ii) where talc suppression and talc settling are desired.
  • the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc may be added at any point where defoaming of a talc froth is required or where talc depression, talc sedimentation, or talc thickening is required.
  • the process aid i.e., talc defoamer capable of depressing talc
  • the process aid may be added to talc tank (4), upstream of tailings dam (8), or at tailings dam (8), to Ni/Cu flotation tailings tank (7), to the Ni/Cu concentrates (9) prior to pumping to the thickener, or to Ni/Cu concentrates at the thickener (10).
  • talc defoamer capable of depressing talc may be added to talc tank (4), upstream of tailings dam (8), or at tailings dam (8), to Ni/Cu flotation tailings tank (7), to the Ni/Cu concentrates (9) prior to pumping to the thickener, or to Ni/Cu concentrates at the thickener (10).
  • Example 1 Process aid candidates and protocol for talc froth treatment testing
  • An exemplary flow chart showing an industrial process for talc flotation, nickel flotation, and tailings generation is shown in FIG 1. Addition points for process aids (i.e., talc defoamer capable of depressing talc) for treating talc froth and for depressing talc solids are shown. Screening studies of process aid candidate were performed to identify talc defoamers capable of depressing talc. The screening studies were performed using the Talc Froth Treatment Test Procedure as set forth below. [0139] Process Aid Candidates [0140] A list of 25 process aid candidates with properties and industrial applications is provided in Table 1.
  • Table 1 Chemicals and polymers investigated as process aids for decreasing talc froth reduction time and improving overflow clarity of settling talc. Dosage, Chemical Type Chemical Application ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 Sodium dioctyl Dispersant 3 sulfosuccinate 100 Rheology Modifier n n n r r ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO.
  • ZA2310 Anionic Polyacrylamide Co-polymer 5 >8000 kDa 100 Flocculant i [0143] A pre-floated talc slurry (10.5%wt% talc solids in water) was added to a 1000 mL cylinder. The cylinder was filled to the 600 mL mark with the pre-floated talc slurry. Talc froth was then generated using a plunger with a perforated disc by vigorous mixing five times followed by immediately recording of the froth height. [0144] For untreated experiments, no chemical pre-treatment was added prior to talc froth formation.
  • the ideal process aid In addition to functioning as a talc defoamer, the ideal process aid also functions as a talc depressant for improving talc settling and overflow clarity of recovered water.
  • the ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 aqueous layer above settled solids in each cylinder should be clear and contain little to no dispersed particles.
  • Example 2 Screening of process aid candidates [0149] Screening was performed to identify different process aids that function as talc defoamers capable of depressing talc, but not as anti-foamers, which would antagonize mineral flotation processes.

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Abstract

This invention generally relates to methods of defoaming talc froth, talc purification methods, and metal purification methods. In particular, the disclosure provides methods of defoaming talc froth and suppressing and settling talc solids using polyamine-based talc defoamers capable of depressing talc, thereby improving talc froth defoaming rates, improving pumpability, reducing froth overflow, improving the clarity of recovered water from which talc has been removed, and allowing for recovered water to be reused in beneficiation of mined ore. The disclosed methods are especially suitable in hydro-metallurgical base metal extraction processes for nickel and copper flotation, as well as in any other industrial processes for which defoaming and depression of talc is desired.

Description

ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 POLYAMINE DEFOAMERS CAPABLE OF DEPRESSING TALC FOR TREATING TALC FROTH RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present invention relates to and claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Number 63/609,654, filed on December 13, 2023, and Finnish Application Number FI 20245376, filed on March 28, 2024, the contents of both are which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to methods of defoaming talc froth and suppressing and settling talc solids using talc defoamers capable of depressing talc. The present invention also relates to methods of defoaming talc froth and suppressing talc solids during talc purification and metal purification processes and allowing for recovered water to be reused in beneficiation of mined ore. In particular, the disclosure provides methods of using polyamine-based talc defoamers capable of depressing talc, which are especially suitable in hydro-metallurgical base metal extraction processes for nickel and copper flotation, as well as in any other industrial processes for which defoaming and depression of talc is desired BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Talc is a mined mineral with commercial utility and is also a major gangue mineral often found in mined metal ores, including copper and nickel ores. In its natural form, talc is platy and hydrophobic due to its physicochemical structure. The surface of talc has no chemical charge and talc edges are slightly anionic. These properties are responsible for talc having a strong tendency to be naturally floatable and to form talc froth during ore treatment processes, such as flotation. [0004] Mined mineral ore, such as nickel and copper ore, generally comprises unwanted insoluble gangue minerals (e.g., silicates, carbonates, magnesium oxides, clay minerals, and talc) that are an intrinsic part of the ore rock itself. During beneficiation, the gangue is separated from the desired metal ore using techniques like crushing, grinding, milling, gravity, or heavy media separation, screening, magnetic separation, and often froth pre- flotation to improve the concentration of the desired minerals relative to impurities. Often, several froth flotation steps are employed during beneficiation. [0005] During froth flotation, the ore is ground to a size sufficiently small to liberate desired mineral or minerals from the gangue. Water from various sources, including fresh water, recycled process water, or recovered water, may be added in order to generate a flotation feed that is in a slurry form. The slurry is then aerated, such as in a tank or column called a flotation cell. Froth flotation physically separates the ground particles based on differences in the ability of air bubbles to selectively adhere to specific mineral surfaces in the slurry. ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 The particles with attached air bubbles are carried to the surface of the slurry, forming a froth that may be removed as a concentrate, while the particles that remain completely wetted stay in the aqueous slurry phase (i.e., flotation tailings). [0006] Talc is highly floatable and during talc flotation the goal is to form a talc froth that is enriched in talc and separated as a talc concentrate, while leaving desired metals and other gangue minerals in the talc flotation tailings. Afterwards, the talc concentrates are defoamed and pumped to thickeners, settling tanks, or tailings dams, where the solid talc particles are separated by gravity settling, dewatering in thickeners or other means. The talc flotation tailings contain a desired metal, they are pumped to metal flotation stages. [0007] During metal flotation the goal is to form a froth that is enriched in the desired metal (e.g., nickel, copper, etc.) and separated as a metal concentrate, while leaving residual talc and other gangue minerals in the metal flotation tailings. After flotation, the metal concentrates are pumped to the metal concentrates thickeners, or settling tanks where the desired metal particles are separated by gravity settling or other means. While the nickel or copper tailings are pumped to the tailing thickener for solid -liquid separation, the underflow solids from the thickener is pumped to the tailing dam and the overflow liquid is used as process water. [0008] Unwanted talc frothing and flotation causes significant problems during mineral processing and beneficiation. Pumps frequently fail when pumping floated talc from the tanks. Unwanted froth overflow may occur. The tendency of talc to float may cause ineffective cleaning of the metal ore, leading to unwanted levels of gangue in the metal concentrates. Because talc is a magnesium silicate mineral, large quantities of talc in flotation concentrates cause problems during downstream smelting processes. Further, because of its floatability, it is difficult to effectively mix talc with metal flotation tails and pump to tailing dam. At the tailings dam, slow talc settling rates may compromise the stabilize of the tailings dam and this may, in turn, cause high levels of talc and gangue in recovered water. In thickeners, this lead to poor overflow clarity. [0009] Prior attempts to solve these problems have been ineffective. The depression of talc in flotation, and its interaction with natural or synthetic depressants, such as with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), have been investigated. However, the negative effects of talc frothing and flotation remains a major challenge. A method of defoaming and depressing talc in industrial process streams is needed. [0010] The present invention addresses these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] AS described herein the present invention addresses these challenges by providing methods for defoaming, depressing, and settling talc in process streams related to mineral ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 ore mining. The present methods effectively defoam talc froth and suppress and settle talc solids using talc defoamers capable of depressing talc in metal purification processes and allowing for recovered water to be reused in beneficiation of mined ore. Furthermore, this allows easy handling, pumping, and settling of talc in thickeners and tailing dam. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for improving talc froth defoaming rates an improving the clarity of recovered water from which talc has been removed by gravity settling. [0012] Accordingly, the present invention relates to methods of defoaming talc froth, suppressing and settling talc solids using talc defoamers capable of depressing talc. [0013] The present invention also relates to methods of defoaming talc froth and suppressing talc solids in metal purification processes and allowing for recovered water to be reused in beneficiation of mined ore. [0014] In particular, the disclosure provides methods of using polyamine-based talc defoamers capable of depressing talc, which are especially suitable in hydro-metallurgical base metal extraction processes for nickel and copper flotation, as well as in any other industrial processes for which defoaming and depression of talc is desired. [0015] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of defoaming talc froth, the method comprising contacting a slurry composition with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, wherein the slurry composition comprises a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and wherein contacting the slurry composition with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc reduces the volume of the talc froth. [0016] In some exemplary embodiments the method further comprises one or more of the following: (a) removing the talc by gravity sedimentation, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and (b) reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. [0017] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises one or more of the following: (a) one or more polyamines, one or more surfactants, or one or more inorganic coagulants, including but not limited to polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum chloralhydrate (ACH), preferably one or more polyamines; or ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (b) one or more polyamines combined with (i) polyaluminum chloride (PAC) or (ii) one or more anionic polyacrylamide copolymer flocculants; wherein said one or more polyamines comprise a molecular weight ranging from 25-500 kDa, 40-300 kDa, or 50-250 kDa and a % solids by weight ranging from 40-60%, 40-55%, or 40% to 50%. [0018] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises one or more of the following: (a) it does not function as an antifoamer; (b) it is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to defoam the talc froth by reducing the volume of the talc froth by 10-100%, 20-100%, 40-100%, 60- 100%, or 80-100% by volume; (c) it is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to depress the talc solid; and/or (d) it is added at a dosage ranging from 10-500 ppm, 10-250 ppm, or 10-150 ppm, wherein ppm indicates micrograms per milliliter. [0019] In some exemplary embodiments of the method the talc froth was formed by (i) a talc flotation method comprising one, two, or three air flotation steps or (ii) a metal flotation method and wherein the slurry composition comprises one or more of the following: (a) one or more of water, purified water, process water, recovered water, or recycled water from any phase of mineral ore mining and/or processing; (b) an aqueous slurry comprising any industrial process stream related to mineral ore mining, including but not limited to a milled ore slurry comprising an aqueous component, a mined mineral ore comprising one or more desired metals, including but not limited to, nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, platinum, and one or more gangue minerals, including but not limited to, oxides of magnesium, silica, silicates, carbonates, clays, oxides of aluminum, oxides of iron, or iron sulfides; and/or (c) any industrial process stream related to beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to ore milling, a talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. [0020] In some exemplary embodiments the method results in: (a) an improved reduction in the volume of the talc froth; (b) an improved talc froth defoaming rate; (c) an improved pumpability of the slurry composition; (d) a decreased overflow of the talc froth during pumping or storage; ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (e) an improved clarity of the recovered water; (f) a decreased talc particle and/or magnesium oxide contamination in the recovered water; and/or (g) any combination of (a)-(f); wherein results (a)-(g) are relative to the same method performed in the absence of said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. [0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a talc purification method, the method comprising: (a) performing one or more talc flotation steps on a process stream comprising talc, thereby forming and separating (i) a talc concentrate comprising a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and (ii) a talc flotation tailings comprising a residual talc and water; (b) contacting the talc concentrate with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, optionally comprising one or more polyamines; wherein contacting the talc concentrate with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc reduces the volume of the talc froth, thereby forming a defoamed talc concentrate; and wherein said one or more talc flotation steps comprises one, two, or three air flotation steps performed in the absence of chemical additives. [0022] In some exemplary embodiments the method further comprises one or more of the following: (a) optionally, pumping the defoamed talc concentrate to a thickener, a storage facility, or a tailings dam; (b) thickening the defoamed talc concentrate by gravity sedimentation of talc solids, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and/or (c) separating and reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. [0023] In another aspect, the present invention provides a metal purification method, the method comprising one or more of the following: (a) performing one or more metal flotation steps on a metal ore process stream comprising a desired metal and a talc solid, thereby forming and separating (i) a metal concentrate comprising the desired metal, a residual talc, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and (ii) a metal flotation tailings comprising a residual talc and water; ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (b) contacting the metal concentrate with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, optionally comprising one or more polyamines, which defoams the metal concentrate by reducing the volume of the talc froth, thereby forming a defoamed metal concentrate; (c) removing the residual talc by gravity sedimentation; and/or (d) thickening the defoamed metal concentrate to form a purified metal comprising the desired metal. [0024] In some exemplary embodiments the method further comprises one or more of the following: (a) contacting the metal flotation tailings with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc; (b) thickening the metal flotation tailings by gravity sedimentation of talc solids, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and/or (c) separating and reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. [0025] In some exemplary embodiments the method further comprises one or more of the following: (a) optionally during said one or more metal flotation steps, adding (i) a collector chemical, which modifies the desired metal surfaces, thereby aiding in metal flotation; (ii) a talc depressant comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); (iii) a froth generating chemical; or any combination or (i)-(iii); (b) optionally, pumping the defoamed metal concentrate to a thickener; (c) optionally, pumping the metal flotation tailings to a thickener, a tailings tank, a tailings dam, or a storage facility; (d) optionally, if the metal flotation tailings comprises a volume of a residual talc froth, defoaming the metal flotation tailings by reducing the volume of the residual talc froth, thereby forming a defoamed metal tailings; and/or (e) optionally, mixing the metal flotation tailings with a defoamed talc concentrate and then thickening by gravity sedimentation of talc solids. [0026] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said desired metal comprises nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, or platinum or the desired metal comprises nickel or copper, and further wherein said metal ore process stream comprises one or more of the following: ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (a) any industrial process stream related to mineral ore mining, including but not limited to a milled ore slurry, said industrial process stream comprising (i) an aqueous component, (ii) a mined mineral ore comprising said desired metal; (b) one or more gangue minerals, including but not limited to, oxides of magnesium, silica, silicates, carbonates, clays, oxides of aluminum, oxides of iron, or iron sulfides; (c) one or more of water, purified water, process water, recovered water, or recycled water from any phase of mineral ore mining and/or processing; (d) any industrial process stream related to beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, and metal purification; or (e) any combination of (a)-(d). [0027] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises one or more of the following: (a) one or more polyamines, one or more surfactants, or one or more inorganic coagulants, including but not limited to polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum chloralhydrate (ACH), preferably one or more polyamines; or (b) one or more polyamines combined with (i) polyaluminum chloride (PAC) or (ii) one or more anionic polyacrylamide copolymer flocculants; wherein said one or more polyamines comprise a molecular weight ranging from 25-500 kDa, 40-300 kDa, or 50-250 kDa and/or comprise a % solids by weight ranging from 40-60%, 40-55%, or 40-50% and does not function as an antifoamer. [0028] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises one or more of the following: (a) it does not function as an antifoamer; (b) it is added in an amount effective to defoam the talc froth by reducing the volume of the talc froth by 10-100%, 20-100%, 40-100%, 60-100%, or 80-100% by volume; (c) it is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to depress the talc solid and/or the residual talc; and/or (d) it is added at a dosage ranging from 10-500 ppm, 10-250 ppm, 10-150 ppm, or 50- 150 ppm, wherein ppm indicates micrograms per milliliter; and wherein the method results inone or more of the following: (i) an improved reduction in the volume of the talc froth; (ii) an improved talc froth defoaming rate; ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (iii) an improved pumpability of the talc concentrate, the metal flotation tailings, and/or the metal concentrates; (iv) a decreased talc froth overflow in the thickener, the tailings tank, the tailings dam, or the storage facility; (v) an improved clarity of the recovered water; (vi) a decreased talc particle and/or magnesium oxide contamination in the recovered water; or (vii) any combination of (i)-(vi); wherein results (i)-(vii) are relative to the same method performed in the absence of said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. [0029] In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising: (a) a defoamed talc froth composition according to any of the foregoing; (b) a purified metal obtainable by a method according to any of the foregoing; (c) a purified talc obtainable by a method according to any of the foregoing; and/or (d) a recovered water obtainable by a method according to any of the foregoing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to appended drawings, described in detail below. [0031] FIG 1 provides an exemplary flow chart of an industrial process for talc flotation and purification, metal flotation, talc settling and tailings generation with addition points for a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc according to Example 1. [0032] FIG 2 provides an exemplary graph showing idealized froth reduction profiles for (i) untreated talc froth, (ii) talc froth generated in the presence of a talc-targeting defoamer, and (iii) talc froth generated in the presence of a froth-targeting anti-foamer according to Example 1. [0033] FIGS 3A-B provide exemplary data for screening of dispersants 1-3 according to Example 2. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 3A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 3B. [0034] FIGS 4A-B provide exemplary data for screening of co-polymers 1-4 and surfactant 1 according to Example 2. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 4A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 4B. ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0035] FIGS 5A-B provide exemplary data for screening of surfactants 2-4 according to Example 2. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 5A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 5B. [0036] FIGS 6A-B provide exemplary data for screening of anti-foamers 1-5 according to Example 2. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 6A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 6B. [0037] FIGS 7A-B provide exemplary data for screening of silicate surfactant, wax, non-ionic emulsion polymer, and polyacrylate binder according to Example 2. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 7A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 7B. [0038] FIGS 8A-B provide exemplary data for screening of coagulants 1-4, including polyamine coagulant, and control depressant (CMC) according to Example 2. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 8A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 8B. [0039] FIGS 9A-B provide exemplary data for testing of control depressant (CMC) at dosage of 50-150 ppm according to Example 3. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 9A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 9B. [0040] FIGS 10A-B provide exemplary data for testing of coagulant 4 (polyamine FennoFix 57) at dosage of 50-150 ppm according to Example 3. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 10A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 10B. [0041] FIGS 11A-B provide exemplary data for testing of surfactant 4 (KemEcal B6794) at dosage of 50-150 ppm according to Example 3. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 11A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 11B. [0042] FIGS 12A-B provide exemplary data for testing of anti-foamer 4 (KemFoam X 2125) at dosage of 50-150 ppm according to Example 3. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 12A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 12B. [0043] FIGS 13A-E provide exemplary graphs and images showing the effect of process aid candidates and flocculant on settling rate and overflow clarity of recovered water according to Example 4. Settling rate results are shown in FIG 13A. Overflow clarity (turbidity) results are shown in FIG 13B. Images of overflow clarity are shown in FIGS 13C, 13D, and 13E. [0044] FIGS 14A-C provide exemplary data showing the effect of polyamines and polyacrylic acid, with and without flocculant, on defoaming talc froth and overflow clarity of recovered water according to Example 5. Froth reduction profiles are shown in FIG 14A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 14B and 14C. [0045] FIGS 15A-D provide exemplary electron micrographs of talc at various magnifications according to Example 6.310x magnification is shown in FIGS 15A-B.800x magnification is shown in FIGS 15C-D. ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0046] FIGS 16A-B provide exemplary Particle size distribution (PSD) results. PSD measurement details are shown in FIG 16A. PSD results are shown in FIG 16B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0047] Before describing the invention, the following definitions are provided. Unless stated otherwise all terms are to be construed as they would be by a person skilled in the art. DEFINITIONS [0048] All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise. [0049] As used herein the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may mean “one” but also include plural referents such as “one or more” and “at least one” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0050] As used herein, the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” [0051] As used herein, the term “about” means plus or minus 10% of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used. [0052] As used herein the term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term unless stated otherwise. [0053] Industrial Process Streams and Materials [0054] As used herein, the term “process stream” or “industrial process stream” generally refers to any aqueous fluids, solutions, slurries, or dispersions produced during any type of industrial process, for example, processes relating to mining industries, including recovery, extraction, refining, beneficiation, purification of mined mineral ore. In certain embodiments mined mineral ore comprises desires metals, talc, and/or other gangue minerals. [0055] As used herein, the term "talc" refers to a clay mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate, with the chemical formula Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 or Mg3(Si2O5)2(OH)2, which has a T-O-T (2:1 structure), comprising an octahedral brucite (O) layer sandwiched between 2 silica (T) layers. T-O-T layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces. This structure results in a talc surface structure comprising two different surfaces, the basal cleavage face and the edge. The face surface, which occupies approximately 90% of the talc surface, consists of a tetrahedral siloxane surface with inert –Si-O-Si- links, and is nonpolar, ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 and therefore, hydrophobic. Conversely, the edge surface is hydrophilic due to the presence of pH dependent SiOH and MgOH groups. The proportionally larger face surface area gives talc its natural hydrophobic character. Talc is a mined mineral with commercial utility and is also a major gangue mineral in several base metal ores, including copper and nickel ores. In its natural form, talc is platy and hydrophobic due to its physicochemical structure. The surface of talc has no chemical charge and talc edges are slightly anionic. These properties are responsible for talc having a strong tendency to be naturally floatable and to form talc froth during ore treatment processes, such as flotation. [0056] As used herein, the terms “aqueous solution” or “solution” refer to a mixture of water and a water-soluble solute or solutes which are completely dissolved with little to no residual undissolved solute. The solution may be homogenous. [0057] As used herein, the term “aqueous suspension”, “aqueous slurry”, or “slurry” generally refer to a heterogeneous mixture of a fluid that contains insoluble or sparingly soluble solid particles sufficiently large for sedimentation. Suspensions and slurries of the present invention may also comprise some amount of ultra-fine solid particles, often termed colloidal particles, which do not completely settle or take a long time to settle completely. [0058] As used herein, the terms “mined ore”, “mineral ore”, or “mined mineral ore” refer to natural rock or sediment containing one or more “desired minerals” in concentrations above background levels, which are extracted from the earth’s crust and processed by industrial processing or beneficiation steps and purified to an extent that is acceptable for industrial use or sale. Exemplary “desired minerals” include talc, metal ores, and metals including, but not limited to nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, and platinum. [0059] As used herein, the term “gangue ” refers to the unwanted minerals that are an intrinsic part of mined ore rock and mined mineral ore. In some embodiments, gangue may comprise insoluble talc, silicate, and/or clay mineral contaminants, and/or oxide contaminants, and in particular may comprise any or all of silicates; carbonates; sulfides; clays; oxides of aluminum, oxides of iron, silica (e.g., quartz), titanium, sulfur and alkaline earth metals; amphibole, talc, quartz, muscovite, sericite, biotite, chlorites, pyrite, feldspar, mica, clinoclore, serpentines of iron, and iron sulfides. Gangue may be separated using techniques like crushing, grinding, milling, gravity, or heavy media separation, screening, magnetic separation, and/or froth flotation to improve the concentration of the desired minerals and remove impurities. [0060] As used herein, the terms “process water” or “industrial process water” generally refer to any aqueous fluids, solutions, slurries, or dispersions produced during any type of industrial process, for example, processes relating to ore mining, processing and beneficiation of mined ore, and wastewater treatment from mining operations. [0061] Industrial Processes ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0062] As used herein, the term “beneficiation” refers to any process that removes gangue minerals from mined ore to produce a higher grade product and a waste stream. Exemplary beneficiation methods for include crushing, grinding, milling, gravity, or heavy media separation, screening, magnetic separation, froth flotation, metal flotation, talc flotation, thickening, or gravity settling to improve the concentration of the desired minerals relative to impurities. Waste streams comprising aqueous slurries, such as tailings, may be treated by solid-liquid separation methods such as gravity settling, centrifugation, thickening, or other dewatering method to separate solid components from the aqueous fluid component, thereby creating a “recovered water”, which may be reused in subsequent industrial processes relating to mining and beneficiation of ore. [0063] As used herein, the terms “recovered water” refers to any aqueous fluid component that is separated from an industrial process water relating to mining or beneficiation. To be recycled and reused in subsequent industrial processes relating to mining and beneficiation of ore, the recovered water must be of sufficient purity and clarity, and must not contain any process aids or materials that inhibit or adversely affect those subsequent processes, such as metal or talc flotation. Exemplary embodiments of a recovered water include any aqueous solution resulting from processes including talc or metal flotation, defoaming, thickening, and gravity sedimentation of solids, wherein the aqueous solution contains no anti-foamers and has sufficient overflow clarity to be reused in ore milling and flotation. [0064] As used herein, the term “overflow clarity” refers to the optical clarity of a recovered water or a supernatant formed by any solid-liquid separation technique, such as talc or metal thickening or sedimentation. One indication of overflow clarity is turbidity (NTU) of the recovered water, which is a measurement of the cloudiness or haziness in the recovered water due to the presence of suspended solids. [0065] As used herein, the terms “flotation”, “froth flotation”, refer to a beneficiation technique to improve the concentration of the desired minerals relative to impurities. During froth flotation, the ore is ground to a size sufficiently small to liberate the desired mineral or minerals from the gangue. Water from various sources, including fresh water, process water, or recovered water, may be added in order to generate a flotation feed that is in a slurry form. The slurry is then aerated, such as in a tank or column called a flotation cell. Froth flotation physically separates the ground particles based on differences in the ability of air bubbles to selectively adhere to specific mineral surfaces in the slurry. The particles with attached air bubbles are carried to the surface of the slurry, forming a froth that may be removed as a concentrate, while the particles that remain completely wetted stay in the aqueous slurry phase (i.e., “flotation tailings”). Exemplary flotation methods include “talc flotation”. Talc is highly floatable and during talc flotation the goal is to form a talc froth that is enriched in talc and separated as a “talc concentrate”, while leaving desired metals and other gangue minerals in the talc flotation tailings. Afterwards, the talc ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 concentrates are pumped to thickeners, settling tanks, or tailings dams, where the talc froth is defoamed and solid talc particles are separated by gravity settling or other means. If the talc flotation tailings contain a desired metal, they are pumped to metal flotation stages. [0066] Exemplary flotation methods also include “metal flotation”. During metal flotation the goal is to form a froth that is enriched in the desired metal (e.g., nickel, copper, etc.) and separated as a “metal concentrate”, while leaving residual talc and other gangue minerals in the metal flotation tailings. After flotation, the metal concentrates are pumped to thickeners, or settling tanks where the metal froth is defoamed and desired metal particles are separated by gravity settling or other means. [0067] As used herein, the term “foam” refers to entrained air, trapped undissolved gas bubbles, or air pockets in a liquid or solid composition. Foam is generally a substance that is composed of many bubbles or small pockets of gas that are trapped within a liquid or solid. Foam tends to display a smooth and homogeneous appearance. Froth, on the other hand, is a type of foam that is characterized by its irregular, bubbly appearance and is usually formed by the agitation of a liquid. It is often used to describe foam that forms on top of a liquid. The air bubbles of a foam may selectively adhere to specific mineral surfaces, such as metal or talc. As used herein, the term “foam” refers to foam, froth, or a combination of foam and froth in the same process stream. As used herein, the term “talc froth” refers to foam and/or froth comprising talc and “metal froth” refers to foam and/or froth comprising a desired metal ore. [0068] As used herein the term “tailings” refers to an aqueous slurry formed comprising a slurry phase containing water, solutes, and particles that remain completely wetted during a flotation method (i.e., “flotation tailings”). [0069] As used herein the term “thickener” refers to an industrial holding tank where thickening occurs. Thickening is a process where a slurry or solid-liquid mixture is separated to a dense slurry containing most of the solids and an overflow of relatively clear water. The driving force for the separation is gravitational, where the differences in phase densities drive the separation of the solids and liquid. In mining applications, thickening by sedimentation is applied to both the product and tailings streams to recover water. The recovered water is recycled in the process. [0070] As used herein, the terms “gravity thickening”, “gravity settling”, or “gravity sedimentation” refer to a process by which solids in a slurry, such as an aqueous slurry of milled ore comprising metals, talc and gangue, are condensed by sedimentation or settling to produce a concentrated solids cake and a relatively solids-free supernatant. [0071] Process Aids for Defoaming and Depressing Talc [0072] As used herein, the term “process aid” refers to a chemical or polymeric additive for improving ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0073] As used herein, the term “defoamer” or “defoaming agent” refers to a chemical additive that “breaks” (i.e., reduces or eliminates) foam in an industrial process stream. Strictly speaking, “defoamers” eliminate existing foam. Formation of foam in a solution decreases the density of the solution. As used herein, the phase “defoamer performance” or “efficacy” refers to the relative defoaming response (i.e., % foam elimination) and defoaming rate of a defoamer at a given dosage. Relative defoamer performance may be determined by testing several defoamers at a given by dosage in the same foamed process stream under the same conditions. Addition of a defoamer breaks the existing foam, allowing the density of the solution to increase again. The rate of foam removal after addition of a defoamer indicates how fast the defoamer acts, which is called the “defoaming rate” or knockdown phase. The quicker the knockdown, the more efficient is the defoamer. Defoamer efficacy can also be determined by volume of foam reduction after addition. Relative defoamer performance may be determined by testing several defoamers at a given by dosage in the same foamed process stream under the same conditions. Exemplary embodiments of highly effective defoamers result in a froth volume approaching zero (i.e., 100 % foam elimination) after addition of the defoamer at a given dosage, over a time range of 20-60 or 20-30 seconds after addition. [0074] As used herein, the term “defoamed” refers to a composition, such as an industrial process stream, that has undergone a partial or complete reduction in the volume of froth and/or foam compared to the original volume of froth and/or foam in the composition, such as after the addition of a defoamer. In some embodiments, a defoamed industrial process stream may have a froth volume approaching zero. In other embodiments, a defoamed industrial process stream may have froth volume that has been reduced by 1-100%, 20- 100%, 40-100%, 60-100%, 80-100%, or 90-100%, compared to the original volume of the froth prior to defoaming. Exemplary embodiments of defoamed industrial process streams include a defoamed talc froth, a defoamed talc concentrate, a defoamed metal concentrate, a defoamed metal tailings, a defoamed talc slurry, and a defoamed talc. [0075] Defoamers that “target the foam” function by disrupting and breaking surfactant- stabilized bubble walls to release trapped air from a foam. Commonly used defoaming/antifoaming agents include insoluble oils, polydimethylsiloxanes and other silicones, certain alcohols, stearates and glycols. These additive are used to prevent formation of foam or to break a foam already formed. [0076] Defoamers that “target the talc” function by binding to the talc in a talc froth, thereby altering the surface chemistry of the talc and increasing defoaming rate of a talc froth, while simultaneously increasing the % foam elimination of the talc froth. Exemplary embodiments of talc defoamers that “target the talc” are polyamine coagulants and combinations of polyamines with inorganic coagulants (e.g., PAC and/or ACH). ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0077] As used herein, the term “antifoamer” or “antifoaming agent” refers to a chemical additive that prevents the formation of foam in an industrial process stream. The terms defoamer and antifoamer are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, “antifoamers” prevent formation of foam and froth. [0078] As used herein, the term “collector” typically surfactants, refers to process aids that may be added to slurry to interact with the surface of particular particles causing an increase the surface hydrophobicity of the particle and facilitating flotation. The chemistry of the slurry can be modified to control or enhance how certain particles interact with the bubbles or alternatively, settle to the bottom. [0079] As used herein, the term “depressant” refers to process aids that are added to a slurry to selectively interact with the surface of certain particles to reduce the surface hydrophobicity and inhibit the flotation, i.e., facilitate the depression, of that type of particle, thereby increasing the efficiency of sedimentation of a solid and/or increasing the overflow clarity of the supernatant. [0080] As used herein, the phrase “talc defoamer capable of depressing talc” refers to a process aid having that simultaneously functions as a talc defoamer by targeting the talc and a talc depressant. As exemplified herein, a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc may be used for treating a talc froth in order to rapidly defoam the talc froth by reducing the volume of the talc froth by 10-100%, 20-100%, 40-100%, 60-100%, or 80-100% by volume, and then settling the talc of the resulting talc slurry, thereby forming a settled talc and a supernatant with high overflow clarity. [0081] As used herein, the term “flocculation” generally refers to the tendency for fibers to collect together in bunches in the presence of flow, and especially in the presence of filter aids; the same word also refers to the action of high-mass polymers in forming bridges between suspended colloidal particles, causing strong, relatively irreversible agglomeration. [0082] The term “flocculant” may generally refer to a reagent that may bridge neutralized or facilitate coagulation of particles into larger agglomerates, typically resulting in more efficient settling. Flocculation process generally involves addition of a flocculant followed by mixing to facilitate collisions between particles, allowing for the destabilized particles to agglomerate into larger particles that can be removed by gravity through sedimentation or by other means, e.g., centrifugation, filtration. [0083] As used herein, the term “coagulant” refers to compounds that are added to a suspension to promote the clumping of particles or fine flocs into larger flocs so that they can be more easily separated from water. [0084] As used herein, the term “dispersant” refers to a substance, typically a surfactant, that is added to a suspension of solid or liquid particles in a liquid to improve the separation of the particles and to prevent their settling or clumping ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0085] As used herein, the terms “polymer” or “co-polymer” and similar terms are used in their ordinary sense as understood by one skilled in the art, and thus may be used herein to refer to or describe a large molecule (or group of such molecules) that may comprise recurring units. Polymers may be formed in various ways, including by polymerizing monomers and/or by chemically modifying one or more recurring units of a precursor polymer. Unless otherwise specified, a polymer may comprise a “homopolymer” that may comprise substantially identical recurring units that may be formed by, for example, polymerizing, a particular monomer. Unless otherwise specified, a polymer may also comprise a "copolymer” that may comprise two or more different recurring units that may be formed by, for example, copolymerizing, two or more different monomers, and/or by chemically modifying one or more recurring units of a precursor polymer. As used herein, the term “copolymer” generally encompasses any known form of polymer derived from more than one species of monomer, including, but not limited to branched copolymers, graft copolymers, and linear copolymers, such as block, alternating, periodic, statistical, random, and gradient copolymers. Unless otherwise specified, a polymer or copolymer may also comprise a “terpolymer” which generally refers to a polymer that comprises three or more different recurring units. [0086] As used herein, the term “anionic” generally refers to a chemical moiety that possesses a negative charge or that is positively charged at a pH within the normal operating range of a filtration processes. As used herein, the term “cationic” generally refers to a chemical moiety that possesses a positive charge or that is positively charged at a pH within the normal operating range of a filtration processes. As used herein, the term “nonionic” generally refers to a chemical moiety that possesses a neutral charge. [0087] As used herein, the term “rheology modifier” refers to any substance that can alter the rheological properties (e.g., resistance to deformation and flow) of a material. They are added to formulations to increase or decrease viscosity and to control a finished the properties and characteristics of a liquid composition in a desired manner. [0088] As used herein, “surfactant” refers to a chemical which tends to act as emulsifiers by reducing the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids. Surfactants tend to be amphiphilic and comprise a hydrophilic water-soluble head and a hydrophobic organic- soluble tail. In oil water mixtures, surfactants migrate to the interface between oil and water wherein organic-soluble tail tails project into the organic oil phase, while the water-soluble ends remain in contact with the water phase, thereby stabilizing emulsions. When there are a sufficient amount of surfactant molecules present in a solution they combine together to form structures called micelles. “Nonionic surfactants” have a neutral hydrophilic end. “Anionic surfactants” bear a negative charge at the hydrophilic end. [0089] As used herein, the term “polyamine” or “polyamine coagulant”, refers to organic compounds having more than two amino groups. In some embodiments, the amino groups may be primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternized. In some embodiments, polyamines may include alkyl polyamines such as ethyleneamines, which are a class of polyamine ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 compounds containing ethylene (-CH2CH2-) linkages between amine groups. In exemplary embodiments, the polyamine may be linear or branched and may include one or more ammonium ions, aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, or a polyalkylene polyamine. In an exemplary embodiment, the polyalkylene polyamine can include a polyethylene polyamine, a polypropylene polyamine, a polybutylene polyamine, a polypentylene polyamine, a polyhexylene polyamine, or a mixture thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the polyamine can include ethylene diamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), dipropylenetriamine (DPTA), bis- hexamethylenetriamine (BHMT), N-methylbis(aminopropyl)amine (MBAPA), aminoethyl- piperazine (AEP), pentaetehylenehexamine (PEHA), or a mixture thereof. In other embodiments, the polyamine includes polyethylene polyamine. Exemplary low molecular weight linear polyamines include the triamine spermidine and the tetraamine spermine. In preferred embodiments, low molecular weight polyamines have a molecular weight averaging from 40,000-60,000 Da, or about 50,000 Da, medium molecular weight polyamines have a molecular weight averaging from 70,000-80,000 Da, or about 75,000 Da, and high molecular weight polyamines have a molecular weight averaging from 200,000- 300,000 Da, or about 250,000 Da. In some embodiments, polyamine formulations have a % polyamine solids by weight ranging from 20-80%, 30-70%, 40-60% or about 50%, preferably 40-50% [0090] Units [0091] As used herein, the terms, “total solids” refer the total amount by weight (% by wt.) of solids contained in a water based composition. [0092] As used herein, the term “ppm” refers to parts per million on the basis of milligrams of solute per liter of aqueous solution or slurry (e.g., mg/L). [0093] As used herein, the phrases “% by weight” or “% by wt.” denotes pounds of dry mass of additive per dry mass of solids in the formulation, solution, or slurry, multiplied by 100%. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0094] The present invention relates to methods of defoaming talc froth and suppressing and settling talc solids using talc defoamers capable of depressing talc. The present invention also relates to methods of defoaming talc froth and suppressing talc solids during talc purification and metal purification processes and allowing for recovered water to be reused in beneficiation of mined ore. In particular, the disclosure provides methods of using polyamine-based talc defoamers capable of depressing talc, which are especially suitable in hydro-metallurgical base metal extraction processes for nickel and copper flotation, as well as in any other industrial processes for which defoaming and depression of talc is desired. [0095] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide methods for treatment of talc-froth with a polyamine-based talc defoamer capable of depressing talc during ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 beneficiation of nickel and copper ore, more specifically during and after nickel and copper flotation processes. The polyamine is applied to process streams containing talc-froth and act to break or kill the froth by attaching to the talc solid particle surface and reducing hydrophobicity of the talc to increase defoaming rates and aid in solid-liquid separation and settling of the talc. [0096] Defoamers are widely used in many industries including but not limited to extraction , processing, beneficiation, and water treatment relating to mineral ore mining. Talc defoamers of the present invention also function as talc depressants and may be added to any industrial process stream comprising a talc froth that needs defoaming. [0097] In certain embodiments, a process plant first pre-floats the talc without the addition of a depressants or polyamine, then the pre-floated talc is treated with a polyamine talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. In some embodiments, the polyamine treated talc goes through a three step talc flotation process to clean it of any residual nickel or copper. The talc flotation tailings are then sent for Nickel or copper extraction process, which are done by metal flotation, while the clean talc is pumped to a storage facility. Pre-floating talc ahead of nickel floatation helps to reduce the amount of talc and magnesium oxide contamination in the nickel concentrates final product. [0098] In exemplary embodiments, talc defoamers capable of depressing talc may be used in methods of talc defoaming and talc settling, which methods result in improved reduction in volume of a talc froth, improved talc froth defoaming rate, improved pumpability of slurry compositions formed during talc or metal flotation processes, decreased overflow of the talc froth during pumping or storage; improved clarity of recovered water; improved turbidity of recovered water, and/or decreased talc particle and/or magnesium oxide contamination in the recovered water, relative to the same method performed in the absence of said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. [0099] The present invention provides methods for defoaming, depressing, and settling talc in any industrial process stream comprising talc and are particularly suited to process streams related to mineral ore mining. The present methods effectively defoam talc froth and suppress and settle talc solids using talc defoamers capable of depressing talc during talc purification and metal purification processes and allowing for recovered water to be reused in beneficiation of mined ore. The present invention also provides methods for improving talc froth defoaming rates an improving the clarity of recovered water from which talc has been removed by gravity settling. [0100] Method for Defoaming A Talc Froth [0101] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of defoaming talc froth, the method comprising contacting a slurry composition with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0102] wherein the slurry composition comprises a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and [0103] wherein contacting the slurry composition with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc reduces the volume of the talc froth. [0104] In some exemplary embodiments the method further comprises: (a) removing the talc by gravity sedimentation, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and (b) reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. [0105] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises: (a) one or more polyamines, one or more surfactants, or one or more inorganic coagulants, including but not limited to polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum chloralhydrate (ACH), preferably one or more polyamines; or (b) one or more polyamines combined with (i) polyaluminum chloride (PAC) or (ii) one or more anionic polyacrylamide copolymer flocculants; wherein said one or more polyamines comprise a molecular weight ranging from 25-500 kDa, 40-300 kDa, or 50-250 kDa and/or comprise a % solids by weight ranging from 40-60%, 40-55%, or 40-50%. [0106] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises may be added at any pH above 7 or any pH in the range of 7-10 and preferably 8-9. [0107] In some exemplary embodiments the slurry composition comprises a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water comprises talc particles having an average diameter of 1- 40 µm, 1-30 µm, or 1-20 µm. [0108] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc: (a) it does not function as an antifoamer; (b) it is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to defoam the talc froth by reducing the volume of the talc froth by 10-100%, 20-100%, 40-100%, 60- 100%, or 80-100% by volume; (c) it is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to depress the talc solid; and/or ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (d) it is added at a dosage ranging from 10-500 ppm, 10-250 ppm, or 10-150 ppm, wherein ppm indicates micrograms per milliliter. [0109] In some exemplary embodiments of the method the talc froth was formed by (i) a talc flotation method comprising one, two, or three air flotation steps or (ii) a metal flotation method and wherein the slurry composition comprises: (a) one or more of water, purified water, process water, recovered water, or recycled water from any phase of mineral ore mining and/or processing; (b) an aqueous slurry comprising any industrial process stream related to mineral ore mining, including but not limited to a milled ore slurry comprising an aqueous component, a mined mineral ore comprising one or more desired metals, including but not limited to, nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, platinum, and one or more gangue minerals, including but not limited to, oxides of magnesium, silica, silicates, carbonates, clays, oxides of aluminum, oxides of iron, or iron sulfides; and/or (c) any industrial process stream related to beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to ore milling, a talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. [0110] In some exemplary embodiments the method results in one or more of: (a) an improved reduction in the volume of the talc froth; (b) an improved talc froth defoaming rate; (c) an improved pumpability of the slurry composition; (d) a decreased overflow of the talc froth during pumping or storage; (e) an improved clarity of the recovered water; (f) a decreased talc particle and/or magnesium oxide contamination in the recovered water; and/or (g) any combination of (a)-(f); wherein results (a)-(g) are relative to the same method performed in the absence of said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. [0111] Method of Purifying Talc [0112] In another aspect, the present invention provides a talc purification method, the method comprising: (a) performing one or more talc flotation steps on a process stream comprising talc, thereby forming and separating (i) a talc concentrate comprising a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and (ii) a talc flotation tailings comprising a residual talc and water; ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (b) contacting the talc concentrate with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, optionally comprising one or more polyamines; and (c) defoaming the talc concentrate by allowing a reduction in the volume of the talc froth to occur, thereby forming a defoamed talc concentrate; wherein contacting the talc concentrate with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc reduces the volume of the talc froth, and wherein said one or more talc flotation steps comprises one, two, or three air flotation steps performed in the absence of chemical additives. [0113] In some exemplary embodiments of the method, said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises may be added at any pH above 7 or any pH in the range of 7-10 or preferably 8-9. [0114] In some exemplary embodiments the process stream comprising talc comprises talc particles having an average diameter of 1-40 µm, 1-30 µm, or 1-20 µm. [0115] In some exemplary embodiments the method further comprises: (a) optionally, pumping the defoamed talc concentrate to a thickener, a storage facility, or a tailings dam; (b) thickening the defoamed talc concentrate by gravity sedimentation of talc solids, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and (c) separating and reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. [0116] Method of Purifying Metal from a Metal Ore [0117] In another aspect, the present invention provides a metal purification method, the method comprising one or more of the following: (a) performing one or more metal flotation steps on a metal ore process stream comprising a desired metal and a talc solid, thereby forming and separating (i) a metal concentrate comprising the desired metal, a residual talc, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and (ii) a metal flotation tailings comprising a residual talc and water; (b) contacting the metal concentrate with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, optionally comprising one or more polyamines; (c) defoaming the metal concentrate by reducing the volume of the talc froth, thereby forming a defoamed metal concentrate; (d) removing the residual talc by gravity sedimentation; and ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (e) thickening the defoamed metal concentrate to form a purified metal comprising the desired metal. [0118] In some exemplary embodiments of the method, said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises may be added at any pH above 7 or any pH in the range of 7-10 or preferably 8-9. [0119] In some exemplary embodiments the metal ore process stream comprising a desired metal and a talc solid, comprises talc particles having an average diameter of 1-40 µm, 1-30 µm, or 1-20 µm. [0120] In some exemplary embodiments the method further comprises: (a) contacting the metal flotation tailings with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc; (b) thickening the metal flotation tailings by gravity sedimentation of talc solids, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and (c) separating and reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. [0121] In some exemplary embodiments the method further comprises one or more of the following: (a) optionally during said one or more metal flotation steps, adding (i) a collector chemical, which modifies the desired metal surfaces, thereby aiding in metal flotation; (ii) a talc depressant comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); (iii) a froth generating chemical; or any combination or (i)-(iii); (b) optionally, pumping the defoamed metal concentrate to a thickener; (c) optionally, pumping the metal flotation tailings to a thickener, a tailings tank, a tailings dam, or a storage facility; (d) optionally, if the metal flotation tailings comprises a residual talc froth, defoaming the metal flotation tailings by reducing the volume of the residual talc froth, thereby forming a defoamed metal tailings; and/or (e) optionally, mixing the metal flotation tailings with a defoamed talc concentrate and then thickening by gravity sedimentation of talc solids. [0122] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said desired metal comprises nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, or platinum or the desired metal comprises nickel or copper, and further wherein said metal ore process stream comprises: ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (a) any industrial process stream related to mineral ore mining, including but not limited to a milled ore slurry, said industrial process stream comprising (i) an aqueous component, (ii) a mined mineral ore comprising said desired metal; (b) one or more gangue minerals, including but not limited to, oxides of magnesium, silica, silicates, carbonates, clays, oxides of aluminum, oxides of iron, or iron sulfides; (c) one or more of water, purified water, process water, recovered water, or recycled water from any phase of mineral ore mining and/or processing; (d) any industrial process stream related to beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, and metal purification; or (e) any combination of (a)-(d). [0123] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises: (a) one or more polyamines, one or more surfactants, or one or more inorganic coagulants, including but not limited to polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum chloralhydrate (ACH), preferably one or more polyamines; or (b) one or more polyamines combined with (i) polyaluminum chloride (PAC) or (ii) one or more anionic polyacrylamide copolymer flocculants; wherein said one or more polyamines comprise a molecular weight ranging from 25-500 kDa, 40-300 kDa, or 50-250 kDa and a % solids by weight ranging from 40-60%, 40-55%, or 40-50% and does not function as an antifoamer. [0124] In some exemplary embodiments of the method said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc: (a) does not function as an antifoamer; (b) is added in an amount effective to defoam the talc froth by reducing the volume of the talc froth by 10-100%, 20-100%, 40-100%, 60-100%, or 80-100% by volume; (c) is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to depress the talc solid and/or the residual talc; or (d) is added at a dosage ranging from 10-500 ppm, 10-250 ppm, 10-150 ppm, or 50- 150 ppm, wherein ppm indicates micrograms per milliliter; and wherein the method results in: (i) an improved reduction in the volume of the talc froth; (ii) an improved talc froth defoaming rate; ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 (iii) an improved pumpability of the talc concentrate, the metal flotation tailings, and/or the metal concentrates; (iv) a decreased talc froth overflow in the thickener, the tailings tank, the tailings dam, or the storage facility; (v) an improved clarity of the recovered water; (vi) a decreased talc particle and/or magnesium oxide contamination in the recovered water; or (vii) any combination of (i)-(vi); wherein results (i)-(vii) are relative to the same method performed in the absence of said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. [0125] In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising: (a) a purified metal obtainable by a method according to any of the foregoing; (b) a purified talc obtainable by a method according to any of the foregoing; or (c) a recovered water obtainable by a method according to any of the foregoing. [0126] The methods and compositions illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any element specifically disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments of the invention and its advantages are further disclosed in the following flow chart and examples. Industrial Processes [0127] FIG 1 provides an exemplary flow chart of an industrial process for talc flotation and purification, metal flotation, and tailings generation with three of many possible addition points for a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. [0128] In the exemplary flow chart, ore milling (1) of a slurry comprising mined ore (Cu, Ni, or other metal), gangue (talc, etc.), process water, and recovered water from tailing dam (8) is performed first. Ore slurry from ore milling (1) is fed into talc flotation stage (2). [0129] During talc flotation stage (2), talc is floated with air only and no chemicals are added. This process is called talc pre-flotation. The pre-floated talc is fed into talc flotation cleaning stages (3), which use a second and optional third stages of flotation to clean the talc. After the three talc flotation stages, cleaned talc concentrates comprising talc froth and water are pumped into talc tank (4) while talc flotation tailings comprising mined Nickel and/or Copper ore, residual talc, and water are fed into talc flotation tailings tank (5). After talc tank (4), clean talc slurry is pumped from to tailings dam (8) for additional solid-liquid separation of talc from recovered water. Gravity sedimentation of the talc is generally employed. ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0130] Pre-floated talc is difficult to pump and handle and requires specialized froth pumps. Also, talc settling at the tailing dam (8) is difficult and may risk returning talc solids and dirty water from tailings dam (8) to ore milling (1). In embodiments of the present invention, in order to reduce talc froth volume, prevent talc froth overflow, and aid in talc settling, a process aid (i.e., a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc) may be added to talc tank (4), upstream of tailings dam (8). In some embodiments, the volume of talc froth is reduced in talc tank (4) and in tailings dam (8) by the process aid. In some embodiments, the rate of talc settling and the clarity of recovered water in tailings dam (8) may be enhanced by the process aid. In other embodiments, the process aid may be added at tailings dam (8). [0131] The talc flotation tailings from tank (5) are pumped to Nickel or Copper (Ni/Cu) circuits for Ni/Cu flotation stages (6). Multiple stages of Ni/Cu Flotation may be used to obtain high grade final Ni/Cu concentrates. In this process, a collector chemical may be added to modify the Ni/Cu mineral surfaces to float. A known talc depressant, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), may be added to depress residual talc and other unwanted organic material. Another chemical may also added to generate froth, which will then float the Nickel or Copper as concentrates. Ni/Cu flotation tailings, which contain residual talc, are sent to the Ni/Cu flotation tailings tank (7) and then to tailings dam (8), where they may be combined with the defoamed talc slurry for additional solid-liquid separation of talc from recovered water. [0132] The residual talc may froth and overflow the Ni/Cu flotation tailings tank (7) and may risk returning talc solids and dirty water from tailings dam (8) to ore milling (1). In some embodiments of the present invention, a process aid (i.e., a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc) may be added to Ni/Cu flotation tailings tank (7) to control talc froth and more easily pump the Ni/Cu tailings to tailings dam (8). [0133] The Ni/Cu concentrates (9), which also contain residual talc, are sent for thickening at the thickener Ni/Cu concentrates (10). In some embodiments, a process aid (i.e., a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc) may be added to the Ni/Cu concentrates (9) prior to pumping to the thickener. In other embodiments, the process aid may be added to Ni/Cu concentrates at the thickener (10) to improve overflow water clarity. The final Ni or Cu product is then filtered and bagged. [0134] Recovered water from tailings dam (8) may be returned to ore milling (1). The recovered water may be mixed with process water and fresh water for use in subsequent ore milling. Residual process aid in the recovered water should not function as an antifoamer, and should not prevent flotation of talc or of the desired Cu or Ni metal during subsequent steps. ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 Process aid addition points: [0135] In embodiments of the present invention, the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc may be added at any point to an industrial process relating to mineral ore mining, talc mining, mineral ore beneficiation, or talc beneficiation, where (i) defoaming of a talc froth is desired or (ii) where talc suppression and talc settling are desired. [0136] In exemplary embodiments, the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc may be added at any point where defoaming of a talc froth is required or where talc depression, talc sedimentation, or talc thickening is required. In some embodiments the process aid (i.e., talc defoamer capable of depressing talc) may be added to talc tank (4), upstream of tailings dam (8), or at tailings dam (8), to Ni/Cu flotation tailings tank (7), to the Ni/Cu concentrates (9) prior to pumping to the thickener, or to Ni/Cu concentrates at the thickener (10). EXAMPLES [0137] The examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes so that the invention may be more fully understood. These examples should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Example 1: Process aid candidates and protocol for talc froth treatment testing [0138] An exemplary flow chart showing an industrial process for talc flotation, nickel flotation, and tailings generation is shown in FIG 1. Addition points for process aids (i.e., talc defoamer capable of depressing talc) for treating talc froth and for depressing talc solids are shown. Screening studies of process aid candidate were performed to identify talc defoamers capable of depressing talc. The screening studies were performed using the Talc Froth Treatment Test Procedure as set forth below. [0139] Process Aid Candidates [0140] A list of 25 process aid candidates with properties and industrial applications is provided in Table 1. [0141] Table 1: Chemicals and polymers investigated as process aids for decreasing talc froth reduction time and improving overflow clarity of settling talc. Dosage, Chemical Type Chemical Application
Figure imgf000028_0001
ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 Sodium dioctyl Dispersant 3 sulfosuccinate 100 Rheology Modifier n n n r r
Figure imgf000029_0001
ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 Anionic Polyacrylamide Co-polymer 5 >8000 kDa 100 Flocculant i,
Figure imgf000030_0001
[0143] A pre-floated talc slurry (10.5%wt% talc solids in water) was added to a 1000 mL cylinder. The cylinder was filled to the 600 mL mark with the pre-floated talc slurry. Talc froth was then generated using a plunger with a perforated disc by vigorous mixing five times followed by immediately recording of the froth height. [0144] For untreated experiments, no chemical pre-treatment was added prior to talc froth formation. For control experiments, the talc was treated prior to talc froth formation with a known depressant, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at dosage (ppm) specified in Table 1. For process aid testing, the talc was treated prior to talc froth formation with a process aid candidate at dosages (ppm) specified in Table 1. After talc froth generation, the froth height was recorded over 120 seconds. After 120 seconds, the overflow clarity (i.e., the clarity of the aqueous layer above settled solids) in each cylinder was observed. [0145] The ideal process aid for this study functions as a talc froth defoamer for decreasing talc froth volume and increasing talc froth reduction rate. An exemplary graph showing idealized froth reduction profiles for (i) untreated talc froth, (ii) talc froth generated in the presence of a talc-targeting defoamer, and (iii) talc froth generated in the presence of a froth-targeting anti-foamer is shown in FIG 2. [0146] The ideal process aid for this study generates a froth reduction profile indicative of targeting the talc particle (see FIG 2, dotted line). Such a chemical, when used as a pretreatment prior to talc froth formation, allows talc froth to initially form and then dissipate quickly over less than 60 sec, preferably less than 25 sec. Such activity is referred herein as targeting the talc (i.e., modifying surface properties of the talc). Without being bound to theory, it is though that targeting the talc (i.e., adding process aids which bind to and/or alter the surface properties of talc particles) is preferred over targeting the foam (i.e., altering the surface tension of the fluid comprising foam bubbles), which tends to produce anti-foaming activity. Such anti-foaming activity may hinder or prevent metal flotation. [0147] The ideal process aid should target the foam and should not function as an anti- foamer. The ideal process aid would not hinder a metal froth to form in a metal flotation process or any desired flotation process. [0148] In addition to functioning as a talc defoamer, the ideal process aid also functions as a talc depressant for improving talc settling and overflow clarity of recovered water. Thus, the ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 aqueous layer above settled solids in each cylinder should be clear and contain little to no dispersed particles. Example 2: Screening of process aid candidates [0149] Screening was performed to identify different process aids that function as talc defoamers capable of depressing talc, but not as anti-foamers, which would antagonize mineral flotation processes. The goal of the screening study was to identify talc defoamers capable of depressing talc that, when added to pre-floated talc prior to froth formation, function both as (i) a talc froth defoamer for decreasing talc froth reduction time and as (ii) a talc depressant for improving talc settling rate and overflow clarity. [0150] Process aid candidates (Table 1) were screened at 100 ppm using the Talc Froth Treatment Test Procedure according to Example 1. After talc froth generation, the froth height was recorded over 120 seconds. This data was used to generate a froth reduction profile by graphing talc slurry + talc froth volume over time. After 120 seconds, the overflow clarity (i.e., the clarity of the aqueous layer above settled solids) in each test cylinder was observed. Results are shown in FIGS 3-8. [0151] Screening results for dispersants 1-3 (i.e., rheology modifiers) [0152] Froth reduction profiles for dispersants 1-3 are shown in FIG 3A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 3B. [0153] Results from FIG 3A indicate that KemEcal 211 allows foam to form and functions as a talc froth defoamer. KemExam4902 functions as an anti-foamer, which is undesirable. Results from FIG 3B indicate very poor overflow clarity for KemEcal 211. [0154] Screening results for co-polymers 1-4 and surfactant 1 [0155] Froth reduction profiles for co-polymers 1-4 with anti-scalants properties and surfactant 1 are shown in FIG 4A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 4B. [0156] Results from FIG 4A indicate that co-polymers 1-4 allow foam to form and function as talc froth defoamers, with co-polymers 3 and 4 having the fastest defoaming rates. Surfactant 1 (Marlipal 13O30) functions as an anti-foamer, which is undesirable. Results from FIG 4B indicate poor overflow clarity for co-polymers 1-4. [0157] Screening results for surfactants 2-4 [0158] Froth reduction profiles for surfactants 2-4 are shown in FIG 5A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 5B. [0159] Results from FIG 5A indicate that surfactant 4 (KemEcal B6794)allows foam to form and functions as a talc froth defoamer with a fast defoaming rate. Surfactants 2 and 3 displayed little to no defoaming activity. Results from FIG 5B indicate good overflow clarity for surfactant 4. ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0160] These results provide initial proof of concept that surfactant 4 (KemEcal B6794) functions effectively as a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. [0161] Screening results for anti-foamers 1-5 [0162] Froth reduction profiles for anti-foamers 1-5 are shown in FIG 6A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 6B. [0163] Results from FIG 6A indicate that all anti-foamers prevent froth formation completely, which is undesirable. [0164] Screening results for silicate surfactant, wax, non-ionic emulsion, and polyacrylate binder [0165] Froth reduction profiles for silicate surfactant, wax, non-ionic emulsion, and polyacrylate binder are shown in FIG 7A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 7B. [0166] Results from FIG 7A indicate that non-ionic emulsion, and polyacrylate binder allow foam to form and function as talc froth defoamers, with polyacrylate binder (KemWet 250) having the fastest defoaming rate. Results from FIG 7B indicate very good overflow clarity for polyacrylate binder (KemWet 250). [0167] These results provide initial proof of concept that polyacrylate binder (KemWet 250) functions effectively as a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. [0168] Screening results for coagulants 1-4 and control [0169] Froth reduction profiles for coagulants 1-4, including polyamine (FennoFix 57), and control depressant (CMC) are shown in FIG 8A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 8B. [0170] Results from FIG 8A indicate coagulants 1-4 allow foam to form and function as talc froth defoamers. It was surprisingly found that coagulant 4 (polyamine FennoFix 57) provided the fastest defoaming rate. Both inorganic coagulants (polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum chloralhydrate (ACH)) also displayed effective defoaming activity, the PAC + polyamine combination (Kemira PAX 3903D) having the second fastest defoaming rate. Results from FIG 8B indicate very good overflow clarity for coagulants 1-4, with polyamine coagulant 4 (polyamine FennoFix 57) having the best overflow clarity. [0171] Polyamine FennoFix 57 provided the fastest froth reduction from 1000 mL to 600 mL in 20 seconds. [0172] It was surprisingly found that the most effective talc defoamer capable of depressing talc was cationic polyamine (FennoFix 57). Polyamines are known coagulants, but were not expected to function as highly effective defoaming agents for talc froth. [0173] Polyamines are catatonic polymers typically used to neutralize and coagulate negatively charged colloidal particles; however, talc particles are mainly hydrophobic (i.e., neutral), and would not be expected to bind tightly to polyamines. Despite having mainly ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 hydrophobic surface area, talc may contain negatively charged edges, exposed by milling, which may interact with cationic ions. Without being bound to theory, it can be reasoned that cationic polyamines bind to negatively charged edges of the talc particles, thereby surprisingly altering the surface properties of the entire talc particle and causing the talc foam to quickly break (i.e., rapidly defoam). [0174] In addition, the molecular weight of Fennofix 57 (e.g., about 75 kDa) is high enough to cause coagulation of the surface modified talc particles and the formation of a structured talc solid with enhanced settling rate. Thus, the high molecular weight of cationic polyamine Fennofix 57 likely forms a structure with talc particles and helps to break the talc froth and separate the talc solids by rapid settling. The combined mechanism is likely that cationic polyamines bind to talc edges, altering the surface properties of the entire talc particle causing rapid defoaming, and causing coagulation and rapid settling of the defoamed talc. [0175] These results also provide proof of concept that inorganic aluminum coagulants (PAC and ACH) and polyamines function as highly effectively talc defoamers capable of depressing talc. Additionally, inorganic aluminum coagulants may be combined with polyamines to enhance their activity as process aids. Example 3: Additional testing of process aid candidates at varying dosage [0176] From the screening test results, the best process aids were selected for additional testing. Fennofix 57 and KemEcal B6794 were best on first screening, but on second screening using real plant samples, Fennofix 57 was the best performing. The control depressant (CMC), the coagulant 4 (polyamine Fennofix 57), surfactant 4 (KemEcal B6794), and an anti-foamer control were evaluated at 50, 100, and 150 ppm using the Talc Froth Treatment Test Procedure according to Example 1. [0177] After talc froth generation, the froth height was recorded over 120 seconds. This data was used to generate froth reduction profiles. After 120 seconds, the overflow clarity in each test cylinder was observed. Results are shown in FIGS 9-12. [0178] CMC control at varying dosage [0179] Froth reduction profiles for CMC control at varying dosage from 50-150 ppm are shown in FIG 9A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 9B. [0180] Results from FIG 9A indicate that increasing the dosage of CMC control from 50-150 ppm does not appreciably improve defoaming rate. The time (seconds) of reducing the froth from 1000 mL to 620 mL was 60 seconds. [0181] Results from FIG 9B indicate CMC has dispersant properties and does not fully depress talc, giving poor overflow clarity. [0182] These results indicate that CMC has strong talc dispersant properties, as we observed that increasing the dosing rate from 50 ppm to 150 ppm results in poor overflow clarity due ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 to the dispersed colloidal particles. Because of the talc dispersant properties of CMC, it is likely that application of CMC on talc slurries pumped directly to the tailings dam risks destabilizing the talc solids. This, in turn, may cause undesirable contamination in the recovered water and also risks returning of talc, gangue, metal ore, and fine solids back to the Ni/Cu floatation system. [0183] These results provide proof of concept that improved process aids for defoaming talc froth and depressing talc are needed. [0184] FennoFix 57 polyamine at varying dosage [0185] Froth reduction profiles for coagulant 4 (FennoFix 57 polyamine) at varying dosage from 50-150 ppm are shown in FIG 10A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 10B. [0186] Results from FIG 10A indicate that increasing the dosage of polyamine from 50-100 ppm provides a small improvement in defoaming rate. The time (seconds) of reducing the froth from 980 mL to 600 mL was 20 seconds, by far the fastest froth reduction rate. [0187] Results from FIG10B indicate polyamine provides very good overflow clarity with no particles suspended on the surface of the overflow. [0188] These results provide further proof of concept that polyamine FennoFix 57 is a highly effective process aid (i.e., talc defoamer capable of depressing talc) that is able to bind to Talc particles, thereby rapidly defoaming talc froth and leaving no suspend particles in the supernatant. [0189] KemEcal B6794 surfactant at varying dosage [0190] Froth reduction profiles for surfactant 4 (KemEcal B6794) at varying dosage from 50- 150 ppm are shown in FIG 11A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 11B. [0191] Results from FIG 11A indicate increasing the dose from 50-150 ppm increased the froth reduction rate. At 150 ppm, KemEcal B6794 reduced talc froth from 1000 ml to 620 ml in 60 seconds. [0192] Results from FIG 11B indicate KemEcal B6794 has some dispersant properties and does not fully depress talc, giving poor overflow clarity at 150 ppm. [0193] KemFoam X 2125 anti-foamer at varying dosage [0194] Froth reduction profiles for anti-foamer 4 (KemFoam X 2125) at varying dosage from 50-150 ppm are shown in FIG 12A. Overflow clarity results are shown in FIG 12B. [0195] Results from FIG 12A indicate undesirable strong anti-foaming properties with no talc foam formation. Results from FIG 12B indicate poor overflow clarity. [0196] These results provide further proof of concept that anti-foamers act to suppress foaming, which is expected to antagonize or prevent metal floatation. Thus, anti-foamers are not recommended as process aids (i.e., talc defoamer capable of depressing talc). ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 Example 4: Effect of process aid candidates plus flocculant on settling rate and overflow clarity [0197] Process aid candidates e.g., dispersant 2 (KemEcal 4902), polyamine coagulant (FennoFix 57), anti-foamer 4 (KemFoam X 2125), and surfactant 4 (KemEcal B6794) were evaluated in the presence of a flocculant (Superfloc A120) using a modified version of the Talc Froth Treatment Test Procedure according to Example 1. [0198] For these studies, a pre-floated talc slurry with slurry density of 1.067 (10.7 wt % solids) was treated with a process aid candidate at 100 ppm. Then a settling test was performed by adding a flocculant (Superfloc A120) at 10 g/t or 20 g/t. Settling rates were determined by observing the test cylinders were compared to an untreated talc slurry cylinder. Turbidity over the supernatants was determined as a metric of overflow clarity. Results are shown in FIG 13A-E. [0199] Settling rate results are shown in FIG 13A. Overflow clarity (turbidity) results are shown in FIG 13B, and images of overflow are shown in FIGS 13C-E. [0200] Results from FIG 13A indicate that the slowest settling rate was observed using polyamine FennoFix 57. However, it was surprisingly observed in FIG 13B that, despite having the slowest settling rate, FennoFix 57 provided by far the lowest supernatant turbidities, indicating that polyamine FennoFix 57 functions as the best process aid for overflow clarity of recovered water. Additionally, images of overflow clarity in FIGS 13C-E show that polyamine FennoFix 57 provided the clearest overflow with no particles at the air- water interface. [0201] These results provide proof of concept that polyamines (Fennofix 57) function as highly effective process aids (e.g., talc defoamer capable of depressing talc) and may be used alone or in the presence of a flocculant. [0202] The results strongly suggest that FennoFix 57 is a superior product for Talc treatment before mixing the pre-floated talc with flotation tails and pumped to the tails storage facility (TSF). Example 5: Additional testing of polyamines and polyacrylic acid as talc defoamers with talc depressing properties [0203] Process aid candidates e.g., polyamines (Fennofix 53, Fennofix 57, and Fennofix 58), polyacrylic acid (KemWet 250), and CMC control were evaluated at 100 ppm (see Table 1), with and without flocculant (Superfloc A120) at 40 ppm, using a modified version of the Talc Froth Treatment Test Procedure according to Example 1. [0204] After talc froth generation, the froth height was recorded over 45 seconds. This data was used to generate froth reduction profiles. After 45 seconds, the overflow clarity in each test cylinder was observed. Results are shown in FIGS 14 A-C. ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0205] Results from FIG 14A show that polyamines (Fennofix 53, Fennofix 57, and Fennofix 58) provided the fastest defoaming rates. The time (seconds) of reducing the froth from 1000 mL to 600 mL was 15-20 seconds. Kemwet 250 did not perform as expected from the initial screening test. [0206] Results from FIG 14B-C show that different polyamines (Fennofix 53, Fennofix 57, and Fennofix 58) provided the best overflow clarity with and without flocculant (Superfloc A120). Fennofix products showed complete elimination of froth with or without Superfloc A120 addition, yielding clear overflow water compared to CMC. Kemwet 250 also provided good overflow clarity. [0207] These results provide further proof of concept that polyamines (Fennofix 53, Fennofix 57, and Fennofix 58) function as highly effective process aids (e.g., talc defoamer capable of depressing talc) and may be used alone or in the presence of a commonly used flocculant. Example 6: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and particle size distribution (PSD) of talc particles [0208] Talc solids were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x- ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) to determine talc particle morphology and particle size distribution. [0209] Talc pebbles were first examined using various magnifications under a stereo-light microscope followed by preparing the samples for SEM-EDS analysis, which included placing representative pebbles of each sample onto individual SEM stubs with conductive tape. The samples were then loaded into a Thermo Fisher Phenom ProX SEM (Thermo Fisher, Phenom, Eindhoven, Netherlands). A 4-quadrant Phenom Backscattered Electron (BSE) Detector and Phenom ProSuite SEM software were used to generate images and chemically quantified by quantitative energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) Amtec 25 mm2 detector. No coating was applied as the samples were analyzed using the variable vacuum setting for conductive or coated samples. [0210] For backscattered electron detection (BSD), operating conditions of 15 kV accelerating voltage and a spot size of 4.3 with a working distance of 7-9 mm were applied. Images were captured in random areas and at a range of magnifications, to characterize sample morphology. Beam conditions during the quantitative (EDS) analysis on the Phenom ProX SEM were 15 kV accelerating voltage, with a working distance of 7-9 mm and a spot size of 4.3. ROIs (regions of interest) were randomly selected. For EDS analysis a counting time of 30 seconds live-time was applied. [0211] The physical limitations of EDS do not allow for the analysis of elements lighter than Boron (B), therefore the elements Hydrogen (H), Helium (He), Lithium (Li) and Beryllium (Be) were not included in the analysis. The minimum detectable concentration (MDC) limit for EDS analysis is 0.1 weight %. Any amount detected less than 0.1 weight % can be neglected. ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 [0212] Electron micrographs of the talc at various magnifications are shown in FIGS 15 A-D. The shape and morphology are irregularly shaped flakes. The images indicate predominantly a mix between smaller curved laminar morphology and larger more elongated angular laminar morphology. [0213] SEM-EDS results indicate that the shape and morphology are irregular shaped flakes. The images indicate predominantly a mix between smaller curved laminar morphology (small plates/microcrystalline) and larger more elongated angular laminar morphology (longer and well-stacked / macro-crystalline). [0214] Particle size distribution (PSD) analysis of the talc was also performed. PSD measurement details and results are shown in FIGS 16A-B. [0215] These results indicate particle sizes between 1 and 1000 µm. The most frequent particle size was ~100 µm. These results further demonstrate that the talc solids are not colloidal particles which typically need neutralization with a coagulant chemical to coagulate. The structure or topology by SEM shows that they are flakes. These results provide further proof of concept that the larger talc surface area is hydrophobic, giving it a tendency to float, and the talc edges are negatively charged. [0216] Considering the talc particle morphology along with results from Example 2, it can be concluded that the cationic polyamine Fennofix 57 outperforming cationic polyaluminum chloride PAX XL19 (see FIG 8A) suggests a unique mechanism beyond simple coagulation. [0217] Without being bound to theory, it can be reasoned that cationic polyamines bind to negatively charged edges of the talc particles, thereby surprisingly altering the surface properties of the entire talc particle and causing the talc foam to quickly break (i.e., rapidly defoam). Taken together, the observed results strongly suggest that targeting the talc in this manner (i.e., adding process aids which bind to and/or alter the surface properties of talc particles) is preferred over targeting the foam (i.e., altering the surface tension of the fluid comprising foam bubbles), which tends to produce anti-foaming activity.

Claims

ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A method of defoaming talc froth, the method comprising contacting a slurry composition with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, wherein the slurry composition comprises a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and wherein contacting the slurry composition with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc reduces the volume of the talc froth. 2. The method of clam 1, wherein the method further comprises: (a) removing the talc by gravity sedimentation, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and (b) reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises: (a) one or more polyamines, one or more surfactants, or one or more inorganic coagulants, including but not limited to polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum chloralhydrate (ACH), preferably one or more polyamines; or (b) one or more polyamines combined with (i) polyaluminum chloride (PAC) or (ii) one or more anionic polyacrylamide copolymer flocculants; wherein said one or more polyamines comprise a molecular weight ranging from 25- 500 kDa, 40-300 kDa, or 50-250 kDa and a % solids by weight ranging from 40-60%, 40-55%, or 40-50%. 4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises one or more of the following: (a) does not function as an antifoamer; (b) is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to defoam the talc froth by reducing the volume of the talc froth by 10-100%, 20-100%, 40-100%, 60- 100%, or 80-100% by volume; (c) is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to depress the talc solid; or (d) is added at a dosage ranging from 10-500 ppm, 10-250 ppm, 10-150 ppm, or 50- 150 ppm, wherein ppm indicates micrograms per milliliter. 5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the talc froth was formed by (i) a talc ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 flotation method comprising one, two, or three air flotation steps and/or (ii) a metal flotation method and wherein the slurry composition comprises one or more of the following: (a) one or more of water, purified water, process water, recovered water, or recycled water from any phase of mineral ore mining and/or processing; (b) an aqueous slurry comprising any industrial process stream related to mineral ore mining, including but not limited to a milled ore slurry comprising an aqueous component, a mined mineral ore comprising one or more desired metals, including but not limited to, nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, platinum, and one or more gangue minerals, including but not limited to, oxides of magnesium, silica, silicates, carbonates, clays, oxides of aluminum, oxides of iron, or iron sulfides; and/or (c) any industrial process stream related to beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to ore milling, a talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. 6. The method of any one of claim 1-5, wherein the method results in: (a) an improved reduction in the volume of the talc froth; (b) an improved talc froth defoaming rate; (c) an improved pumpability of the slurry composition; (d) a decreased overflow of the talc froth during pumping or storage; (e) an improved clarity of the recovered water; (f) a decreased talc particle and/or magnesium oxide contamination in the recovered water; or (g) any combination of (a)-(f); wherein results (a)-(g) are relative to the same method performed in the absence of said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. 7. A talc purification method, the method comprising: (a) performing one or more talc flotation steps on a process stream comprising talc, thereby forming and separating (i) a talc concentrate comprising a talc solid, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and (ii) a talc flotation tailings comprising a residual talc and water; and (b) contacting the talc concentrate with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, optionally comprising one or more polyamines; wherein contacting the talc concentrate with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc reduces the volume of the talc froth, thereby producing a defoamed talc concentrate; and further wherein said one or more talc flotation steps comprises one, two, or three air ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 flotation steps performed in the absence of chemical additives. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: (a) optionally, pumping the defoamed talc concentrate to a thickener, a storage facility, or a tailings dam; (b) thickening the defoamed talc concentrate by gravity sedimentation of talc solids, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and/or (c) separating and reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. 9. A metal purification method, the method comprising one or all of the following steps: (a) performing one or more metal flotation steps on a metal ore process stream comprising a desired metal and a talc solid, thereby forming and separating (i) a metal concentrate comprising the desired metal, a residual talc, a volume of a talc froth, and water, and (ii) a metal flotation tailings comprising a residual talc and water; (b) contacting the metal concentrate with a talc defoamer capable of depressing talc, optionally comprising one or more polyamines, which defoams the metal concentrate by reducing the volume of the talc froth, thereby forming a defoamed metal concentrate; (c) removing the residual talc by gravity sedimentation; and/or (d) thickening the defoamed metal concentrate to form a purified metal comprising the desired metal. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises one or more of the following: (a) contacting the metal flotation tailings with the talc defoamer capable of depressing talc; (b) thickening the metal flotation tailings by gravity sedimentation of talc solids, thereby forming a settled talc and a recovered water; and (c) separating and reusing the recovered water in any process related to mining or beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to dilution of a milled ore slurry, ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, metal purification, or any combination thereof. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises one or more of the following: (a) optionally during said one or more metal flotation steps, adding (i) a collector chemical, which modifies the desired metal surfaces, thereby aiding in metal ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 flotation; (ii) a talc depressant comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); (iii) a froth generating chemical; or any combination or (i)-(iii); (b) optionally, pumping the defoamed metal concentrate to a thickener; (c) optionally, pumping the metal flotation tailings to a thickener, a tailings tank, a tailings dam, or a storage facility; (d) optionally, if the metal flotation tailings comprises a volume of a residual talc froth, defoaming the metal flotation tailings by reducing the volume of the residual talc froth, thereby forming a defoamed metal tailings; and/or (e) optionally, mixing the metal flotation tailings with a defoamed talc concentrate and then thickening by gravity sedimentation of talc solids. 12. The method of claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein said desired metal comprises nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, or platinum or the desired metal comprises nickel or copper, and further wherein said metal ore process stream comprises one or more of the following: (a) any industrial process stream related to mineral ore mining, including but not limited to a milled ore slurry, said industrial process stream comprising (i) an aqueous component, (ii) a mined mineral ore comprising said desired metal; (b) one or more gangue minerals, including but not limited to, oxides of magnesium, silica, silicates, carbonates, clays, oxides of aluminum, oxides of iron, or iron sulfides; (c) one or more of water, purified water, process water, recovered water, or recycled water from any phase of mineral ore mining and/or processing; (d) any industrial process stream related to beneficiation of mined ore, including but not limited to ore milling, talc flotation, talc purification, metal flotation, and metal purification; or (e) any combination of (a)-(d). 13. The method of any one of claims 7-12, wherein said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc comprises: (a) one or more polyamines, one or more surfactants, or one or more inorganic coagulants, including but not limited to polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum chloralhydrate (ACH), preferably one or more polyamines; or (b) one or more polyamines combined with (i) polyaluminum chloride (PAC) or (ii) one or more anionic polyacrylamide copolymer flocculants; wherein said one or more polyamines comprise a molecular weight ranging from 25- 500 kDa, 40-300 kDa, or 50-250 kDa and a % solids by weight ranging from 40-60%, 40-55%, or 40-50% and does not function as an antifoamer. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc ATTY DOCKET NO.1149704.070013 CLIENT REF NO. ZA2310 comprises one or more of the following: (a) it does not function as an antifoamer; (b) it is added in an amount effective to defoam the talc froth by reducing the volume of the talc froth by 10-100%, 20-100%, 40-100%, 60-100%, or 80-100% by volume; (c) it is added to the slurry composition in an amount effective to depress the talc solid and/or the residual talc; and/or (d) it is added at a dosage ranging from 10-500 ppm, 10-250 ppm, 10-150 ppm, or 50-150 pm, wherein ppm indicates micrograms per milliliter; and wherein the method results in: (i) an improved reduction in the volume of the talc froth; (ii) an improved talc froth defoaming rate; (iii) an improved pumpability of the talc concentrate, the metal flotation tailings, and/or the metal concentrates; (iv) a decreased talc froth overflow in the thickener, the tailings tank, the tailings dam, or the storage facility; (v) an improved clarity of the recovered water; (vi) a decreased talc particle and/or magnesium oxide contamination in the recovered water; or (vii) any combination of (i)-(vi); wherein results (i)-(vii) are relative to the same method performed in the absence of said talc defoamer capable of depressing talc. 15. A composition comprising: (a) a defoamed talc froth obtainable by a method according to any of claims 1-14; (b) a purified metal obtainable by a method according to any of claims 1-14; (c) a purified talc obtainable by a method according to any of claims 1-14; or (d) a recovered water obtainable by a method according to any of claims 1-14.
PCT/US2024/059841 2023-12-13 2024-12-12 Polyamine defoamers capable of depressing talc for treating talc froth Pending WO2025128866A1 (en)

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