Ilmenite flotation separation: Current progress, challenges, and opportunities
Jiaqiao Yuan1, Liheng Lv1, Haixiang Shen1
1State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China; Faculty of Land Resource Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China.
Advances in Colloid and Interface Science
|July 22, 2026
Summary
This review examines ilmenite (FeTiO3) beneficiation challenges, focusing on complex, low-grade ores. Advancements in flotation reagents and understanding interfacial mechanisms are crucial for efficient titanium separation.
Area of Science:
- Mineral Processing
- Materials Science
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Titanium is a critical strategic metal vital for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
- Ilmenite (FeTiO3) is the primary titanium ore, but high-grade resources are declining.
- Complex, low-grade, fine-grained ilmenite deposits require advanced processing techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review ilmenite resource characteristics and global distribution.
- To analyze surface physicochemical properties and interfacial flotation mechanisms.
- To detail advancements in flotation reagents and discuss industry challenges.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ilmenite resources and properties.
- Analysis of surface chemistry and flotation interfacial mechanisms.
- Review of flotation reagent systems (collectors, depressants, activators).
Main Results:
- Ilmenite beneficiation faces challenges due to poor ore properties and low separation efficiency.
- Selective flotation of fine-grained ilmenite remains a significant technical hurdle.
- Recent progress in flotation reagents offers potential solutions for complex ores.
Conclusions:
- Understanding interfacial mechanisms is key to improving ilmenite flotation.
- Innovations in reagent systems are essential for efficient separation of low-grade titanium ores.
- This review provides insights for advancing ilmenite separation technologies.
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