Wollastonite flotation

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Wollastonite is a calcium silicate (CaSiO3) industrial mineral, which is commonly used as a filler in paints andplastics. It is also used in the construction industry as a substitute for asbestos; ceramic applications includingceramic glazes and bodies; in metallurgical applications wollastonite is commonly added to formulatedpowders for steel casting and welding. The properties that are most commonly utilised include the low loss onignition, low thermal conductivity and the shape, which allows for smooth coatings and enhanced durability informulations. Canadian Wollastonite is also providing wollastonite to mitigate calcium losses and acidificationin temperate soils and forests; in wastewater treatment applications; and for carbon sequestration. As such, ithas great potential in environmental applications.To date, little work has been conducted on the beneficiation of wollastonite from its ores, or on thephysico-chemical properties of this mineral. As such, this project is centred on determining thephysico-chemical properties of wollastonite and other minerals within the Seeley's Bay deposit in Ontario, andusing this knowledge to improve the understanding of wollastonite beneficiation. This will have implicationsfor both the Seeley's Bay deposit, and other wollastonite deposits globally.Canada is one of the most important mining nations in the world, producing more than 60 minerals and metals.Mining and mineral processing has long been one of the country's key wealth generators. In 2014 the sectoremployed approximately 375,000 people and contributed $57 billion to Canada's Gross Domestic Product(GDP). The industry accounted for 18.2% of the value of Canadian goods exports in 2014. Industrial mineralsare an important sector of the mining industry, being used in a wide variety of products. A more effectivemethod of producing industrial minerals such as wollastonite in a sustainable manner will be of benefit to theCanadian mining industry, and the economy.