Bench scale flotation of alunite ore with oleic acid

Alunite [KA13(SO4)2(OH)6] is a promising non-bauxitic aluminum resource, the domestic reserves of which are estimated to be 800 x 106 tons at 35 percent alunite. The major gangue mineral associated with alunite is quartz. The thermochemical process that has been developed for treatment of this ore does not provide for the initial removal of gangue prior to processing. In this regard, i t may be desirable to concentrate the ore to gain significant technical and economic advantages.