This article examines the scientific and practical foundations for improving the thickening of gold-bearing flotation concentrates and developing a process for producing a highly clarified overflow. Efficient solid–liquid separation, increased slurry solids concentration, and the production of a high-quality overflow suitable for process-water reuse are important in preparing gold-bearing flotation products for subsequent metallurgical processing. In particular, finely dispersed particles may settle slowly, thereby reducing thickening efficiency.
The principal research objectives include characterising the physicochemical properties and particle-size distribution of the flotation concentrate, selecting the flocculant type and optimal dosage, assessing the influence of slurry solids concentration on sedimentation, and determining overflow clarity and underflow solids content. Recent studies indicate that flocculant dosage and slurry solids concentration significantly influence settling kinetics during the flocculationassisted thickening of finely dispersed gold-bearing materials.