Mining Solutions

Innovative Solutions
for Hydrometallurgy
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BASF’s Mining Solutions

at a glance

BASF’s Mining Solutions business offers a diverse range of

mineral processing chemicals and technologies to improve
process efficiencies and aid the economic extraction of
valuable resources.

We offer our products and technology solutions to the global mineral Our chemical and process expertise includes reagents, e­ quipment,
processing industry along with expert advice and technical support. process technologies and know-how. All of which are focused on
Our global team is driven by a common goal to provide the best hydrometallurgy, solid liquid separation, tailings management,
sustainable solution to meet our c
­ ustomers’ processing needs. With ­materials handling, flotation and grinding.
technical representation in over 100 countries, BASF’s technical
support is pro­vided on a global, regional and local basis. BASF’s hydrometallurgical offering includes solvent extractants,
smoothing aids, purification clays and crystal growth modifiers,
which are complemented by ancillary reagents such as antiscalants,
defoamers and dust suppressants.
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We offer solutions for the

solvent extraction of metals

COPPER

LIX® range of solvent extraction reagents Clay treatment

BASF has an extensive range of copper selective hydroxyoxime Purification clays (F1/ F20 / F20X) are used to remove surface a
­ ctive
solvent extractants. compounds from in-process copper SX organic solutions.

• K etoxime – Moderate strength extractant, easily stripped Benefits include

providing­high net transfer
• Modified aldoximes – Strong extractants that require use of • Improved extraction and strip kinetics
­modifier to tailor stripping behavior to meet customer ­process • Reduced phase separation times
or application requirements • Reduced entrainment
• Aldoxime / Ketoxime blends – Formulation properties can be • Reduced impurity transfer to the electrolyte
­tailored to meet individual customer process requirements (e. g. Fe, Cl, Mn & NO3 )

Benefits include

• H igh selectivity for copper over other metals

(e. g. Fe, Co, Ni, As, Mn)
• Broad operating parameters (low and high grade ores
as well as arsenic-containing ores)
• Production of high grade copper cathode

Guartec® range of smoothing aids

BASF’s Guartec® smoothing aids are metallurgical grade, guar-based

reagents designed for use in copper electrowinning, electroplating
and electrorefining processes.

Benefits include

• Reduction in electrical shorts by minimizing dendritic growth

• Production of brighter, denser, high quality copper cathode
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NICKEL / COBALT URANIUM

LIX® range of solvent extractants Alamine® range of solvent extractants

LIX® 84IC-NS (2-hydroxy-5-nonyl acetophenone oxime formulation) Uranium solvent extraction is accomplished using Alamine® 336
is used as a nickel extractant from ammonia leach solutions. (a mixed C8/C10 tertiary amine) and an alcohol solvation modifier
in a kerosene dilutent.
Benefits include
Benefits include
• Very efficient Ni extraction and recovery
• Production of high-purity Ni cathode • S
 electivity for uranium over other metals and minerals
• Easy cobalt precipitation from nickel-free leach solution (e. g. vanadium, molybdenum, zirconia, cobalt and gold)
• Proven technology, used for over 50 years

ALUMINA

Alclar® crystal growth modifiers

Alclar® crystal growth modifiers stabilize unwanted organic

impurities­that are present in the pregnant liquor.

Benefits include

• Improves alumina trihydrate precipitation

• Promotes the growth of alumina crystals

ADDITIONAL
EXTRACTION CHEMISTRY
COBALT Cobalt extraction from chloride leach solutions
using Alamine® 308
VANADIUM Vanadium extraction
using Alamine® 336
PLATINUM Platinum separation from PGMs
using Alamine® 336 and Aliquat® 336
PALLADIUM Palladium separation from PGMs
using LIX® 84-A
MOLYBDENUM Molybdenum extraction
using Alamine® 304-1
GERMANIUM Germanium solvent extraction
using LIX® 63
RHENIUM Rhenium solvent extraction
using Aliquat® 336 or Alamine® reagents
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Hydrometallurgy process aids

Antiprex® antiscalants Dust suppressants – EnviroWet® DC -100

Antiprex® scale inhibitors are synthetic water-soluble formulations BASF’s EnviroWet® DC -100 is one of the safest, most economical
designed to give maximum protection against calcium, magnesium, and efficient dust control agents on the market. This biodegradable
strontium and barium scale in mineral processing systems. wetting agent increases water retention times and is compatible
with solvent extraction processes.
The benefits of scale and deposit control in water circuits are:

• Improved process control

• Reduced maintenance requirements

Burst® defoamers

A versatile range of highly effective antifoam and defoamer products

for the control of foaming across a wide variety of substrates and
applications.
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Technical service:
a global presence

We provide a wide range of technical support to our customers

through our global network of experts and dedicated laboratories.
Our global MSP® Minesite Service Program is a comprehensive,
multi-component support service program that can be tailored to
meet the specific needs of the customer. MSP® elements include:

Expert consultation for process and flowsheet optimization Reagent evaluation for optimum performance

BASF experts provide technical support, performance evaluations We work with our customers to define the optimum reagent type
and recommendations. Our IsocalcTM and OptiformTM software is used for their operation. We focus on increasing production and reagent
to evaluate alternative process scenarios and define improved plant performance to improve product quality and lower costs.
flow sheets and is used as a basis for developing site expansions.
On-site support, start-up assistance and pilot plant evaluations
Process modeling and simulations
MSP® engineers may be assigned to a mine site full or part- time
BASF engineers can help define and optimize your plant operations over a specific period to meet the needs of the customer. A key
by using computer simulation studies as well as lab scale and pilot ­ingredient of the MSP® is training of plant personnel. We provide
plant trials of various circuit configurations and operating conditions. pre-start-up operator training, laboratory set-up assistance and
­on-site analytical training at customer sites. BASF partners with
customers to troubleshoot problems to ensure a smooth start-up
and solve any problems quickly. We use pilot plant evaluations to
optimize the performance of our reagents to improve process
­efficiency. BASF also works with its customers to develop specific
training courses for their engineers and plant operators that relate
to their plant operations.

Metallurgical profiles and process monitoring

Metallurgical audits encompass detailed benchmarking of equipment,

site operating parameters and process bottlenecks. A
­ udits of this
kind can determine the root cause of a problem and provide com-
prehensive recommendations or “best practices”.
Benefit from BASF’s
research and development
capabilities

Innovation is at the heart of BASF’s Mining Solutions vision. Our BASF’s extensive backward integration into the building blocks
aim is to develop novel and innovative chemistries and technologies­ of mineral processing product chemistries enables us to effectively
to meet the challenges the mining industry c ­ ontinues to face. In apply our knowledge and chemical experience to develop both
­order to further our understanding, BASF is committed to working conventional and novel chemistries to meet the technical and
in close collaboration with our customers, academia and global ­commercial challenges faced by the industry today.
­industry organizations.
Our Product Development and Technical Support personnel
are ­located around the globe and are complemented by three
Global Competence Centers based in Tucson (US), Ludwigshafen
(Germany) and Perth (Australia).
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Responsible Care
and Sustainability

The Mining Solutions group has won several environmental awards To maximize our potential in these three areas as one company, we
over the years, including World Mining Magazine’s ­environmental will enhance the long-term success of our customers and our com-
award and the coveted European Better Environ­ment Award. pany by fostering R&D and innovation in more sustainable products
and solutions. Therefore, one of our four strategic principles is “We
Our products and processes are part of BASF’s Responsible Care drive sustainable solutions”. We will firmly i­ntegrate sustainability in
initiative, which is designed to promote the careful use of the our day-to-day activities because our position as the world’s leading
world’s resources so that we can harvest the metals we need while chemical company opens up unique opportunities to contribute to
protecting and preserving the environment. a more sustainable future for societies.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company and aims to strengthen Our management has three strategic responsibilities with
this position. BASF’s goal is to “Create chemistry for a sustainable ­regard to sustainability:
future”. Sustainable development combines economic success,
social responsibility and environmental ­protection. • Minimizing risks
• Establishing strong relationships with our
Facing the world’s growing population and limited resources, internal and external stakeholders
we see three major areas in which innovations based on our • Taking advantage of business opportunities
chemistry will play a key role:
BASF enlists internal and external experts to identify, analyze and
• Resources environment and climate assess sustainability topics. The focus of our sustainability manage-
• Food and nutrition ment revolves around product safety, climate and energy, water,
• Quality of life ­human and labor rights, human capital development, biodiversity,
renewable resources and sustainable products.
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Europe Africa

BASF plc BASF South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

Cleckheaton Road 852 Sixteenth Road
Low Moor, Bradford Midrand, P. O. Box 2801
BD12 0JZ Halfway House 1685
Great Britain South Africa
Phone: +44 1274 417 000 Phone: +27 11 203 2400
Fax: +44 1274 606 499 Fax: +27 11 203 2431

North America Australia

BASF Corporation BASF Australia Ltd.

2430 N. Huachuca Drive Level 12, 28 Freshwater Place
Tucson, Arizona 85745 VIC 3006, Southbank
US Australia
Phone: +1 520 622 8891 Phone: +613 8855 6600
Fax: +1 520 624 0912 Fax: +613 8855 6511

South America

BASF CHILE S.A.

Av. Carrascal Nº 3851
Quinta Normal
Santiago
Chile For further information: EVG1431e

Phone: +56 2 2640 7000 [email protected]

Fax: +56 2 775 3095 www.mining-solutions.basf.com

The descriptions, designs, data and information contained herein are presented in good faith, and are based on BASF’s current
knowledge and experience. They are provided for guidance only, and do not constitute the agreed contractual quality of the product
or a part of BASF’s terms and conditions of sale. Because many factors may affect processing or application /use of the product,
BASF recommends that the reader carry out its own investigations and tests to determine the suitability of a product for its particular
purpose prior to use. It is the responsibility of the recipient of product to ensure that any proprietary rights and existing laws and
legislation are observed. No warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose, are made regarding products described or designs, data or information set forth herein, or that the
products, descriptions, designs, data or information may be used without infringing the intellectual property rights of others. Any
descriptions, designs, data and information given in this publication may change without prior information. The descriptions, designs,
data, and information furnished by BASF hereunder are given gratis and BASF assumes no obligation or liability for the descriptions,
designs, data or information given or results obtained, all such being given and accepted at the reader’s risk. (03/ 2015)
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