Reimagining Froth Flotation: The Scientific Case for Bio-Based Frothers in Mining Operations

This piece was authored by IBC Director of Sustainability, Laura Benavides. 

The mining industry is evolving. Operators are under increasing pressure to boost efficiency, improve recovery, and reduce environmental impact-yet traditional frothers often fall short on sustainability. TegraFroth addresses this gap with a bio-based reagent platform that delivers sustainability, scalability, and performance. The product has been evaluated across copper, gold, potash, and coal operations worldwide.

The Need for Change

Traditional flotation reagents rely on fossil-derived reagents that bring challenges around VOC emissions, worker exposure, tailings management, and water treatment. At the same time:

• ESG mandates have become procurement priorities, and operators must show measurable progress.
• Traditional reagents are lagging, limited by fossil-linked supply chains and slow innovation cycles.
• Mines need drop-in solutions that work within existing SOPs and infrastructure-without introducing operational risk.

This combination has created demand for drop-in ready, high-performance chemistry that aligns with sustainability initiatives.

Why TegraFroth Bio-Based Frother for Mining 

TegraFroth is engineered for modern mining needs, offering:

• Exceptional froth stability
• Low dosage requirements
• Higher recovery and improved concentrate grades
• Fast bubble breakdown (low persistence)
• Compatibility with existing SOPs and plant reagents

The result is a frother that supports both process efficiency and ESG goals.

How It Works

TegraFroth functions by reducing surface tension and stabilizing air bubbles during flotation. This enhances bubble-particle attachment, increases selectivity, and supports more efficient mineral transport to the froth- thus leading to improved grade and higher overall recovery.

Sustainability is integrated into TegraFroth at every stage:

• Rapid biodegradation post-flotation
• Zero VOCs and no hazardous concerns
• Extremely low emissions during production (0.002 kg CO2e per kg of product)
• Upcycled agricultural by-products as feedstocks-without competing with food production
• Locally or regionally sourced raw materials, supporting reliable supply chains and reducing transportation impacts
• Renewable Carbon Index of 81-100%, reflecting a chemistry built primarily from natural ingredients.

A Smarter Path Forward: Bio-Based Frothers for Mining 

TegraFroth isn’t just greener-it’s smarter. It provides mining operations with a way to meet ESG requirements while optimizing or maintaining metallurgical performance, reducing emissions, and improving reagent efficiency.

The shift toward high-performance, sustainable chemistry is already underway. TegraFroth represents a structural change in mineral processing-combining environmental stewardship with operational excellence. Mines adopting these solutions today will lead the industry tomorrow.