Formulators will often blend fatty acids together to achieve mineral hydrophobization and control the flotation kinetics. However, fatty acids are rarely used without the assistance of surfactants. Surfactants can contribute to performance stability in varying water conditions, build and control froth properties, and be the key to a successful beneficiation plant. A novel alkylpolyglucoside (Mod APG, Cola®Float 1500) type surfactant was developed and investigated on its enhancement of the flotation properties of a standard fatty acid collector with the goal of improving apatite grade/recovery from two mine sites, versus the more traditional Alkyl Sulfate surfactant. The mechanism leading to successful flotation was explored, and both chelation value and CMC were discovered to be important attributes in ensuring a balanced and successful process.

Cited:

Moore, L.R., Barker, C. & Avello, Z. Performance study of a novel modified alkylpolyglucoside towards the enhancement of apatite beneficiation. Discov. Miner. 2, 4 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44346-025-00008-1

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44346-025-00008-1

The European Union’s REACH regulation mandates comprehensive chemical testing to ensure human and environmental safety, prioritizing non-animal methods whenever possible. Despite significant advancements in alternative testing strategies, certain endpoints still require animal studies due to the lack of validated in vitro, ex vivo or in silico models. This paper examines these gaps by tonnage band, highlighting key areas where non-animal alternatives remain insufficient. Acute oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity tests, repeated-dose toxicity studies as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity studies are among the endpoints that are still reliant on animal testing. While progress has been made in developing alternatives such as Defined Approaches (DAs) that may integrate physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling, these methods are not yet fully validated for regulatory acceptance. Continued investment in research, validation and international collaboration is essential to accelerate the validation and implementation of animal-free alternatives.

Cited:

Barae Jomaa

Endpoints Lacking Animal-Free Alternatives Under REACH and the Remaining Challenges. Journal of the Netherlands Society of Toxicology 10 May 2025

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.61833/JNST.2025.0001#aff1