PIONERA BIOPOLYMERS

PIONERA Biopolymers are an innovative and environmentally friendly

solution to enhance performance in flotation and leaching processes.

PIONERA BioPolymers are versatile additives

increasing returns for our customers.
They can provide enhanced recovery and value with innovative and environmentally friendly solutions in mineral processing.
In plant scale operations, PIONERA Biopolymers show the ability to increase
production of valuable metals. A higher recovery or better metal grades
are achieved without capital expenditure.

Customer benefits
PIONERA BioPolymers provide the following benefits to your company:

Increase profits through improved grade and recovery

Reduce reagent cost
Process difficult ores
Eliminate or reduce the need for toxic reagents

Health, Safety and Environment

PIONERA BioPolymers provide benefits compared with many other process
chemicals concerning Health, Safety and Environment:

Minimum regulations for storage and handling

Minimum harm for environment
Minimum toxicity level
Exempted from REACH registration

PIONERA BioPolymers in mineral processing

The main areas of successful application of PIONERA BioPolymers in
mineral processing are:
Flotation
Selective depressants for various gangue materials as Pyrite,
Clay, Pyrrhotite, Barite, Calcite and others
Leach circuit
Excellent sulfur, clay and gangue dispersant to improve reaction kinetics
and control foam in atmospheric as well as in autoclave leaching
Viscosity reduction of mineral ore slurry
Increasing throughput, reducing water needs
Agglomeration
Binding of smelter pellets
Binding
Control dust on hauling roads, tailings ponds or stock piles
PIONERA BioPolymers are successfully used to process:
Au, Cu, Ni, Ag, Mo, Zn, Pb,
Rare Earths and others

PIONERA BioPolymers
Description
PIONERA BioPolymers are modified natural polymers from renewable sources.
They are water-soluble and are available as a spray-dried powder or as liquid.
These products are compatible with anionic and non-ionic dispersants, wetting
agents, and most organic and inorganic reagents and additives used in mineral
processing. PIONERA BioPolymers are compatible compatible with flotation,
leach, solvent extraction, electrowinning and other processes.
Chemistry
The fundamental monomer is a hydroxyphenyl propane unit with varying substitution pattern. It is linked to other monomer units with a multitude of different covalent bonds. It contains many aromatic rings. The distribution of unpolar and polar
groups, including the hydroxyl, carboxyl and sulfonic acid groups in addition to the
molecular weight determines the properties of the particular Biopolymer.
Handling
PIONERA BioPolymer powders can easily be dissolved to a 40-50% solids solution. For low shear mixing, best results are achieved by sifting the powder into hot
or warm water with agitation. Mixing time for complete dissolution is dependent
on shear, water temperature and desired solids concentration. These solutions are
non-thixotropic, are stable for long periods of time, and are not impacted by freeze/thaw cycles. Dilute solutions of PIONERA BioPolymers should be remade periodically to prevent microbe contamination. Powder can also be added directly in
process via powder or pneumatic feeding equipment.
Health, Safety and Environment
PIONERA BioPolymers provide benefits compared with many other process
chemicals concerning Health, Safety and Environment
-

Minimum regulations for storage and handling

Minimum harm for environment
Minimum toxicity level
Exempted from REACH registration

ABOUT US
PIONERA is part of the worlds leading producer of natural modified polymers.
Our products are environmentally friendly and utilize a natural and renewable
source of raw material. We offer an extensive network of production plants and
sales offices, ensuring optimal service to global and local customers. Our highly
skilled and dedicated research and development teams have extensive technical
expertise in polymer technology. We strive for continuous improvement of our
existing product lines, as well as the development of new solutions to meet our
customers needs.
Group Organization

Head office
Production site
Sales office

PIONERA Sales Contacts

North America
Steve.Dickman@pionera.com
Guy.Kluck@pionera.com

Australia
Nathan.Stoitis@pionera.com

Africa
Johan.van.Heerden@pionera.com
Sanvir.Maharaj@pionera.com

South America
Roberto.Harvey@pionera.com

Asia
Dani.Ramdani@pionera.com

Europe
Thomas.Stauder@pionera.com
Peter.Nygren@pionera.com

Published by
Borregaard Ibrica, S.L.
C/Garrotxa 6-8, 2C
08820 El Prat Llobregat
Barcelona
Spain
Thomas Stauder
Marketing Manager
Tel.: +34 934 791 101
Fax: +34 934 795 159
Mobile: +34 692 023 079
thomas.stauder@pionera.com
www.pionera.com

Disclaimer
The information given here is based on our best knowledge and we believe it to be true and accurate. However, Pionera does not
warrant or guarantee in any manner whatsoever, including the warranty of merchantability or fitness for the end use, the adequacy of
the information and procedures listed herein and will not be responsible for any damage resulting from their use. It is difficult to cover
all scenarios that may involve our products. This document is only intended to offer some guidelines in handling PIONERA products. If
additional information is required for your specific situation, please contact your sales representative.