Recently, China’s National Energy Administration issued the “2026 Coal Industry Green Development Action Plan,” emphasizing that mining enterprises must enhance water use efficiency and wastewater treatment, promoting green development in coal and metal beneficiation. Against this backdrop, the application of anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) for coal washing and mineral beneficiation has become increasingly important.

APAM is an anionic polymer copolymer of acrylamide and acrylate. Its active anionic groups interact with fine suspended particles in slurry through electrical neutralization and adsorption bridging, forming large flocs, accelerating settling, and improving mineral recovery. In coal washing, copper, lead, zinc, and other polymetallic ore flotation, and tailings dewatering, APAM effectively reduces slurry turbidity and wastewater discharge, achieving both operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

For example, at a recent large-scale coal preparation plant, the use of APAM as a flocculant decreased coal fines moisture content from 45% to approximately 35%, while recovery of copper, lead, and zinc ores increased by over 5%. The company reported that APAM optimized mineral flotation and dewatering processes while lowering wastewater treatment costs.

APAM can also be combined with other ore separation reagents in polymetallic flotation to improve slurry fluidity and flocculation, enhancing concentrate grade and metal recovery. Its multifunctionality supports water recycling, aligning with green mining initiatives.

Experts note that, with proper APAM dosing and process control, mining enterprises can increase mineral flotation efficiency, optimize tailings dewatering and water treatment, and comply with environmental regulations, providing technical support for sustainable operations.

Overall, the application of APAM in coal washing and mineral beneficiation is driving mining operations toward more efficient, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly practices, offering reliable technology for global green mining transformation.