Agglomeration
Stabilizing particle binding to improve handling and support downstream processing
The role of agglomeration
Agglomeration is a post‑treatment stage of mining operations that transforms fine particles into larger, more stable agglomerates to enable downstream handling, processing, and recovery. It is applied across multiple mining contexts to improve the physical properties of concentrates and fines that would otherwise be difficult to process, transport, or utilize.
Core agglomeration processes
Key agglomeration technologies include pelletizing, briquetting, granulation, and extrusion, each selected based on ore type, particle size distribution, moisture conditions, and downstream requirements. These processes are widely applied across metallic, industrial, and non‑metallic mining operations.
Why agglomeration challenges are intensifying
Agglomeration demands are increasing as ore grades decline, fines generation rises, and process conditions become more demanding. Operations increasingly require agglomerates that deliver consistent wet and dry strength, controlled growth behavior, and reliable performance under harsh conditions such as high salinity, limited residence time, or high compaction forces.
Function‑led support
Chemistry aligned to agglomeration mechanisms
Our agglomeration solutions are designed to improve agglomerate performance through function‑led chemistry, focusing on binder efficiency, hydration behavior, and structural integrity rather than product form alone.
At the process level, agglomeration depends on mechanisms such as nucleation, coalescence, layering, compaction, and solid bridge formation. Nouryon’s chemistry supports these mechanisms by promoting controlled particle adhesion, moisture distribution, and rheological stability during agglomerate formation.
Portfolio‑based binder selection aligned to process constraints
Agglomeration performance is strongly influenced by site‑specific constraints such as mixing residence time, water chemistry, and mechanical stress during formation. Because these constraints vary across pelletizing, briquetting, and extrusion operations, no single binder chemistry is optimized for all conditions.
We, therefore, offer a portfolio of organic agglomeration binders with differentiated hydration behavior, bonding efficiency, and operational tolerance. This portfolio approach allows binder selection to be aligned with the dominant process constraint of a given operation—supporting stable agglomerate formation and runnability without forcing trade‑offs between strength development and process control.
