ANS:B - tabling

Gold ore concentration is mostly done using froth flotation. Here's why:

1. Froth Flotation:
   • Froth flotation is a widely used method for separating valuable minerals from their ores.
   • In the case of gold ore concentration, froth flotation is particularly effective because gold is often associated with sulfide minerals such as pyrite, and flotation can selectively separate these minerals from the gangue (unwanted material).
   • The process involves adding specific reagents (collectors and frothers) to the ore slurry, which creates froth on the surface of the flotation cell. Valuable minerals, including gold-bearing sulfides, attach to the bubbles in the froth and are carried to the surface for recovery.
2. Other Methods:
   • Jigging: This method uses pulsating water to separate minerals based on density differences. It is less commonly used for gold ore concentration compared to other methods like gravity separation.
   • Tabling: Also known as shaking tables, tabling uses riffles and water flow to separate particles based on density. It is effective for some types of ores but less commonly used for gold ores.
   • Elutriation: This method uses fluid flow to separate particles based on size and density. It is more suitable for fine particles and is not typically used for gold ore concentration.
3. Effectiveness and Application:
   • Froth flotation is preferred for gold ore concentration due to its high selectivity and efficiency in separating gold-bearing minerals from other minerals and gangue.
   • The process can be tailored to optimize recovery rates and concentrate grades based on the specific ore characteristics and processing requirements.