Kinetics of pyrochlore flotation from Araxá mineral deposits

The niobium mineral deposits in Brazil account for more than 70% of the world's known reserves. Currently flotation of pyrochlore is carried out in the Araxá plant using amines as collector at low pH, in the presence of NaF as an activator and with the addition of a modifier. In the present wor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Minerals engineering 2001, Vol.14 (1), p.99-105
Main Authors: Oliveira, J.F., Saraiva, S.M., Pimenta, J.S., Oliveira, A.P.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
flotation kinetics
Froth flotation
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Summary:The niobium mineral deposits in Brazil account for more than 70% of the world's known reserves. Currently flotation of pyrochlore is carried out in the Araxá plant using amines as collector at low pH, in the presence of NaF as an activator and with the addition of a modifier. In the present work bench scale flotation kinetic testwork was conducted, aimed at a better understanding of some aspects of the process used. A rate model based on equations for fast floating and slow floating particles was used for describing the cumulative recovery versus time. The results showed that the control of collector (amine acetate) at a minimum level was essential for effective action of the activator and modifiers studied. In the rougher stage, best results were obtained with the collector at 100g/t. The use of NaF at a dosage higher than 1000g/t significantly affected the cleaner concentrate grade.
ISSN:0892-6875
1872-9444
DOI:10.1016/S0892-6875(00)00163-1