Improvement of processing efficiency for carbonate–fluorite ore of the Transbaikal–Mongolia province

Processing of complex and rebellious finely disseminated carbonate–fluorite ore with low content of fluorite, adjoining limestone and carbonate is a challenging problem. Selection of calcium-bearing minerals, with similar crystal chemistry and flotation properties becomes more difficult with decreasing calcium-to-carbonate ratio and needs new approaches to combinations of selective depressors for minerals of no interest. The problem of production of high-quality concentrates can be solved by developing and studying process flow charts. It is proposed to apply the new approach to intensification of flotation of carbonate–fluorite ore by means of using new collecting agents, without pulp heating, and with new selective depressors for carbonate minerals toward production of high-quality fluorite concentrates. The article presents a case study of carbonate–fluorite ore processing flow charts prepared for testing and further introduction at Bor-Öndör Fluorspar Concentrator Plant (Republic of Mongolia). A simple flotation circuit is recommended for application. This circuit provides selection of calcium minerals, flotation of fluorite, depression of carbonates and production of FF-97A grade fluorite concentrate.

Fat'yanov A. V., Nikitina L. G., Shcheglova S.A. Improvement of processing efficiency for carbonate–fluorite ore of the Transbaikal–Mongolia province. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2020;(10):115-122. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236-1493-2020-10-0-115-122.

A.V. Fat'yanov¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, e-mail: fatyanov.albert@yandex.ru,
L.G. Nikitina¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant Professor, Deputy Dean for Фcademic Affairs of the Mining Faculty, e-mail: nikitina-lg@mail.ru,
S.A. Shcheglova¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant Professor, e-mail: ssheglova@mail.ru,
¹ Transbaikal State University, 672039, Chita, Russia. 

L.G. Nikitina, e-mail: nikitina-lg@mail.ru.

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