Stimulation of flotation of rebellious apatite–nepheline ore with selective collecting agents

Processing of apatite–nepheline ore having low total content of basic metallic minerals features reduced efficiency in production of apatite concentrate. One of the approaches to this problem is optimization of the reagent regime in flotation. Using four samples of apatite– nepheline ore with low content of basic minerals represented by fluor apatite and nepheline (the sum of apatite and nepheline fluctuates within the range of 44–50%), the flotation and foaming properties are studied in the mixture of collecting agents Phospholan PE-65 and Berol 511 (courtesy of Nouryon). Agent Berol 511 belongs in the class of nonionic collectors and represents hydroxyalkylamides of fat acids. Agent PE-65 is the anion active collector composed of mixed oxyethylated alkyl ether of phosphoric acid. Addition of Berol 511 in amount of 10–30% to the mixture of the fat acid collectors results in the higher content of P2O5 in concentrate but the foaming behavior drops at the same time. Addition of more than 10% of Berol 511 leads to an increase in the circulating load and to a decrease in recovery of P2O5. The increase in the portion of Phospholan PE-65 above 30% decreases activity of the collecting mixture and reduces foam formation, induces nonuniformity of the process and elevates the circulating load. The study illustrates feasibility of producing apatite concentrate with the content of P2O5 not less than 39% from rebellious and low-grade apatite–nepheline ore using the optimized composition of the collecting mixture.

Nikitina I. V., Taran A. E., Perunkova T. N., Mitrofanova G. V. Stimulation of flotation of rebellious apatite–nepheline ore with selective collecting agents. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2021;(11):95-108. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2021_11_0_95.

I.V. Nikitina¹, Technologist of the 1st category, e-mail: kokina.05@mail.ru,
A.E. Taran¹, Technologist of the 1st category, e-mail: ivanovava@goi.kolasc.net.ru,
T.N. Perunkova¹, Leading Technologist, e-mail: tatjana-perunkova@rambler.ru,
G.V. Mitrofanova¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant Professor, e-mail: gera@goi.kolasc.net.ru,
¹ Mining Institute, Kola Scientific Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences, 184209, Apatity, Russia.

I.V. Nikitina, e-mail: kokina.05@mail.ru.

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