Nguyen, Thi Yen Chau; Coudert, Lucie 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5083-9929; Tran, Lan Huong ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3764-1680; Mueller, Kristin K.; Mercier, Guy et Blais, Jean-François ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3087-4318
(2022).
Optimization of High-grade Fluorspar Recovery from Rare Earth Element Carbonatite Deposit Using Column Flotation.
Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
, vol. 39
, nº 5.
pp. 2133-2147.
DOI: 10.1007/s42461-022-00666-1.
Résumé
Fluorite (calcium fluoride—CaF2), also known as fluorspar, is an industrial mineral used in metallurgy, hydrofluoric acid production, and ceramics manufacturing. Based on the results from a previous study, a low-grade fluorspar by-product (20.0% CaF2) originating from the exploitation of a rare earth carbonatite deposit can be improved to 75.4% by combining magnetic separation and acid leaching. The present research aimed to develop and optimize a column flotation process to increase the purity of this fluorspar by-product by removing residual silicate minerals and meeting the requirements for ceramic manufacturing (> 85% CaF2). The optimal flotation conditions required for maximizing the recovery and improving the grade of a fluorspar by-product were identified using a conventional approach combined with a response surface methodology (Box-Behnken design). Optimal fluorspar flotation was achieved under the following conditions: 3.6 g/kg of sodium oleate as the collector, 2 g/kg of sodium silicate as the pH modifier and depressant, a conditioning time of 35 min, a flotation time of 7 min, and a solid-to-liquid ratio (S/L) of the pulp of 5%. Under these conditions, 86.8% fluorspar recovery was achieved, and the grade increased from 76.5% in the feed (metallurgical grade) to 88.6% (ceramic grade) in the final concentrate. The silicon content decreased from 5.66% in the feed to 1.12% in the fluorspar concentrate. Using magnetic separation before the flotation improves the final content of fluorspar in the concentrate with the final grade of 94.4%.
| Type de document: | Article |
|---|---|
| Mots-clés libres: | fluorspar (fluorite); column flotation; box-behnken design; magnetic separation; sodium silicate |
| Centre: | Centre Eau Terre Environnement |
| Date de dépôt: | 20 août 2026 15:12 |
| Dernière modification: | 20 août 2026 15:12 |
| URI: | https://espace.inrs.ca/id/eprint/15365 |
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