Influence of operating parameters on the flotation of the Khibiny Apatite-Nepheline Deposits

Abstract

Phosphate as fertilizer is so essential for agriculture plants growth. Most of the phosphate resources cannot be directly treated due to the low grade of P2O5 and high content of impurities. Therefore, upgrading of this type of ore is so essential to achieving a grade of concentrate suitable for the production of fertilizer and phosphoric acid. Flotation is one of the most efficient techniques applied to phosphate upgrading. This paper aimed to investigate the effect of operating parameters, including collector dosage, depressant dosage, particle size, and pulp pH, on the rougher stage flotation of apatite ore. The results indicated that at the optimum conditions of flotation, a concentrate of 30% P2O5 with a recovery of a proximately 75% was obtained from a feed of particle size less than 250 microns and 10.8% P2O5. Keywords: Phosphate flotation, Flotation reagents, Apatite-Nepheline-Deposits, Experimental design