Fluorite tailings are by-products generated during the mining of fluorite, containing a certain amount of fluorite and other impurity minerals. Although the fluorite resources in tailings are not high in content, proper flotation processing can effectively utilize these resources and increase their value. This article will introduce the composition of fluorite tailings, flotation processing methods, and the results after flotation.
Fluorite tailings are by-products generated during the mining of fluorite, and their main components include:
Fluorite (CaF2): Fluorite is the main useful mineral in tailings, usually with a content of less than 10%.
Impurity minerals such as quartz and calcite: Tailings also contain a certain amount of impurity minerals such as quartz and calcite, which are the main components of the ore.
Metal oxides such as iron and aluminum: Tailings may contain some metal oxides such as iron and aluminum, which are common impurities in ores.
To address the complex composition of fluorite tailings, flotation technology is commonly used for processing. The main steps of flotation processing include:
Ore Crushing and Grinding: Firstly, the original tailings are crushed and ground to suitable particle sizes for subsequent flotation operations.
Reagent Treatment: A suitable amount of reagents is added to the flotation cell, including collectors, frothers, etc. The selection of reagents can alter the surface properties of minerals, promoting the separation of fluorite from other minerals.
Bubble Flotation: By introducing bubbles into the flotation cell, fluorite particles adhere to the bubbles and float to the liquid surface, forming a froth, while other impurity minerals settle below the liquid surface. This step is a crucial part of flotation processing.
Washing and Dewatering: The floated froth is washed to remove surface impurities and mud, and then subjected to dewatering to achieve a suitable dry state for subsequent processing.
After flotation processing, the following results can be obtained from fluorite tailings:
Improved fluorite grade: The fluorite content is increased after flotation, meeting certain grade requirements for subsequent processing and utilization.
Reduced impurity content: Flotation processing can effectively remove impurity minerals from tailings, increasing the purity of fluorite to meet industrial production requirements.
Increased resource utilization efficiency: Flotation processing can effectively separate fluorite from other minerals, realizing the efficient utilization of resources.
The flotation process of fluorite tailings is an effective method for resource utilization, improving the grade of fluorite resources, reducing impurity content, and increasing resource utilization efficiency. By scientifically selecting reagents and operating conditions, effective processing of fluorite tailings can be achieved, providing important technical support for the utilization and development of fluorite resources.
