Tungsten-molybdenum ore refers to ores containing metals such as tungsten and molybdenum. It usually refers to mineral combinations or deposits containing these two metals. Tungsten and molybdenum are both important industrial metals with a wide range of applications, making tungsten-molybdenum ores valuable in the mining industry. This article introduces the purification process of tungsten-molybdenum ore and the common types of tungsten-molybdenum ores.
The purification process of tungsten-molybdenum ore typically involves multiple steps to separate and extract metals such as tungsten and molybdenum. The following are the basic steps involved in the purification of tungsten-molybdenum ore:
1. Crushing and Grinding: Tungsten-molybdenum ore undergoes crushing and grinding to refine the ore particles, providing better conditions for subsequent processing.
2. Flotation Separation:Flotation is a commonly used method for ore separation, where different flotation reagents, bubbles, and agitation are used to separate tungsten and molybdenum minerals. Typically, a multi-stage flotation process is employed to separately float particles containing tungsten and molybdenum.
3.Desulfurization and Oxidation: Some tungsten-molybdenum ores may contain sulfides, requiring desulfurization treatment. Concurrently, metal minerals are oxidized into soluble forms, preparing them for subsequent separation and extraction.
4.Separation of Tungsten and Molybdenum: Tungsten is typically extracted from tungsten-molybdenum ores using ammonium leaching or ammonium sulfate leaching methods. In an ammonia solution, molybdenum forms complexes and is extracted, while tungsten remains unextracted. Further separation and purification of molybdenum can be achieved through extraction or solvent extraction methods.
5.Extraction and Refining of Tungsten:Tungsten is usually precipitated from the solution as ammonium tungstate or other compounds, followed by reduction and refining processes to obtain high-purity tungsten metal or tungsten powder.
6.Precipitation and Purification of Molybdenum:Molybdenum is precipitated from the extracted molybdenum solution using reduction and precipitation methods. In subsequent processes, molybdenum can be converted to molybdenum oxide or other compounds for further refining and purification.
7.Waste Treatment:The purification process generates waste, including wastewater, gases, and solid waste. Proper waste treatment is necessary to ensure environmental safety and compliance.
1.Porphyry Tungsten-Molybdenum Deposits:These deposits typically form in volcanic and intrusive magmatic environments. They are often associated with granite bodies, and the ore mainly consists of porphyritic silicic rocks containing metals like tungsten and molybdenum.
2.Skarn Tungsten-Molybdenum Deposits:These deposits form through metamorphism and are associated with skarn and metamorphic rocks. They often contain sulfide minerals such as pyrrhotite and scheelite.
3.Vein Tungsten-Molybdenum Deposits:Vein-type deposits are found in rocks like skarn and schist, often exhibiting vein or vein-bedding structures.
4. Strata Sedimentary Tungsten-Molybdenum Deposits:These deposits form in submarine volcanic environments and are related to submarine hydrothermal systems.
Tungsten and molybdenum have important applications in industries. Tungsten is used to manufacture high-temperature alloys, tungsten wires, electrodes, etc., while molybdenum is used in alloy production, electronic components, and more. Therefore, the exploration and mining of tungsten-molybdenum deposits are of significant importance for industrial production.
Please note that different compositions and properties of tungsten-molybdenum ores may require various processing methods. The actual purification process may vary depending on the ore type and processing techniques. Strict adherence to environmental and safety standards is crucial during the purification process to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of the operation.
