Recovery of Rare Earth Elements Minerals in Complex Low-Grade Saprolite Ore by Froth Flotation

This study presented the first in a series of investigations currently underway to develop efficacious, cost-effective, and benign processing opportunities produce rare earth elements (REE)–rich concentrate from an Australian complex low–grade saprolite ore [1.14% total oxides (TREO) grade], which is primarily exploited for its gold copper values. work specifically preliminary flotation investigation carried out on using sodium oleate as collector. The relative effects pulp pH, desliming, depressants were investigated ascertain any chance recovering upgrading REE minerals three different configurations. Based experimental results, processes raw feed allowed recovery majority (>50%), but process was unselective, where clay silicate gangue reported into along with minerals. However, desliming before presence (starch silicate) improved selectivity, produced concentrates assaying 5.87% 4.22% TREO grades, corresponding recoveries 45% 50% at pH 9 10.5, respectively. Mineralogical analysis conducted selected indicated that gauge recovered via synergistic act surface activation entrainment due their fine ultrafine nature. A comparison all test results revealed haphazard grade–recovery relationship suggesting there opportunity further maximize both grade through studies other parameters may be optimized. prospect magnetic separation has also been suggested.