NUST MISIS, Moscow, Russia:

V. V. Morozov, Professor, Doctor of Engineering Sciences

V. V. Polivanskaya, Associate Professor, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, inorgchem@misis.ru

EuroChem, Moscow, Russia:
I. S. Barmin, Chief Dresser, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, igor.barmin@eurochem.ru
A. V. Tugolukov, Head of Mineral Fossils Division, Candidate of Engineering Sciences

The accomplished research proves that thickened slimes of apatite–shtaffelite ore and old tailings of apatite–magnetite ore at Kovdor Mining and Processing Plant (GOK) are characterized by low flotation rate. It is shown that the main cause of reduced apatite recovery and degraded concentrate quality is nonselective flocculation process. Aiming to improve flotation of thickened slimes, it is suggested to carry out deflocculation by dispersing agents. The research findings on flocculation and deflocculation of slimes during thickening and flotation of apatite-bearing ore are presented. The modes developed to prepare thickened slimes for flotation during processing circuit of apatite–shtaffelite ore and old tailings include thickening and conditioning using dispersing agents. The developed modes ensure selective flocculation, increased flotation rate and higher recovery of Р₂О₅ from slimes. The concentrating works of Kovdor GOK tested the processing mode of apatite–shtaffelite ore with separation of milled ore into sand and slime, thickening of the slime, treatment of the thickened product with caustic soda and liquid glass, and integrated flotation of the final slime and sand. The tests demonstrated higher recovery of Р₂О₅ by 1.4 % at the improved quality of apatite concentrate by 0.5 %. Efficiency of the analogous circuit applied to old tailings of Kovdor GOK is proved.

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