Processing of Sedimentary and Low Grade Dalir Area Phosphate Rocks by Flotation

In this research, processing of Dalir area phosphate ore was investigated for reduction of its gangue minerals such as carbonates (mainly calcite and poorly dolomite) and silicates minerals. According to characterization studies, phosphate mineral content of the ore was sedimentary collophane mineral and the predominant constituents of the gangues were calcite and quartz. Liberation degree of phosphate mineral determined by using microscopic and sink and float tests to be 140 μm. Primary flotation tests (un-pre concentrated) results did not have desirable grade and recovery. So, at first step, phosphates samples was subjected to calcination and scrupping process. After scrupping and removing calcium and magnesium oxide, anionic and cationic flotation tests were done. By using a combination methods (calcining, scrupping and flotation) the grade and recovery of final concentrate reaches to 31٪ and 62٪ respectively. Finally a Lab flowsheet of processing was suggested.