X-Ray Luminescence Separation of Khibiny Low-Grade Apatite Ore

Abstract

The operating and promising apatite deposits in the Murmansk Region, holding 70% of Russia’s phosphate ore reserves being unique feedstock for the production of mineral fertilizers are reviewed. The causes of reduction in P₂O₅ content of produced ore, which lead to higher cost of concentrate production and to increased volume of waste, are shown. It is found that it is efficient to stabilize the processing feed through preconcentration of apatite ore by means of coarse X-ray luminescence separation that elevates P₂O₅ content of process flow owing to removal to 20% of material with P₂O₅ content to 2%. The semi-commercial tests reveal destabilizing factors which lower the separation circuit efficiency. Elimination of these factors by adjusting velocity and motion path of coarse ore between the zones of measurement and separation allows minimization of useful mineral loss in waste by more than 2 times, which improves selectivity of X-ray luminescence separation and increases extraction of P₂O₅ in concentrate.