Floatation studies on a low grade graphite sample from Palamu

Abstract

Characterisation and flotation studies were carried out on a finely disseminated low grade graphite sample from palamu district, Jharkhand. The sample showed the presence of graphite of crystalline nature, represented by its flaky habit with silica, clay, mica and iron oxides as the impurities. Froth flotation under varying particle size conditions resulted in graphite rougher float with a yield of 30.6% with ash content of 62.23%. Multi-stage cleaning of rougher product produced final graphite concentrate with 96.2%, fixed carbon . The final concentrate showed an overall enrichment of Ilakv graphite with little tines.