Beneficiation of a Phosphate rock sample from Singhbhum District, Bihar

Abstract

A sample of low-grade phosphate rock assaying 23.26% P2O5 (% B.P.L.= 50.8), 11.32 %Fe, 9.15% Al2O3, 19.31% SiO2, and 2.1% F, received from M/s, Dhalbhum Phosphate Co, Ltd., Calcutta was subjected to beneficiation studies. Apatite was the only phosphate mineral present and chlorite, felspar, biotite, quartz, and magnetite constituted the gangue. Straight soap flotation after grinding the sample to 76.1% -200 mesh, yielded a rougher apatite float assaying 41%P2O5 with a recovery of 95.5% P2O5. Reflotation of the rougher float, yielded an apatite concentrate assaying 41.7% P2O5 (% B.P.L. =91.0) with a recovery of 84.4%,P2O5 in it. The concentrate fulfils the grade and size requirements laid down for its use in superphosphate manufacture.