Beneficiation of low grade Graphite from Attipra, Trivandrum

Abstract

A graphite sample from Attipra, Trivandrum, was received from the Director, Geology Department, Government of Travancore-Cochin, for beneficiation tests. Ass received, the sample assayed 59.84% C, 35.47% ash, 4.52% volatile matter, and 0.17% moisture and contained quartz and kaolinised feldspar as the principal gangue minerals. Mica was present in small amounts. Flotation of the sample followed by two cleanings of rougher concentrate produced a refloat concentrate assaying 92.34% C, 6.0% ash and 1.66% volatile matter plus moisture with an expected carbon recovery of 80%. Flotation followed by tabling of the rougher float yielded a graphite concentrate (tabling tailing) assaying 93.29% C, 4.95% ash and 1.7% volatile matter plus moisture with a recovery of 85% C in the product. Straight tabling of the sample produced a graphite concentrate (tabling tailing) assaying 89.28% C,8.84% ash, and 1.88% volatile matter plus moisture with a carbon recovery of 79.3%.