Flotation studies on graphite ores of shivaganga area, Madurai district, Tamilnadu

The present paper deals with the results of flotation studies carried out on low grade graphite ore from shivaganga area of Madurai district. The combination of reaents such as diesel oil, MIBC and sodium silicates are chosen for experimental studies. The best dosage of various reagents were determined by conducting several experiments. From the results it has been observed that 0.35 g/kg of diesel oil as collector, 0.1 g/kg MIBC as frothier and 0.85 g/kg sodium silicate as depressant at pH 9 is the optimum condition for the flotation of graphite. The differential zeta potential values of graphite with 0.1 g/kg gum in the pH range 9-10 cause selective adso-rption of gum on calcite and tend to depress calcite. The product obtained from the flotation of graphite ore cont-ained 61% FC with 22% recovery.