Flotação aniônica do espodumênio da mina Seridozinho - Paraíba.

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to contrioute on a better utilization of the pegmatite minerals in the Paraiba state and elucidate fundamental aspect related with to flotation. This work represents a initial step forwards the understanding of the process of ore/mineral flotation. The experimental part was developed in two stages: mineralogical characterization and flotation. In the latter it were done some assays of micro-flotation and flotation in bench scale, where an option for a anionic flotation was taken. From the chemical assays of litium by (using the method of reduced granular fraction) it was determined the degree in wich spodumene was released, i.e., below the 35 mesh, was possible to increase the ore grade to 90% on spodumene in the pegmatite tailling. Im the micro-flotation tests it was used modified Hallimond tube to determine the hidrofobicity grade of the spodumene by metallic ions and sodium oleic. The oleic acid was the latter proved to be particularly efficient in slightly alkaline pH values. The results obtained in the micro-scale flotation were used as a basis for the tests of flotation in bench scale. A number of variables including the influence of pH, concentration of collector and effects of ions ( C a 2 + , Fe3 + , Mg2 + e Mn2 + ) were examined. The physical-chemical conditions obtained in the assays of micro-flotation were used tests of bench scala the ore used was reduced below 35 mesh, and showed a net wajht of 27% of spodumene by. The obtained semults in the flotation tests allowed anincrease of 43,38% in the ore/mineral relationship.