How to Separate Spodumene from Ore

Flotation Techniques

Spodumene, a lithium-bearing mineral, is a valuable resource for lithium-ion batteries. Extracting spodumene from its ore requires efficient beneficiation processes. Flotation is a commonly used method for separating spodumene from other minerals.

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Positive Flotation

In positive flotation, spodumene is selectively floated to the surface of a pulp while other minerals remain in the pulp. The process typically involves:

  1. Pulp Preparation: The ore is crushed and ground to a suitable particle size, and then mixed with water to form a pulp.
  2. Reagent Addition: Sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate is added to adjust the pulp’s pH, followed by the addition of a fatty acid collector like oleic acid.
  3. Flotation: The pulp is aerated in a flotation cell, causing the spodumene particles to attach to the air bubbles and float to the surface.
  4. Concentrate Collection: The froth containing the spodumene concentrate is collected and further processed.

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Reverse Flotation

In reverse flotation, the gangue minerals are floated while spodumene remains in the pulp. This method often uses:

  1. Depressants: Dextrin or starch are added to depress spodumene in an alkaline medium.
  2. Collector: A cationic collector like dextran amine is used to float the gangue minerals.
  3. Flotation: The pulp is aerated, and the gangue minerals are floated to the surface.
  4. Concentrate Collection: The remaining pulp, which contains the spodumene concentrate, is collected.

Separating Spodumene and Beryl

When spodumene and beryl coexist in the ore, mixed flotation or preferential flotation can be used:

  • Mixed Flotation: Both minerals are floated together using a combination of collectors.
  • Preferential Flotation: One mineral is selectively floated, followed by the other. This can be done in different sequences based on the specific ore characteristics.

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