LECTIVE SEPARATION OF PHOSPHATE MINERALS FROM OTHER MINERALS, USING AMINOTRIS (METHYLENEPHOSPHONIC ACID), AND DIETHYLENETRIAMINEPENTAKIS (METHYLENEPHOSPHONIC ACID) AS DEPRESSANTS

摘要

Separation of phosphate minerals from other minerals present problems because of the nature of phosphate containing ores and presence of impurities in such ores. An improved method is disclosed for separation of phosphate minerals from other minerals, particularly from high dolomite containing phosphate ores. The method consists of conditioning the aqueous pulp of the mineral mixture with the depressant at an acidic pH of 5.5 to 7.0. The aqueous pulp is further conditioned with a collector and is subjected to froth flotation. The impurities or unwanted minerals are collected in the froth phase, which are removed. The phosphate bearing minerals are retained in the flotation tailings. The depressant molecules used are Aminotris (methyelephosphonic acid) and Diethylenetriaminepentakis (methylenephosphonic acid).