Abstract:
Through research on process mineralogy and the recovery of lepidolite, an experimental study was conducted on the tailings from Jiangxi Province. The main elements and mineral composition of the sample were identified, and the occurrence states of Li
2O−bearing minerals were determined. Tests were performed on grinding, desliming, and the dosages of lauryl amine, GY503, and sodium silicate. The results indicated that the Li
2O grade of the sample was 0.276%, with the main valuable mineral being lepidolite (or lithian muscovite). Flotation condition tests showed that desliming improved flotation efficiency, and the suitable grinding fineness for the ore was 60% passing 0.074 mm. In roughing flotation, the optimal dosages of dodecyl amine, GY503, and sodium silicate were 200 g/t, 2000 g/t, and 500 g/t, respectively. The flotation closed−circuit test, consisting of one roughing, one cleaning, and two scavenging steps, yielded concentrates with a Li
2O grade of 1.46% and a recovery of 82.81%. Furthermore, high−gradient magnetic separation further improved the quality of the lepidolite flotation concentrates, yielding a magnetic concentrate with a Li
2O grade of 2.02% and a recovery of 40.71%. Thus, the effective utilization of the low−grade lepidolite ore was realized.