Activation analysis as a tool for the assignment of mode of occurrence of trace elements in phosphate ores

An efficient calcination process for calcareous phosphate ores is studied in the present work. The net result of the behaviour of the constituent minerals is given. As determined by nondestructive neutron activation analysis, the trace elements Ce, Lu, U, Cr, La, Hf, Zr, Sc, and Co are found to be associated with the Phosphate mineral while Eu is present in the gangue minerals, as calcite, dolomite, clay and iron oxides. Ba and Fe are incorporated in both the gangue and the phosphate minerals. (orig.)