Optimization of niobium tailings flotation using factorial planning and response surface analysis

The tailings from the apatite ore concentration processes generally have a series of contaminants that do not have an associated economic value, however in some mining enterprises the high niobium content is a very present component in the mineral compositions of apatite to which the carbonates rocks are associated. Niobium minerals are commonly found in extremely fine diameter particles and are commonly directed to tailings that are disposed of in dams. These particles are found in the tailings streams generated in the apatite processing of the barite flotation cleaner and recleaner stages of the apatite flotation process. These wastes were incorporated into the current material fed into the niobium flotation concentration plant. In order to understand and maximize the results, the experiment design and response surface tool was used in order to optimize the metallurgical recovery and minimize the contaminant P2O5 content that was higher in the composite sample through the bench flotation tests. With the results in hand, the metallurgical recoveries were calculated and Pareto, response surface and contour graphs were constructed. The composition showed the possibility of obtaining metallurgical recoveries of 69% and %P2O5 of 1.94% by maximizing the factors used in the tests at two levels. (author)