Evaluation of Particle Size Distribution in the Spodumene Flotation Recovery

João Carlos Martins de Lelis Soares¹, P. R. M. Viana², R. M. Papini², L. G. Parreiras³, T. G. Silva³, and C. V.

Gusmão³

1. Programa de pós-graduação em tecnologia mineral, mestrado profisswional, CPGEM/UFMG, Brazil s

2. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerias, departamento de engenharia de minas, Brazil s

3. AMG-Mineração, Brazil

Abstract: The AMG-mining spodumene flotation is a new route for spodumene concentration in Brazil. It is a major challenge given the limited literature for technical support associated with the operational bottlenecks during the plant commissioning. This work had as main objective to verify the effect of flotation feed granulometry in the lithium recovery for the obtaining of an eventual increase of production. Detailed metallurgical balances were carried out for different particle size distribution and industrial flotation products. The ongoing studies consist of milling the fraction above 149 μm followed by flotation of the ground product with the aim of increasing the metal recovery. In order to improve the lithium recovery in fractions above 149 μm, industrial scale tests should be performed on the plant, increasing the flotation cells agitation during the rougher flotation stage and increasing the conditioning time.

Key words: flotation, spodumene, particle size distribution, recovery