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Understanding the Flotation Separation of Fluorite from Bayan Obo Deposits Using Phthalic Acid
Chunlei Guo1,2, Zhao Cao1, Weiwei Wang2
1School of Mining and Coal, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, No. 7 Aer Ding Street, Kundulun District, Baotou 014017, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, P. R. China.
ACS Omega
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Phthalic acid (PA) effectively enhances fluorite recovery from complex ores. This study demonstrates PA
Area of Science:
- Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
- Applied Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Growing global demand for fluorite necessitates efficient recovery from complex, coassociated resources.
- The Bayan Obo Nb-REE-Fe deposit presents challenges due to low grade, fine intergrowths, and complex mineral associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of phthalic acid (PA) as a collector for enhancing fluorite flotation in the Bayan Obo ore.
- To elucidate the adsorption mechanisms of PA on target minerals and its impact on flotation performance.
Main Methods:
- Microflotation tests using phthalic acid (PA) as a collector.
- Zeta potential measurements to assess collector adsorption.
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) for surface chemistry analysis.
Main Results:
- Phthalic acid (PA) demonstrated effective collecting capacity for fluorite and bastnaesite in weakly acidic to alkaline conditions.
- Zeta potential and spectroscopic analyses confirmed PA adsorption on mineral surfaces via electrostatic and chemical interactions.
- Flotation of real ore with PA yielded a high-grade fluorite concentrate suitable for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) production.
Conclusions:
- Phthalic acid (PA) is a viable collector for improving fluorite recovery from complex, coassociated ores like those at Bayan Obo.
- The study provides valuable insights into the application of PA in mineral flotation and the efficient utilization of fluorite resources.
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