Experimental Study on Tungsten Extraction from Tailings

doi:10. 3969/j. issn. 1009 - 0479. 2025. 01. 003

Abstract

Abstract: The WO3 grade in the tailings of a selected gold mine is 0. 34% , with the mineral primarily existing in the form of scheelite. The effectiveness of conventional beneficiation methods for this mineral was investigated. A tungsten concentrate with a WO3 grade of 1. 37% and a recovery rate of 51. 84% was obtained using the leaching method. Flotation resulted in a tungsten concentrate with a WO3 grade of 1. 75% and a recovery rate of 66. 26%. Gravity separation yielded a tungsten concentrate with a WO3 grade of 1. 33% and a recovery rate of 46. 07% . The results showed that leaching, flotation, and gravity separation methods had similar efficacy in separating the mineral components. Considering factors such as cost-effectiveness and environmental impact, gravity separation was ultimately selected for the preliminary enrichment of tungsten resources in the mineral. Through closed-circuit experiments encompassing the en- tire gravity separation process, a tungsten concentrate with a WO3 grade of 1. 36% and a recovery rate of 46. 40% was achieved, resulting in approximately four times the initial grade. This demonstrates a prom- ising approach for the effective utilization of similar resources.

Key words: font-family:", background-color:#FFFFFF, ">scheelite, leaching, flotation, gravity separation

CLC Number:

YANG Zhihong, LI Yongjia, LI Yingjuan.