The Distribution Regularity and Flotation Study of Niobium-Bearing Minerals in Baiyun Obo

Abstract

The characteristics of Baiyun Obo niobium-bearing minerals are complex physicochemical properties that make the beneficiation of niobium minerals extremely difficult. In this paper, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and mineral liberation analyzer (MLA) systems were used to study the niobium occurrence state and distribution of niobium-bearing minerals in the samples from Baiyun Obo. The results show that the chemical and mineral compositions of the sample are complex, with a Nb2O5 grading of 0.24%. There are many kinds of niobium minerals, including ilmenorutile, nioboaeschynite-Nd, baotite, latrappite, euxenite-Y, fergusonite and columbite-Mn, and the highest mass fraction of 0.55% is achieved with Nb in nioboaeschynite-Nd, followed by the mass fraction of ilmenorutile (0.33%). All of the niobium-containing minerals demonstrate a low degree of dissociation. Flotation experiments explored the optimal flotation conditions for HOBA (1-hydroxyoctyl-1,1-bisphosphonic acid) as a flotation collector for Baiyun Obo niobium minerals, which is able to increase the grade of Nb2O5 in the concentrate to 1.31%. The optimal use conditions of the reagent are pH 3.5–4.5, and the amount of the collector is 1000 g/t. By further optimizing the beneficiation process and reagent system, ilmenorutile and nioboaeschynite-Nd were significantly enriched in the concentrate, which suggested that HOBA can efficiently increase the grade of Nb2O5 in the concentrate.

Main applications and characterization of world resources of niobium and progress in extraction

“…For example, reviewed the properties and uses of niobium and its compounds in different fields, such as steel, aerospace, piezoelectric ceramics, superconductors, and chemical industries discussed the synthesis and characterization of niobium oxides and niobates, and their applications in catalysis, electrochemistry, and optics [7] . summarized the recent advances in the preparation and application of niobium acid catalysts for various organic reactions, such as dehydration, esterification, and alkylation (Zhang et al, 2023;Oliveria et al, 2023). reported the fabrication and characterization of niobium-titanium superconducting wires and cables, and their use in high-field magnets for particle accelerators and fusion reactors.…”

“…Bayan Obo is the largest and most important niobium resource base in China, but it has not been developed and utilized effectively. The niobium grade is low, the mineral composition is complex, and the separation process is difficult [16] . Several methods and experiments have been conducted to extract niobium from Bayan Obo ores, but none of them have been commercially viable.…”