Characterization of Rayfield-Jos Columbite Deposit for Efficient Beneficiation and Recovery of Niobium and Tantalum

Abstract

The study primarily focuses on the characterization and physicochemical investigations of columbite samples from Rayfield-Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria. Samples were prepared and characterized by particle size, microstructural, physical and chemical analyses. Further, density/specific gravity, pH, moisture content and water absorption were determined. Chemical analyses showed reasonable compositions of Nb/Ta penta-oxides with certain degree of impurities/gangue minerals including radioactive materials. Results of analyses conducted strongly depict the columbite deposit as a somewhat promising mineral source of Nb and Ta but however of low-grade, and with the potential in developing appropriate, (cost) effective beneficiation routes for the metal(s) recovery. Thus, the study will create baseline information on choice selection as well as designing suitable, feasible extraction process routes/techniques to efficiently harness the refractory metals and other value metals from the study area. This will also serve as a tool in the advancement of mineral upgrade/beneficiation routes prior to hydrometallurgical and thermal treatments.KeywordsColumbite mineralRayfield-JosNiobiumTantalumPhysicochemicalCharacterizationBeneficiation