Chemical and mineralogical characterization to define parameters for comminution, aiming at granulometric adequacy in rock rich in feldspars extracted in Pedra Lavrada-PB

Abstract

The demand for high purity feldspars with low contaminant content, especially for use in the manufacture of porcelain tiles and white crockery, poses a challenge for processing the ore. Due to the need for very low iron levels, less than 0.15%, operations must be more complex, costly and capable of providing a high purity final product. To this end, it is necessary to employ mineralogical and technological characterization to understand the ore and plan the operations of the processing plant. A sample of rock rich in feldspars collected in an extraction in the municipality of Pedra Lavrada/PB was studied, aiming to identify the chemical composition and release spectrum using XRD and SEM techniques. Aliquots were subjected to preparation, granulometric classification and high-intensity wet magnetic separation steps. The results indicate that the rock has high concentrations of feldspars, quartz and a significant content of magnetite and hornblende. The physical release of magnetic mineral phases occurs below 0.104mm, and fragmentation operations must be designed with this grain size standard in mind. Magnetic separation, with mass recovery of 14.01% in relation to the feed, satisfactorily guaranteed a reduction in the concentration of magnetic minerals in the ore