Abstract
A new method for the decomposition of low-grade refractory tantalum-niobium ores using sodium hydroxide fusion was proposed. The effects of initial mineral particle size, alkali to ore mass ratio, decomposition temperature and decomposition time on the decomposition rate of the tantalum-niobium ore were investigated. The alkali to ore mass ratio, decomposition temperature and initial mineral particle size showed significant influence on the decomposition of tantalum-niobium ore. The results show that the decomposition rates of cassiterotantalite and pyrochlore in the ore can be above 98% and 99% respectively when the initial mineral particle size is less than 75µm, the mass ratio of alkali to ore is 1:1, the decomposition temperature is 650°C and the decomposition time is 30min.
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