Effect of structural changes on energy content and reactive capacity of wolframite after mechanical activation of standard wolframite concentrate

Abstract

The article shows predictability of change in energy content and reactive capacity of standard wolframite concentrate after mechanical activation based on the data of X-ray structure analysis during later-on low-temperature (under 100 °С) alkali leaching. It is confirmed that the quantity of energy accumulated during mechanical activation as surface energy and microstrains influences efficiency of the later-on leaching. The authors derive a relation to calculate wolframite leaching recovery depending on energy of structural changes, initial coarseness and leaching regimes. The method of preliminary mechanical activation of wolframite and the process efficiency criteria offer conditions for energy-saving wolframite concentrate processing directly at mining and processing plants.