Recovery of Xenotime and Florencite from Silicate Minerals Using a Combined Technique of Magnetic Separation and Flotation

Abstract

Xenotime (YPO4), a significant phosphatic minerl rich in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), typically associates with granitic rocks, exemplified in the Wolverine rare earth deposit in Australia. A mineral composition analysis indicates that the primary valuable minerals in the deposit are principally xenotime and minor florencite, with quartz and illite as the main gangue minerals, showing a relatively simple mineral composition. The grade of rare earth concentrate was increased to 14.29% and the recovery reached 94.48% through the magnetic separation pre-enrichment test. However, a high-grade rare earth concentrate could not be achieved using magnetic separation alone. Further purification of the magnetic concentrate is conducted through flotation. The grade of rare earth concentrate reached 51.26%, and the recovery rate reached 90.47%. In summary, this process achieves the efficient recovery of xenotime and florencite, having substantial industrial potential.