The enrichment of low-grade antimony concentrate by matte smelting and the metallurgy of antimony matte

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study employed the B2O3-Al2O3-CaO-SiO2 slag system, characterised by a low melting point, to conduct matte smelting for concentrating antimony in low-grade antimony concentrate. The process effectively eliminated major impurities, particularly quartz. An investigation delved into the reaction mechanism between the additive and the concentrate. A single-factor experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of temperature, SiO2 mass ratio, and basicity on the direct recovery rate of Sb. Optimal conditions were achieved at a temperature of 1050°C, a WSiO2/Wslag ratio of 40:100, and a basicity of 0.5. Under these conditions, the direct retrieval rate of antimony reached 91.16%, with the concentration of antimony in the slag measured at 2.34%. The acquired matte contained 53.27% antimony, further utilised in the mainstream process of antimony metallurgy. This study aimed to address the issue of exorbitant smelting expenses associated with low-grade antimony concentrate.