2644 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
calcite grade of the feed material, the higher calcite grade
obtained in the product. The flotation products obtained
from the CH and FH were above 90% calcite for both 5 and
10 min grinding. While the CH and FH fractions achieved
exceptional calcite contents, the flotation products from the
lower-grade CL and FL fractions also performed admirably,
attaining concentrations above 75%. This demonstrates the
robustness of the froth flotation technique across a diverse
range of feedstock. No significant difference was observed
in calcite grade at 5 or 10 min of grinding for all the SBS
products. However, the longer grinding times did result in
better recoveries for the high (CH and FH) and medium
(CM and FM) grade products.
Figure 4 also highlights a challenge in terms of quartz
contamination since quartz recovery increases alongside
calcite feed grade. This suggests that a higher calcite content
translates to increased mass frothing during flotation, inad-
vertently entraining more quartz particles along the way.
Evaluating alternative flotation methods like column flota-
tion might hold the key to reducing quartz contamination
and achieving even cleaner calcite concentrates.
Case of Study: Queguay Formation Limestone
Valorization
Limestone from Queguay Formation presents a calcite
grade suitable for cement production but not for lime or
pulp plants. Despite the significantly lower consumption
of lime and pulp plants compared to cement production
in the local market, their higher market value for limestone
justifies evaluating co-production strategies. This section
explores two strategic approaches (outlined in Figure 5) to
enhance the market value of Queguay Formation limestone.
Table 4. Calcite grade and recovery obtained in the froth flotation of the undersize and
feed samples with 5 and 10 min of grinding. Additionally, the results obtained from a
cleaner stage applied to the feed sample is presented
Sample
Grinding Time
(min)
Calcite Grade in
Concentrate (%)Calcite Recovery (%)
Feed 5 87.3 ± 1.1 48.5 ± 2.0
10 89.0 ± 0.1 50.9 ± 1.6
Feed (Cleaning) 10 93.8 ± 1.2 71.1 ± 3.0
Undersize 5 87.3 ± 2.0 48.9 ± 2.9
10 84.7 ± 1.0 44.1 ± 2.7
Figure 4. Calcite and quartz recovery, and cumulative grade of the froth products obtained during the flotation of the
previously sorted fractions after 5 and 10 min grinding. Rougher and cleaner concentrate grades for the feed sample are shown
as a reference
calcite grade of the feed material, the higher calcite grade
obtained in the product. The flotation products obtained
from the CH and FH were above 90% calcite for both 5 and
10 min grinding. While the CH and FH fractions achieved
exceptional calcite contents, the flotation products from the
lower-grade CL and FL fractions also performed admirably,
attaining concentrations above 75%. This demonstrates the
robustness of the froth flotation technique across a diverse
range of feedstock. No significant difference was observed
in calcite grade at 5 or 10 min of grinding for all the SBS
products. However, the longer grinding times did result in
better recoveries for the high (CH and FH) and medium
(CM and FM) grade products.
Figure 4 also highlights a challenge in terms of quartz
contamination since quartz recovery increases alongside
calcite feed grade. This suggests that a higher calcite content
translates to increased mass frothing during flotation, inad-
vertently entraining more quartz particles along the way.
Evaluating alternative flotation methods like column flota-
tion might hold the key to reducing quartz contamination
and achieving even cleaner calcite concentrates.
Case of Study: Queguay Formation Limestone
Valorization
Limestone from Queguay Formation presents a calcite
grade suitable for cement production but not for lime or
pulp plants. Despite the significantly lower consumption
of lime and pulp plants compared to cement production
in the local market, their higher market value for limestone
justifies evaluating co-production strategies. This section
explores two strategic approaches (outlined in Figure 5) to
enhance the market value of Queguay Formation limestone.
Table 4. Calcite grade and recovery obtained in the froth flotation of the undersize and
feed samples with 5 and 10 min of grinding. Additionally, the results obtained from a
cleaner stage applied to the feed sample is presented
Sample
Grinding Time
(min)
Calcite Grade in
Concentrate (%)Calcite Recovery (%)
Feed 5 87.3 ± 1.1 48.5 ± 2.0
10 89.0 ± 0.1 50.9 ± 1.6
Feed (Cleaning) 10 93.8 ± 1.2 71.1 ± 3.0
Undersize 5 87.3 ± 2.0 48.9 ± 2.9
10 84.7 ± 1.0 44.1 ± 2.7
Figure 4. Calcite and quartz recovery, and cumulative grade of the froth products obtained during the flotation of the
previously sorted fractions after 5 and 10 min grinding. Rougher and cleaner concentrate grades for the feed sample are shown
as a reference