Beneficiation of carbonatite ore-bearing niobium at Niobec Mine

ABSTRACT Niobec mine is the sole North American producer of niobium containing pyrochlore concentrate. Niobium is recovered in a complex beneficiation process consisting of crushing, grinding, desliming, carbonate flotation, magnetic separation, pyrochlore flotation, pyrite flotation and acid leaching. Since the niobium minerals do not have a rigid chemical composition, their recovery is difficult. In order to remain a reliable supplier, research and development is ongoing.