UPGRADATION OF ROCK PHOSPHATE BY REVERSE FLOTATION TECHNIQUE

Batch reverse flotation tests were conducted on low grade rock phosphate (P2O5) rich in silica content to investigate how much silica may be removed when P2O3 is depressed, collected as tailings and silica is made hydrophobic to float. The aim of the study was to optimize collector dosage for silica, depressant dosage for P2O3, pulp pH and to compare the results with direct flotation tesVwork. It was observed that this techique may upgrade the phosphate rock and give better results if it follows the direct flotation in the second stage for further upgradation of already enriched phosphate.