Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Mines and Geotechnology, Institute of Mines, Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University, 12002, Tebessa, Algeria.
2 Department of Mining, University Badji Mokhtar, 23000, Annaba, Algeria
3 Department of Natural Resources and Chemical Engineering, Tafila Technical University, Tafila, 66110, Jordan
4 Underground oil, gas and aquifer reservoir laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Hydrocarbons, Renewable Energies, Earth Sciences and Universe, Kasdi Merbah University, 3000, Ouargla, Algeria
5 Department of Mining and Geology, Abderrahmane Mira University, 06000, Bejaia, Algeria
Abstract
The Djebel Onk region of Algeria faces a significant environmental concern, related to phosphate mining waste. Although these mining tailings contain relatively low quantities of valuable minerals, they still include up to 25% P₂O₅ in the particle size range of 0.25-1 mm (-1-+0.25), suggesting the potential for recovery and reuse. This research, based on the Bir El Ater area, explores the methods to recover phosphate-rich minerals, optimizing their reuse. Two techniques were explored: calcination, a heat treatment altering mineral chemistry, and electrostatic separation, which uses the electrical properties to separate minerals. The black phosphate tailings collected from the curved grids of wet processing were subjected to detailed analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), to examine their mineralogical and chemical properties. The results showed a notable improvement in the P₂O₅ concentration, with electrostatic separation reaching a 30.03% content and an 89% recovery rate, while calcination achieved the 30.91% content with a 91% recovery rate. These results highlight the effectiveness of both methods in recovering phosphate from mining tailings, contributing to a better waste management, a more efficient resource use, and a reduced environmental footprint. They also suggest sustainable recovery pathways, especially for the regions facing water scarcity, where flotation is impractical. With the ability to achieve high recovery rates without chemical inputs, calcination and electrostatic separation stand out as environmentally sustainable options for global phosphate beneficiation.
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