Abstract
Birnin Gwari and Alawa graphite deposits were upgraded by flotation. Using 0.5 kg/t kerosene and 0.25 kg/t sodium silicate, flotation concentrates grading 90.7% and 88% Cg with recoveries of 86.2% and 84% were produced from Birnin Gwari and Alawa graphite samples, respectively. The combination of 0.5 kg/t kerosene, 0.2 kg/t pine oil and 0.25 kg/t sodium silicate yielded high-grade graphite (92.3% Cg) with a recovery of 83.9%. Flotation with refined rubber nut oil and kerosene, at a 1:1 ratio, produced a concentrate grade of 86.3% Cg with a recovery of 90.4%. With acid leaching of the flotation concentrate, a high-grade graphite concentrate containing 98% Cg was produced.
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SME nonmeeting paper 96-634.
Discussion of this peer-reviewed and approved paper is invited and must be submitted to SME prior to Aug 31, 1997.
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Nwoke, M.A.U., Uwadiale, G.G.O.O. & Kollere, M.A. Flotation of low-grade Birnin Gwari and Alawa graphite, Nigeria. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 14, 54–56 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402760
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402760