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There are various types of fluorite ores. Based on the associated gangue minerals, they can be classified into sulfide-type, calcite-type, barite-type, and quartz-type fluorite ores. Among them, quartz-type fluorite ores have the largest reserves and are the most widely distributed.
This article will introduce the processing methods, investment potential, and project case studies related to quartz-type fluorite ores.
Quartz-type fluorite ores are a significant category of hydrothermal deposits, whose formation is closely related to medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal activity.
1. Challenges in Processing
Quartz-type fluorite ores typically feature a close symbiotic relationship between fluorite (CaF₂) and quartz (SiO₂). These minerals often coexist in forms such as inclusions, intergrowths, or vein-type structures, with relatively fine embedded grain sizes. As a result, conventional physical separation methods are generally ineffective for achieving complete liberation.
Moreover, fluorite and quartz have similar densities and overlapping floatability, making their separation particularly challenging. The flotation process demands more precise reagent selection and control, adding to the complexity of the beneficiation operation.
2. Common Processing Methods
To avoid recovery losses caused by over-grinding, the process typically adopts stage grinding and stage flotation. The general process flow is:
Primary coarse grinding and flotation → Regrinding of coarse concentrate → Multiple cleaning stages
This process effectively reduces the silica content in the fluorite concentrate, improves recovery rate, and helps produce high-grade fluorite concentrate.
(1) Crushing and Pre-Concentration
Crushing:
The raw ore undergoes two- or three-stage crushing. A jaw crusher is used for primary crushing, followed by a cone crusher and vibrating screen for secondary and tertiary crushing. The final crushed product reaches a size of -15 mm.
Pre-Concentration:
If the ore has a relatively coarse embedded size (>0.5 mm) and is easy to liberate—or if the feed grade is low—pre-concentration can be added after crushing to remove waste early. Common pre-concentration methods include photoelectric sorting and dense medium separation.
(2) Stage Grinding and Flotation
First Stage – Coarse Grinding and Rough Flotation:
A closed circuit consisting of a grate ball mill and spiral classifier is used to grind the ore to 50–60% passing -200 mesh.
Reagents: Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) is used to adjust the pulp pH to 8–9; sodium silicate (water glass) is used to depress quartz; sodium tartar is used to selectively float fluorite.
The rough concentrate proceeds to regrinding and re-flotation, while tailings are discarded.
Second Stage – Regrinding and Cleaning:
The coarse concentrate enters an overflow ball mill for regrinding to 90% passing -200 mesh.
A combination of sodium silicate and tannin extract is used as inhibitors to further remove silicate gangue.
Third Stage – Multi-stage Cleaning:
After 3–5 cleaning stages, a final concentrate with CaF₂ ≥ 97% is obtained.
(3) Tailings Treatment
Scavenging Flotation:
Tailings from earlier stages are subjected to scavenger flotation to recover residual fluorite.
Dewatering:
Thickeners and filter presses are used to reduce the water content of tailings, achieving dry discharge standards.
The treated process water can be recycled, conserving water and reducing environmental impact.
The mainstream beneficiation method for quartz-type fluorite ore is flotation, with a typical CaF₂ recovery rate ranging from 80% to 92%. Apart from the ore grade, reasonable process design and efficient mineral processing equipment are also key factors in achieving high recovery.
· For metallurgical-grade fluorite concentrate (CaF₂ ≥ 85%), the recovery rate is relatively high, typically between 85%–92%.
· For acid-grade fluorite concentrate (CaF₂ ≥ 97%), since multiple cleaning stages are required, the recovery rate is slightly lower, usually between 80%–88%.
1. Project Background
This 400 t/d fluorite beneficiation project, located in Inner Mongolia, was undertaken by Xinhai Mining in 2019. Xinhai provided complete mining industry chain services (EPCM+O), including beneficiation testing, mine design, equipment manufacturing and procurement, commissioning, and delivery.
2. Ore Properties
· CaF₂ grade in raw ore: 42.10%
· SiO₂ content: 43.43%
· Main gangue minerals: Quartz, sericite, dolomite
· Characteristics: Fluorite and quartz are closely symbiotic with fine embedded grain size, making separation more challenging.
3. Process Flow
· Crushing and Grinding:
The ore undergoes two-stage crushing, then enters an MQGg2145 ball mill for grinding. Final grinding fineness reaches 70.6% passing -200 mesh.
· Flotation:
A roughing and scavenging flotation circuit is employed using SF-8 flotation cells. The coarse concentrate proceeds to the regrinding stage.
· Regrinding and Cleaning:
The coarse concentrate is re-ground using an MQYg1857 overflow ball mill, reaching 95% passing -200 mesh, followed by seven stages of cleaning.
The final concentrate is then thickened, filtered, dried, and bagged.
· Tailings Treatment:
Tailings from the flotation process are thickened using an NZY-15 thickener, then further dewatered via filter press, achieving a moisture content below 15%.
4. Project Results
· Concentrate yield: 39.11%
· Concentrate grade: CaF₂ 97.88%, SiO₂ 1.07%
· Recovery rate: CaF₂ 90.81%
Conclusion
Xinhai Mining has accumulated extensive practical experience in fluorite beneficiation, having undertaken hundreds of fluorite projects both domestically and internationally. If you have any requirements for quartz-type fluorite ore processing, please feel free to contact us. Whether it’s beneficiation testing, process design, or equipment procurement, we are committed to delivering professional, one-stop services tailored to your needs.
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