Central Research Institute for Geology of Industrial Minerals — TsNIIgeolnerud (Russia):

Nepryakhin А. Ye., Leading Researcher, Ph. D. in Chemical Sciences, technology-geolnerud@yandex.ru

Belyayev Ye. V., Leading Researcher, Ph. D. in Geology and Mineralogy, bel@geolnerud.net

Brief characteristics of Seligdar apatite-thoriumrare metals deposit are given along with reserve estimation, geological, mineralogical, technological and economical assessment. A brief survey of current Seligdar ore processing circuits is presented. It is shown that previous technological investigations failed to take into account radiation properties of apatite concentrates and products made from them. The results of technological reassessment of integrated apatite containing products are given. Performance results of two processing flowsheets — gravity-roasting-magnetic separation and gravity-flotation — are analized. It is emphasized that high thorium content of Seligdar apatite suggests development of innovation process circuits with due consideration of radiation safety requirements in regard to mineral fertilizers. It is emphasized that the most promising treatment process is the chemical one based on nitric acid decomposition of apatite involving thorium liberation and rare metals separation into separate products.It is inferred that Seligdar deposit ores should be used as a complex mineral raw material suitable for commercial recovery of rare metals, thorium and apatite.

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