大こう配磁気分離による希土類鉱石の品位向上

抄録

To confirm the utility of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) for the beneficiation of rare earth ores, a model experiment is made recover the magnetic Nd₂O₃ particles from water slurries containing Nd₂O₃ and CaCo₃ particles, where each component is made up the magnetically simulated element for representative rare earth ores such as Bastnasite and Monazite.
The initial recovery reaches more than 80% with the use of commercial HGMS filters and the application of moderate magnetic fields (≅5 kOe). The concentration of mags or the grade is increased by a factor of more than 10. The decrease of the recovery due to the loading of mags in the filter is remarkable in the case of parallel stream type filters, but the tendency is found to be considerably improved by the use of a dispersant of about 0.1% in concentration.