Recovering lithium mica from the waste after mining Sn-W ores through the use of flotation

Abstract

Flotation is one of the possibilities of recovering useful components both at preparation and processing of raw materials, and at recycling and exploitation of a variety of wastes. In the area of Krušné hory occur a number of dumping sites where wastes from treatment of Sn-W ores are deposited, characterized by enhanced content of lithium, rubidium and cesium. These elements are bound to lithium mica – zinwaldite; its recovering is possible through the use of flotation. This paper is devoted to the investigation of factors influencing the flotation process to recover zinwaldite concentrate with enhanced contents of lithium, rubidium and cesium.