Variability in flotation performance of lepidolite samples from the Emili deposit, France

Lepidolite flotation testwork was performed on 21 variability samples from the EMILI deposit in Allier, France, with head assays ranging from 0.49 to 1.38% Li2O and an average K80 of 236 mm. After desliming, flotation was performed with an amine collector which was able to produce lepidolite concentrates grading >4.2% Li₂O with over 74.6% Lithium recovery from 13 samples - often without cleaner flotation. The lower grade lepidolite concentrates (<4.2% Li2O) were a result of unwanted recovery of other mica-type gangue minerals, as well as low feed grades below the 0.8% Li₂O cut-off grade already excluded from the mine plan.