Characterization of an ore sample from Congo based on tantalum and niobium for possible further technological tests

In this study, two samples of "TA-Nb" ore from Congo (MMR-1 and MMR-2) were analyzed. Various physical and chemical properties were determined for these samples, including gross and hygroscopic moisture, specific gravity, granulometric composition of the initial samples and after each level of crushing, bulk density of the initial samples and after each crushing stage, and chemical composition. Qualitative mineralogical analysis was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), while polished sections were prepared for optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mineralogical analysis by particle size classes. Detailed physicochemical and mineralogical tests were carried out on the MMR-1 and MMR-2 samples to comprehensively define the parameters necessary as a foundation for further technological testing of "TA-Nb" ore from Congo. The results showed that the examined samples have appropriate characteristics for further technological tests.