Integrated beneficiation technology for talc ore

This study presents the results of a comprehensive investigation into the material composition and beneficiation of talc ore from the Chettic deposit. A combination of analytical techniques—including chemical analysis, semi-quantitative spectral and optical emission spectroscopy, mineralogical assessment, and grain size distribution analysis—was employed to characterize the ore and determine optimal processing methods. Based on the experimental data and a review of relevant literature, a multi-stage beneficiation approach was developed, utilizing mineral-specific properties through gravity concentration, dry electromagnetic separation, and flotation techniques. A complete chemical analysis of the composite sample revealed the following major components (wt.%): SiO2 — 38.12, Al2O3 — 4.13, CaO — 12.69, and MgO — the primary valuable component — at 21.7. The content of the undesirable impurity Fe3O3 was found to be 7.92 %. Grain size distribution analysis of ore crushed to –3+0 mm showed a significant increase in the talc content in finer fractions, with concentrations reaching 70.2–72.2 %. When enriching a talc sample on a concentration table, the best results were obtained with an ore grinding size of –0.5+0 mm. Dry electromagnetic separation conducted at a current of 5 A resulted in the division of the ore into magnetic (28.3 %) and non-magnetic (71.7 %) fractions. This process enabled the removal of up to 82.7 % of free iron-bearing minerals from the sample. Laboratory-scale beneficiation tests yielded a talc concentrate containing 89.3 % talc and 0.96 % total iron, with an overall talc recovery of 67.4 %. The resulting concentrate meets the specifications of GOST 21235-75 for ground talc, classified as TMP brand, grade 1.