MINERALOGICAL ANALYSIS AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION OF THE MIZAB BARYTE DEPOSIT, AIN MIMOUN–KHENCHELA (NE ALGERIA)

he Ain Mimoun baryte deposit is a vein complex located on the northern flank of the Khenchela anticline, the last link of the Aurès mountain chain to the east. It is sheltered in geological formations of Aptian-Albian age, with various lithological natures (limestones, dolomitic limestones, dolomites, sandstones, marly limestones and marls). The deposit contains important reserves, the majority of which are utilised for oil drilling. The valorisation of baryte offers a significant gain for the ENOF mining company by enabling a high-quality concentrate. This methodology makes it possible to diversify the uses of this substance as well as satisfy the company's customers. The main aim of this study is to characterise the ore from a mineralogical and physico-chemical point of view, highlighting the applications of different qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques (X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, infrared spectrophotometry). The petro-mineralogical analysis reveals the presence of a baryte closely associated with a rich and diverse mineralogical assemblage. It is derived from a hydrothermal mineralising fluid deposited under well-defined geochemical conditions. This substance is expressed in two main aspects: one lamellar, prismatic, friable, and clearly pure; the other massively fibro-radiated, less preponderant, and less pure. The physicochemical analytical protocol highlights the relationships between the different mineralogical phases, particle size distributions, and the evolution of chemical contents, making it possible to identify a release mesh. This study enables us to propose flotation as the most appropriate treatment method for enriching the ore while eliminating individual chemicals and harmful products from both economic and environmental perspectives.