Chemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Isanlu-Isin Columbite for Effective Beneficiation Towards Niobium Pentoxide Recovery

The characterization of Isanlu-Isin columbite was conducted to obtain data suitable for its beneficiation to metallurgical grade. Samples from various locations within the mining site underwent homogenization, crushing, and grinding for characterization. Chemical analysis was performed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (ED-XRF), while mineralogical analysis employed a Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and petrological examination. ED-XRF results revealed that the crude samples contain 10.070% Nb₂O₅, along with trace amounts of other minerals (gangue). Mineralogical characterization confirmed the presence of columbite, quartz, and tantalite. SEM imagery showed a uniformly distributed coarse grain structure, while EDS analysis identified Mn, Nb, Si, and Fe in their oxide forms. Silicon and niobium were found to be the predominant elements in the matrix. This characterization confirms that the ore contains niobium pentoxide, the primary mineral of interest. The data obtained serves as a foundation for effective pre-processing strategies to recover niobium pentoxide in the extractive metallurgy industry.