Gravity Separation Tests of a Complex Rutile Ore

The complex rutile ore containing TiO2 and ZrO2 exhibited a high economical value. To effectively recover TiO2 and ZrO2 from the raw sample, a complete gravity separation process including a spiral chute and a shaking table was proposed. Chemical constituents, phase, liberation degree and size distribution were firstly characterized by XRF, chemical analyses, XRD, EPMA-EDS and screening to understand the mineralogy. Then, two stages of spiral chute separation tests were performed to treat the complex rutile ore. A rough zircon concentrate containing 33.18% ZrO2 was obtained after the first-stage spiral chute and a rough rutile concentrate containing 56.77% TiO2 was obtained after the second-stage spiral chute. To further improve the grade and recovery of ZrO2 and TiO2 in the rough products obtained by spiral chutes, shaking table tests were performed. A zircon concentrate containing 42.65% ZrO2 and a rutile concentrate containing 61.75% TiO2 were obtained. For the tailing of the first-stage spiral chute, a rutile product assaying 57.50% TiO2 was obtained, and the tailing was directly discarded as waste after the shaking table tests. Moreover, the distribution regularities of ZrO2 and TiO2 in the products were further revealed by XRD analyses. Finally, a closed-circuit beneficiation process was proposed to treat the complex rutile ore for achieving comprehensive and effective utilization.