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Due to their chemical, physical and mechanical properties, niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) are strategically used in various technical applications. About 130 different minerals contain tantalum and niobium, of which only about 80 are found in economical deposits. The remainder contains Nb and Ta as impurities. The most commercialised source of Nb and Ta is a columbite-tantalite ore often referred to as coltan containing pyrochlorite. The Central African Mesoproterozoic Kibara belt in Katanga (Democratic Republic o...

Many low grade iron ore deposits which were previously ignored are being treated due to depletion of high grade iron ore deposits. Haematite flotation concentrate from a reverse flotation of fluorspar tailings was characterised and agglomerated using bentonite and coke. The effect of bentonite and coke concentrations on mechanical strength and metallurgical characteristics of the wet and baked pellets was investigated. It was found that the concentrate contained 60.5% Fe, 4.24% silica and other minor elements. Maj...

South Africa host massive deposits of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) in the Igneous Bushveld Complex. These deposits have been mined for a long time and in the process Mine sludge has been produced. It has been piled up and there is need to recover PGMs locked in it. The conventional way of processing PGMs has proved to be very difficult due to ultra-fines in the sludge that causes major loses during flotation. An alternative hydrometallurgical process for recovery of PGMs from a mine sludge by leaching using a mixt...