Characterisation and beneficiation of zircon-rich heavy mineral concentrates from central Kalimantan (Borneo, Indonesia)

Authors: Aral, H.; Pownceby, M. I.; Im, J.

Source: Applied Earth Science, Volume 117, Number 2, 2008 , pp. 77-87(11)

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Abstract:

Central Kalimantan is an emerging and potentially significant zircon and heavy mineral (HM) province. Characterisation and beneficiation testwork was conducted on two HM alluvial tailings and two zircon-rich concentrates sourced from artisanal production in the Sampit region in Central Kalimantan. The HM assemblage in all samples was dominated by a zircon-rich component. A premium grade zircon product (>66%ZrO₂+HfO₂ and U+Th<500 ppm) was produced by employing standard electrostatic and magnetic separation procedures. An ilmenite-rich fraction (?59%TiO₂) containing minor rutile and leucoxene was also successfully produced as a coproduct. Problem impurities in the ilmenite-rich fraction included significant levels (2?55%) of chromia (Cr₂O₃) which was concentrated in discrete chrome-bearing spinels. Implications of the mineralogy and chemistry of this fraction for future processing are discussed. No attempt was made to recover the rutile and leucoxene.

Keywords: HEAVY MINERAL SANDS; MINERAL PROCESSING; ORE MINERALOGY; KALIMANTAN

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/174327508X339837

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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