An innovative technology for the integrated processing of barite ores has been developed in Kazakhstan

A new technology for the integrated processing of barite ores and man-made waste has been developed in Kazakhstan, aimed at increasing the recovery of valuable components and reducing environmental impact.

The project was implemented as part of a scientific and technical program to develop innovative resource-saving technologies for the extraction and integrated processing of mineral and man-made raw materials, funded by the Industry Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Problem: Mining and metallurgical enterprises in the Republic of Kazakhstan have accumulated significant volumes of barite ore beneficiation waste containing up to 57-60% barium sulfate. Despite their high resource potential, these materials are currently practically not processed. The gravity methods used provide barite recovery of 70-75% but do not produce a high-quality concentrate, indicating incomplete technological extraction and limiting the industrial use of these wastes.

Solution: The study included a comprehensive analysis of the waste's material composition, including mineralogical, particle size distribution, and physical and mechanical properties. Patterns of barium sulfate distribution by size classes have been established, and factors influencing extraction efficiency have been identified.

A combined gravity-flotation enrichment process has been scientifically substantiated and developed, ensuring additional barite recovery from man-made waste generated by gravity enrichment of barite ores at the Chiganak deposit in the Zhambyl region.

As part of the research project:

• optimal flotation reagents were identified (collector - oleic acid, depressant - liquid glass);
• efficient grinding and enrichment modes were established;
• a closed-loop processing flowsheet was developed.
• Effect. Based on test results, a barite concentrate with a barium sulfate content of up to 95.47% was obtained from the waste, meeting the requirements of GOST 4682-84 and suitable for use in the oil and gas industry.

The developed technology ensures:

• increased barite extraction from waste;
• production of high-purity products;
• Reduction of man-made waste;
• Involvement of secondary mineral resources in economic circulation;
• Improvement of the environmental situation at industrial sites.

Thus, the research results have high potential for industrial implementation and contribute to the development of resource-saving and environmentally friendly mineral processing technologies in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Source: www.gov.kz/memleket