Phosphate Beneficiation

Phosphate is a key element in all living organisms. It is found in phospholipids in every biological membrane, as a component in adenosine triphosphides (ATP) which fuel cell functions, and in bones and teeth as calcium phosphate. There is no synthetic substitute for phosphate, which makes the responsible and sustainable mining of phosphate deposits worldwide vital to the health and wellbeing of our global population.

Mined phosphate is sold to processing plants that digest the rock using sulfuric acid to make phosphoric acid. The vast majority of phosphoric acid is used in the production of fertilizers to grow the food the world needs, but phosphoric acid is also used as an additive in livestock feed and even in food products.

When phosphate is brought out of the ground it is naturally mixed with unwanted material called gangue. Gangue is removed from the phosphate ore through beneficiation, a process which includes screening at varying size fractions, washing and flotation. During phosphate beneficiation, producers use ArrMaz’s anionic flotation reagents to selectively separate the desired phosphate from the gangue with a focus on maximizing the amount of phosphate recovery possible.

Just as each phosphate deposit is unique in composition, so too are ArrMaz’s flotation reagents. The ArrMaz technical group formulates reagents for specific phosphate ores to ensure producers maximize grade and recovery. Depending on the type and quantity of impurities found in the phosphate deposit, ArrMaz can custom formulate anionic and cationic collectors, frothers, flotation additives and pH modifiers for direct and reverse flotation in primary, secondary and cleaner floats. We offer a complete line of mining chemicals to overcome specific challenges faced in phosphate processing. ArrMaz’s technical experts also offer process consultation and flowsheet design services to optimize process and cost performance.

The best way to maximize the value of your phosphate ore is to involve ArrMaz from the very beginning of your phosphate project to capitalize on potential synergies when formulating reagents, selecting plant equipment and designing the overall flowsheet. Let us innovate a complete chemical solution for your phosphate opportunity.