Mineralogical characterisation using QEMSCAN of the Nechalacho heavy rare earth metal deposit, Northwest Territories, Canada

作者：Grammatikopoulos T^*; Mercer W; Gunning C

来源：Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly, 2013, 52(3): 265-277.

DOI：10.1179/1879139513Y.0000000090

• REE
• Avalon rare metals
• QEMSCAN
• Process mineralogy
• Nechalacho deposit

The Nechalacho rare metal deposit, located in the Northwest Territories, Canada, is currently being taken through Feasibility Study by Avalon Rare Metals Inc. QEMSCAN analysis, coupled with supplementary mineral chemistry, major and trace element analyses, were utilised to identify and quantify the mineralogy of the deposit, and determine REE distribution among the minerals. QEMSCAN analysis was performed to provide textural information on the mineralization, determine the variability of the ore and identify REE domains, and provide the liberation and association attributes of the REE minerals applied to the beneficiation. The matrix of the samples consists predominantly of silicate minerals, Fe oxides and carbonates. REE minerals include allanite, monazite, synchysite, bastnaesite, columbite, fergusonite, and rare xenotime. Zircon is present in considerable amounts and is an important REE carrier. Geologically, the analysis illustrates distinct styles of REE-Zr mineralisation. Fergusonite and zircon are the primary HREE, whereas monazite, allanite, synchysite and bastnaesite the LREE carriers, and identification of fergusonite poor and rich zones. Metallurgically, the QEMSCAN analysis quantifies the liberation of the REE, which is adequate for mineral beneficiation at a K-80 below 75 mu m, and predicts a range of REE grades and recoveries that can be compared to the actual metallurgical values.

• 出版日期2013-7