Abstract

NETE, M. et al. Characterization and alternative dissolution of tantalite mineral samples from Mozambique. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2012, vol.112, n.12, pp.1079-1086. ISSN 2411-9717.

Qualitative analysis of three mineral samples from northern Mozambique was accomplished by X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopy, scintillation, and magnetic determination. Chemical characterization was accomplished using ICP-OES and pressed powder XRF after dissolution using microwave-assisted digestion and flux fusion. The samples consisted of a mixture of minerals with tantalite as the major component, with minor amounts of microlite, quartz, mica, accessory garnet, and tourmaline. Incomplete dissolution was obtained using microwave digestion, with maximum recoveries of 90.25 ± 0.06% and 88.90 ± 0.04% for Nb₂O₅ and Ta₂O₅ respectively. Complete dissolution using Li₂B₄O₇ resulted in recoveries of 98.5 ± 0.2% Nb₂O₅ and 100.4 ± 0.3% Ta₂O₅.

Keywords : tantalum; niobium; qualitative; dissolution; quantitative; analysis; recovery; ICP-OES..

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