INVESTIGATION OF ALUMINIUM EXTRACTION FROM SECONDARY DEPOSITS AT BAGANUUR

Abstract

This study investigates the potential for aluminum extraction from secondary deposits located at the Baganuur coal mine in Mongolia. Through chemical and mineralogical characterization, muscovite was identified as the primary aluminum-bearing mineral with the BU2-XX sample containing the highest aluminum content (9.86% Al). Particle size analysis showed that the samples are soft and fine particles, with aluminum concentrated in finer fractions. A combination of beneficiation techniques, including particle size analysis, flotation, and high-temperature melting, was used to enhance aluminum concentration. Flotation tests optimized parameters such as pH, depressants, collectors, and activators, while melting trials demonstrated that direct melting of the concentrate, without additives, produced an aluminum-enriched phase. Flotation experiments identified neutral pH and Aerophine® 3422 as optimal conditions, and melting trials revealed that direct melting of the concentrate produced a layered product with aluminum enrichment in the inner melt. These results demonstrate that aluminum can be recovered from non-bauxite ores as a molten mixture through a combined approach of flotation and high-temperature melting