DISTRIBUTION OF TUNGSTEN MINERALS IN THE INGICHKA ORE AND DEVELOPMENT OF A BENEFICIATION FLOWSHEET

Abstract

 The efficient utilization of tungsten-bearing mineral resources requires a detailed understanding of mineralogical characteristics and the development of effective beneficiation technologies. This study investigates the mineralogical occurrence of rare metals in the Ingichka deposit and evaluates the potential for tungsten recovery using a combination of gravity and magnetic separation methods. Mineralogical analyses revealed that tungsten occurs predominantly as hubnerite, while scheelite is present only in minor quantities. The degree of mineral liberation increased significantly after grinding, reaching 80–90% in fine particle-size fractions. Radiometric investigations showed that the ore is characterized by low contrast, making radiometric separation ineffective for preliminary concentration. Gravity concentration studies demonstrated that tungsten is mainly concentrated in high-density fractions, with the highest enrichment observed in the −0.1+0.044 mm size class. Subsequent magnetic separation improved concentrate quality and reduced tungsten losses. The results confirmed that the combined application of gravity and high-intensity magnetic separation provides an effective approach for tungsten recovery from the Ingichka ore. The proposed beneficiation strategy contributes to improving tungsten extraction efficiency and supports the rational utilization of mineral resources.