With the continuous rise in tungsten prices, many tungsten ore resources previously considered too low-grade and difficult to develop have regained economic value. However, for low-grade tungsten ore, if the beneficiation process is not designed properly, problems such as low recovery rates, large tailings losses, and high production costs can easily occur.

So, how can low-grade tungsten ore achieve profitability? The key lies in the following aspects:

Improve Mineral Liberation and Reduce Tungsten Loss

Low-grade tungsten ore often has the problem of fine mineral particle size and complex inclusions. If the crushing and grinding particle size is not well controlled, the tungsten minerals cannot be fully liberated and will directly enter the tailings.

Optimization measures include:

Designing a reasonable crushing process

Controlling the grinding particle size

Avoiding over-grinding or under-grinding

Sufficiently liberating the minerals is the first step in improving the recovery rate.

Adopting High-Efficiency Gravity Separation Processes

Tungsten minerals have a high density and are significantly different from gangue minerals; therefore, gravity separation is the most commonly used method for tungsten ore beneficiation.

Common equipment includes:

Jig (for recovering coarse-grained tungsten ore)

Spiral sluice (for pre-concentration)

Shaking table (for recovering fine-grained tungsten ore)

Multi-stage gravity separation processes can significantly improve the recovery rate of low-grade ore.

Reducing Tungsten Loss in Tailings

In many mines, the tungsten loss rate in tailings can be as high as 20%–30%. Process optimization can effectively reduce this loss.

Common optimization methods:

Tailings re-concentration and recovery

Adding fine-grained tungsten recovery equipment

Improving water flow and classification systems

Even a 5%–10% increase in recovery rate can bring considerable profits at current tungsten prices.

Reasonable Control of Production Costs

The profitability of low-grade ore largely depends on production costs.

Key factors for cost reduction include:

1.Using low-energy-consumption equipment

2.Simplifying the beneficiation process

3.Increasing equipment processing capacity

4.Reducing labor costs

A reasonable equipment configuration can reduce operating costs while ensuring recovery rates.

Mineral Processing Tests are a Crucial Step

The properties of ores vary greatly among different mines, for example:

Swiss ore

Halalite

Complex symbiotic ores

Therefore, conducting mineral processing tests before designing a production line is crucial. Through these tests, we can determine:

Optimal grinding particle size

Suitable mineral processing equipment

Optimal mineral processing flow

Thus, we can develop the most economically viable solution.

Conclusion

Against the backdrop of continuously rising tungsten prices, many low-grade tungsten ore resources are regaining development value. By optimizing the mineral processing technology, improving recovery rates, and reducing production costs, low-grade tungsten ore can also achieve stable profitability.

If you have tungsten ore that needs processing, please provide the following information:

Ore grade

Ore particle size

Daily processing capacity

We can provide you with tungsten ore mineral processing flow design, equipment configuration solutions, and technical support.