Complete Stibnite Processing Flow Chart Explained

some shaking tables and spiral chutes at the antimony ore beneficiation plant

Stibnite (Sb₂S₃) is the most important mineral source of antimony, a strategic metal used in flame retardants, batteries, alloys, semiconductors, and chemical manufacturing. To achieve high recovery and concentrate grade, mining operations rely on a carefully designed stibnite processing flow chart.

This article provides a complete explanation of the stibnite processing flow chart, detailing each stage from raw ore to high-grade antimony concentrate.

Overview of the Stibnite Processing Flow Chart

A typical stibnite processing flow chart outlines the sequential steps required to liberate, separate, and concentrate antimony minerals efficiently.

Main Stages in the Flow Chart:

1. Ore mining and handling

2. Crushing and screening

3. Grinding and classification

4. Gravity separation

5. Flotation beneficiation

6. Concentrate dewatering and drying

7. Tailings treatment and water recycling

Each step is designed to maximize antimony recovery while minimizing losses and operating costs.

The flow chart begins with stibnite ore extraction, usually by open-pit or underground mining depending on deposit characteristics.

Key Objectives:

Maintain consistent ore feed grade

Minimize dilution and waste rock

Ensure stable plant operation

Run-of-mine (ROM) ore is transported to the processing plant for size reduction.

Crushing and screening reduce the ROM ore to a size suitable for grinding and liberation.

Typical Equipment Used:

Jaw crushers (primary crushing)

Cone or impact crushers (secondary crushing)

Vibrating screens

Because stibnite is relatively soft and brittle, controlled crushing prevents excessive fine particle generation.

After crushing, the ore enters the grinding and classification circuit.

Purpose:

Liberate stibnite crystals from gangue minerals

Achieve optimal particle size for separation

Common Equipment:

Ball mills or rod mills

Hydrocyclones or spiral classifiers

Correct grinding fineness is critical to avoid slime losses during flotation.

Due to its high density, gravity separation is often included in the stibnite processing flow chart as a pre-concentration step.

Gravity Separation Methods:

Jig separators

Shaking tables

Spiral concentrators

This step removes coarse gangue early, improving flotation efficiency and reducing processing costs.

Froth flotation is the core beneficiation stage in most stibnite processing flow charts.

Flotation Principles:

Collectors selectively attach to stibnite particles

Air bubbles carry hydrophobic particles to the froth

Gangue minerals remain in the slurry

Common Flotation Reagents:

Xanthates and dithiophosphates (collectors)

Pine oil or MIBC (frothers)

Lime and sodium silicate (modifiers)

Flotation produces a high-grade antimony concentrate suitable for smelting.

After flotation, the concentrate contains significant moisture and must be thickened and dewatered.

Dewatering Equipment:

Thickeners

Vacuum filters

Filter presses

Drying reduces moisture content and prepares the antimony concentrate for transportation or further processing.

The final stage in the stibnite processing flow chart focuses on tailings management and environmental protection.

Key Measures:

Tailings thickening and safe disposal

Water recovery and reuse

Monitoring antimony levels in effluent

Dust suppression systems

Modern plants prioritize sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Several factors affect how a stibnite processing flow chart is designed, including:

1. Ore grade and mineral composition

2. Particle size distribution

3. Presence of other sulfide minerals

4. Desired concentrate grade and recovery

Customized flow charts ensure optimal performance for each deposit.

A complete stibnite processing flow chart provides a clear roadmap for transforming raw antimony ore into a high-grade concentrate. By integrating crushing, grinding, gravity separation, flotation, and dewatering in the correct sequence, mining operations can maximize recovery and improve economic performance.

Understanding each step of the flow chart is essential for designing efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible stibnite processing plants.