Mineral Chemistry
At TSW Analytical, our team of advanced analytical scientists apply their expertise to deal with difficult chemical problems.
Our association with Perth-based exploration company, Rimbal, has resulted in a significant breakthrough in the extraction and beneficiation of zirconium, niobium and the rare earth elements from Greenland eudialyte ore. In doing so, TSW Analytical scientists have significantly improved the knowledge of the hydrometallurgical protocols required to extract industrially useful metals from technically challenging ore.
Mineral Extraction
TSW Analytical scientists are continually developing protocols in order to advance mineral extraction procedures currently used in Western Australia and abroad. Current methods include;
- heavy liquid separation
- magnetic separation
- froth flotation
Mineral Beneficiation
pyrochlore ( Nb/Ta)
a difficult mineral and difficult elements to control in solution; senior members of TSW Analytical were crucial in the development of a process capable of extracting and purifying niobium and tantalum from pyrochlore.
magnesite (Ni/Mg)
this mineral was studied for its potential as a source of nickel and possibly magnesium, the investigation is ongoing contingent on funding.
lateritic ore (Ni/Co)
a preliminary experiment was performed to show the amenability of this bountiful mineral to atmospheric pressure acid leaching (APAL) and a literature review of current (1995-2008) technology was reported to the client.
eudialyte (Zr, Nb/Ta, rare earth elements)
So far it has been possible to ensure a high degree of extraction efficiency and a pilot plant is now at conceptual development in association with industry partners here in Australia for initial testing and ultimate shipment to an over-seas destination. For commercial reasons it is not possible to discuss this project in detail. The TSW team have used their unique qualities as scientists and competent analytical chemists to develop the protocols required for the detailed elemental analysis of this complicated and unique mineral that has permitted the development of a relatively environmentally friendly hydrometallurgical process for the extraction and purification of a series of metals that have value due to their diverse applicability to a multitude of industrial sectors.