Leaching, separation, and recovery techniques for potassium from mica

Abstract

Metal recovery from ores is a crucial aspect of mining and metallurgical engineering, aimed at extracting valuable metals from mineral matrices. The process involves several stages, including mining, crushing, grinding, concentration, and leaching, to isolate and recover the target metal. This report focuses on the theoretical principles underlying the recovery of potassium from mica minerals, utilizing various leaching agents. Potassium recovery from mica has garnered considerable attention due to the increasing demand for potassium fertilizers, essential for enhancing agricultural yields to support the growing global population. Between 2015 and 2020, the demand for potassium fertilizer (metric tons of K2O) rose by 12%. This surge has highlighted the limited availability of soluble potassium resources, particularly in the southern hemisphere, prompting research into alternative sources and technologies. This study provides a comprehensive review of the various methodologies for potassium extraction from mica, including thermodynamic analysis, Pourbaix diagrams, and pretreatment methods such as roasting and calcination.

The review delves into the leaching process, examining theories and practical applications of different types of leaching. Factors influencing leaching efficiency, as well as the kinetics and thermodynamics involved, are discussed in detail. The study also explores a variety of leaching agents, including acid, alkaline, roast leach, and molten salt.