How to Choose Antimony Processing Technology?

antimony extraction plant

Choosing the right antimony processing technology depends on several key factors related to the type of ore, desired end-product, economic feasibility, and environmental considerations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help evaluate and choose the most suitable processing technology:

There are three main types of antimony ores, and each requires a different processing approach:

Decide on:

• End-product: Antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃), antimony metal, or antimony sulfide.

• Purity requirements: High-purity may require more complex refining steps.

• Scale of operation: Small-scale vs industrial-scale.

• Byproduct recovery: Consider gold, silver, or arsenic if present.

A. Flotation

• Best for: Sulfide ores like stibnite.

• Pros: High recovery, mature technology.

• Cons: Requires good ore liberation, uses chemicals.

B. Gravity Separation

• Best for: Coarse oxide ores or ores with high SG contrast.

• Pros: Low cost, eco-friendly.

• Cons: Lower recovery for fine particles.

C. Hydrometallurgy (Leaching)

• Best for: Oxidized or low-grade ores.

• Reagents: NaOH, Na₂S, or acidic leaching.

• Pros: Lower emissions, good for fine-grained ores.

• Cons: Slower, reagent cost, waste management.

D. Pyrometallurgy (Roasting + Reduction)

• Steps:

1. Roast sulfide to antimony oxide.

2. Reduce oxide with carbon to metallic antimony.

• Pros: Produces high-purity metal.

• Cons: Energy-intensive, produces SO₂ gas (needs scrubbing).

• CapEx & OpEx: Cost of equipment, energy, reagents, and labor.

• Waste management: Tailings, emissions (SO₂), arsenic handling.

• Water and energy availability

• Regulations and permitting in your country

Before scaling up:

• Conduct bench-scale and pilot tests.

• Perform mineralogical analysis.

• Test different flowsheets for recovery rate, selectivity, and economics.

Example 1: Stibnite Ore

Crushing → Grinding → Flotation → Roasting → Reduction → Refining

Example 2: Oxide Ore

Crushing → Gravity Separation or Alkaline Leaching → Precipitation → Refining

Custom design is key. Partner with experienced metallurgical consultants or EPC firms who can tailor a solution based on ore characteristics and business goals. Would you like help comparing specific technologies or designing a sample processing flow for a certain type of ore? Contact us for more details.