Chemical beneficiation of zircon concentrates in Western Australia

Western Australian zircons are typically brown-strained and inherently tinged with colour so that production of premium grade zircon has required special attention. The brown coating interferes with the separation of zircon from other minerals and adds to the level of impurities, particularly iron, in the product. Even when the stain is removed the zircon's pink-purple hue detracts from its market appeal. Two separate processes for the beneficiation of zircon to premium grade have been evaluated for three typical Western Australian zircon concentrates. One of the processes has been successfully implemented on a commercial scale.