Study on Geochemical Exploration and Processing Studies for Graphite and Tungsten Minerals from Burugubanda-Tapaskonda Areas of East Godavari District, India

Abstract

Graphite-tungsten mineralization can be found in graphite schists linked with khondalites in the East Godavari district's Burugubanda-Tapaskonda districts, India. Geochemical and geophysical methods of exploration followed by soil and stream sediment sampling clearly demarcated the zones of tungsten mineralization in association with the graphite ore bodies. The fixed carbon and tungsten contents varies from 6.5-10.5% Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and 0.1-0.5% WO₃, respectively. The low grade graphite deposits as well as tungsten minerals were subjected to processing studies adopting different techniques to achieve maximum percentage of recovery. The final product of recovery assaying 60-80% Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and 60-65% WO₃. The experimental process did not yield satisfactory results but it can be used/applied to obtain an unknown product as pre concentrate which can be subjected to other suitable process to obtain a better concentrate.