World Mining Congress 2018

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the unprecedented geological study of the kamafugite found at the Cretaceous rock of Mata da Corda group, Minas Gerais, Brazil, which is formed by mafic alkaline, ultramafic volcanic, pyroclastic and epiclastic rocks. The studied kamafugite was first divided into four distinct lithotypes, k-fresh, k-intermediate, k-purple and k-white, which have differences in color and mineral structure. They were analyzed using optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction and Mineral Liberation Analyzer (MLA) and the results were cross-checked with geochemical analysis. The MLA technique is a scanning electron microscope with specific mineral liberation software and a coupled energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer that allows defining the specificities of the ore, such as the mineral content and its association and liberation. The study showed the high potential of these technics, mainly MLA, that indicated the presence of Ti-oxides, perovskite, apatite, monazite, Fe-oxides, and others potential minerals. Furthermore, the mineral association reveals that minerals have different correlations and liberation. These characteristics will enable, in an unprecedented way, the verification of the economic potential of the kamafugite, providing a better use of the mineral riches.