Phosphate Rock

A fascinating mixture of detection, science and memoir beautifully written by a professional chemical engineer. A Literary Review crime book of the year.

Beneficiation of Phosphate Ore examines various methods for processing phosphate rock, an important mineral commodity used in the production of phosphoric acid. The majority of phosphoric acid is produced by the wet process, in which phosphate rock is reacted with sulfuric acid to produce phosphoric acid and gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate). This wet process demands a phosphate rock feed that meets certain specifications to produce phosphoric acid efficiently and economically. Beneficiation of Phosphate Ore thoroughly explains the methods used in beneficiation of different types of phosphate ores for use in the wet process. The mineralogical properties of the two major types of phosphate deposits, sedimentary and igneous, are described along with the processing methods. The benefits and disadvantages of each process are discussed in detail.

One of four volumes which provides a good understanding of the mode of occurrence, geological setting and phosphogenesis of the world's phosphate resources.

Phosphate Rock: An Industry in Transition takes an interdisciplinary approach to dealing with the phosphate rock chain and its exploration, extraction, processing, fertilizer making, and storage and transportation. The book treats the subject from a global perspective, giving readers insights into what is happening in the emerging economies of the world and possible solutions to problems. It also provides all the parameters necessary to evaluate economic viability of undertaking a mining venture, taking into consideration demands of sustainable mining – social responsibly, environmental pollution control measures, community development, and precautions necessary for ensuring health and safety in the hazardous conditions of mining operations. In recent years, supply chain management has grown in importance as it forms tighter links in integration of key business processes from initial extraction of raw phosphate rock to end customers through different stages of process techniques. The book surveys the changes in technology, including many game-changing innovations that could transform mining. Presents a purposive classification of resources, status of global phosphate rock reserves, and their life-indices Covers mining conditions and possibilities of improvement in methods of exploration and environmental impact Includes economic considerations for resource assessment, mining, quality control and supply problems