Case Study: Lagre Mining Plant in Brazil achieves higher phosphate recovery with BASF Mining Solutions

Lagre Mining Plant in Brazil - Customer Case Study

BASF worked with Lagre Mining Plant in Brazil, a phosphate mining customer that was using the high-performance synthetic collector Lupromin® FP A 711. The plant needed an APEO-free alternative because the existing product contained alkylphenol ethoxylates, which are hazardous to aquatic organisms, and it was also dealing with viscosity and declining grade issues.

BASF adjusted the production process to increase anionic content and developed an APEO-free alternative, Lupromin® FP A 712, which was successfully approved across the customer’s sites. The new collector increased recovery by up to 18% at one site and 5% at another, reduced MgO contamination, lowered CO2 emissions by 11% per ton of phosphate produced, cut energy consumption in the concentration process by an average of 11%, and improved health and safety by reducing the risks tied to APEO.