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The ash generated by Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) boilers is featured by its looseness and porosity, low content of glassy substances, and high contents of calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S), thus resulting in a low comprehensive utilization rate. Currently, the predominant treatment approach for CFB ash and slag is stacking, which may give rise to issues like environmental pollution. In this paper, CFB ash (with a CaO content of 7.64% and an SO3 content of 1.77%) was used as the main raw material. The high-temperature melting characteristics, viscosity–temperature characteristics, and initial crystallization temperature of samples with different acidity coefficients were investigated. The final drawing temperature range of the samples was determined, and mechanical property tests were conducted on the prepared inorganic fibers. The results show that the addition of dolomite powder has a significant reducing effect on the complete liquid phase temperature. The final drawing temperatures of the samples with different acidity coefficients range as follows: 1270–1318 °C; 1272–1351 °C; 1250–1372 °C; 1280–1380 °C; 1300–1382 °C; and 1310–1384 °C. The drawing temperature of this system is slightly lower than that of basalt fibers. Based on the test results of the mechanical properties of inorganic fibers, the Young's modulus of the inorganic fibers prepared through the experiment lies between 55 GPa and 74 GPa, which basically meets the performance requirements of inorganic fibers. Consequently, the method of preparing inorganic fibers by using CFB ash and dolomite powder is entirely feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive transport modeling (RTM) is an emerging method used to address geological issues in diagenesis research. However, the extrapolation of RTM results to practical reservoir prediction is not sufficiently understood. This paper presents a case study of the Eocene Qaidam Basin that combines RTM results with petrological and mineralogical evidence. The results show that the Eocene Xiaganchaigou Formation is characterized by mixed siliciclastic-carbonate-evaporite sedimentation in a semiclosed saline lacustrine environment. Periodic evaporation and salinization processes during the syngeneticpenecontemporaneous stage gave rise to the replacive genesis of dolomites and the cyclic enrichment of dolomite in the middle-upper parts of the meter-scale depositional sequences. The successive change in mineral paragenesis from terrigenous clastics to carbonates to evaporites was reconstructed using RTM simulations. Parametric uncertainty analyses further suggest that the evaporation intensity (brine salinity) and particle size of sediments (reactive surface area) were important rate-determining factors in the dolomitization, as shown by the relatively higher reaction rates under conditions of higher brine salinity and fine-grained sediments. Combining the simulation results with measured mineralogical and reservoir physical property data indicates that the preservation of original intergranular pores and the generation of porosity via replacive dolomitization were the major formation mechanisms of the distinctive lacustrine dolomite reservoirs (widespread submicron intercrystalline micropores) in the Eocene Qaidam Basin. The results confirm that RTM can be effectively used in geological studies, can provide a better general understanding of the dolomitizing fluid-rock interactions, and can shed light on the spatiotemporal evolution of mineralogy and porosity during dolomitization and the formation of lacustrine dolomite reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the origin of ultra-deep dolostone and the factors influencing large-scale dolostone reservoirs, focusing on the Sinian Dengying Formation and the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in the Sichuan Basin. The study involves petrology, microscale X-ray diffraction, trace element analysis, and C-O-Sr-Mg isotope experiments to provide a detailed analysis. The research findings indicate that the Dengying and Longwangmiao formations comprise six types of matrix dolostone and four types of cement. The Dengying Formation, which developed under a sedimentary background of a restricted platform, contains special microbial and microcrystalline dolostones. The dolomite grains are small (<30 µm) and have a low order degree (Min=0.55), with large unit cell parameters and an extremely high Na content (Max=788 ppm). The 87Sr/86Sr value of the dolostone is consistent with contemporaneous seawater, while the δ13C and δ18O values are lower than those of the contemporaneous seawater. The δ26Mg value is small (Min=−2.31‰). Powder crystal, fine-crystalline, and calcite dolostones with coarser and more ordered crystals exhibit similar δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr values to microbial and microcrystalline dolostone. During the sedimentary period of the Dengying Formation, ancient marine conditions were favorable for microbial survival. Microorganisms induced the direct precipitation of primary dolomite in seawater, forming microbial and microcrystalline dolostones during the seawater diagenesis period. During the subsequent diagenesis period, dolostones underwent the effects of dissolution-recrystallization, structures, and hydrothermal fluids. This resulted in the formation of dolostone with coarser crystals, a higher degree of order, and various types of cement. The Longwangmiao Formation was developed in an inter-platform beach characterized by special particle dolostone. The particle dolostone has a large grain size (>30 µm), high order degree (Min=0.7), small unit cell parameters, high Na content (Max=432 ppm), and low Fe and Mn content. The δ26Mg and δ13C values are consistent with the contemporaneous seawater, while the δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr values are higher than those of the contemporaneous seawater. There is mutual coupling between multiple-period varying δ26Mg values and sedimentary cycles. The dolostone in the Longwangmiao Formation resulted from the metasomatism of limestone by evaporated seawater. The thickness and scale of the dolostone in the Longwangmiao Formation are controlled by the periodic changes in sea level. The period of dolostone development from the Sinian to the Cambrian coincides with the transition from Rodinia's breakup to Gondwana's convergence. These events have resulted in vastly different marine properties, microbial activities, and sedimentary climate backgrounds between the Sinian and the Cambrian. These differences may be the fundamental factors leading to the distinct origins of dolostone formed in the two periods. The distribution of sedimentary facies and deep tectonic activities in the Sichuan Basin from the Sinian to the Cambrian is influenced by the breakup and convergence of the supercontinent. This process plays a key role in determining the distribution, pore formation, preservation, and adjustment mechanisms of ultra-deep dolostone reservoirs. To effectively analyze the genesis and reservoir mechanisms of ultra-deep dolostone in other regions or layers, especially during the specific period of supercontinent breakup and convergence, it is crucial to consider the comprehensive characteristics of seawater properties, microbial activities, sedimentary environment, and fault systems driven by tectonic activities. This can help predict the distribution of high-quality and large-scale ultra-deep dolostone reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrography, fluid-inclusion microthermometry, stable isotope analyses, and radiometric (206Pb/238U) dating of Upper Triassic dolostones, saddle dolomite, and quartz and calcite cements were used to constrain the timing and conditions of dolomitization and cementation in the context of the tectonic evolution of a basin in the northern United Arab Emirates. Dolomitization (ca. 152.4 Ma) and precipitation of saddle dolomite (ca. 146.8 Ma), calcite (ca. 144.6 Ma), and quartz cements are attributed to focused synrifting flow of hot basinal brines into grain-supported limestones in which permeability was enhanced by incursion of meteoric waters beneath a disconformity surface. Another calcite cement generation (ca. 99.7 Ma) was formed by flow of hot brines during tectonic compression related to the obduction of Oman ophiolites in the Late Cretaceous. Thus, this paper provides new insights into (1) stratigraphic controls on and timing of hydrothermal (hot basinal brines) dolomitization, (2) the origin of closely associated intraformational limestones and dolostones, and (3) linkages between diagenesis and thermochemical modifications of basinal brines during tectonic evolution of sedimentary basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural aggregates from sedimentary rock, like limestone and dolomite, are of a great use in various practical applications. To evaluate their quality, among others, the test of methylene blue adsorption (MB value) using a filter paper is recommended. However, one can consider it as a rough test. In this paper we wished to evaluate its quality by comparison with a more precise spectrophotometric method, i.e., to perform adsorption isotherms of methylene blue from aqueous solutions, as well as determine other parameters characterizing the aggregates. For this purpose, methylene blue adsorption on samples of limestone and dolomite natural aggregates having various grain sizes were studied to assess quality (fine particles content) of the manufactured aggregates. To determine the amount of adsorbed dye two methods were used: the methylene blue stain test and the dye adsorption from its solutions at various concentrations under static conditions. From the linear form of Langmuir adsorption isotherms of methylene blue, the monolayer capacity was determined, and then the specific surface areas of all fractions of aggregates. The structural (N2 adsorption/desorption), textural (SEM/EDS) and crystallographic structure of the aggregates were studied. It was determined that the MB values for 0–2 and MBF for 0–0.125 mm aggregates fractions fulfill the criteria set out in the specifications required for pavement construction. A very good repeatability of the adsorbed amount of methylene blue on the dolomite and limestone aggregates were obtained by these two different methods. These results confirm the reliability of the method blue test used typically in industrial conditions. The measured specific surface areas of limestone and dolomite using N2 adsorption (SBET) are smaller than SMB determined by methylene blue adsorption from aqueous solutions. This is because in aggregates, apart from calcite and dolomite, there is a small admixture of quartz and clay minerals. During N2 adsorption in dry condition, the external surface of the grains is determined, while in the aqueous solution of methylene blue, both the external and inner surfaces of clay minerals are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient separation of Carlin-type gold deposits is a challenge for the utilization of gold ores. The majority of gold in Carlin-type gold ores occurs as invisible gold within pyrite, resuiting in the poor crysta1lization of pyrite. The previous investigation has shown that oxidation caused the homogenization effect, thereby resuiting in adhesion, thus, deteriorafing the separation resuits of Carhn-type gold deposits. Based on the understanding of interacfions mechanssm between pyrite and dolomite,a technical prototype of "strengthening dsspersion" to opttmize the separation index of Carlintype gold deposits was preliminari1y proposed and highly selective reagents sodium amino phosphate was se!ected to realize the apphcation of the technical prototype, good separation indccators have been obtained in the laboratory. In this paper,the turbidity test was used to verify the effects of se!ected reagents on strengthening dispersion, meanwhlle, the artificial mixed ore and the real ores of high-and low-grade Carlin-type gold deposit were used to demonstrate the effect of reagent on mineral separation. The resuits showed that; sodium aminophosphate can achieve the expected goal of increasing the Fe and Au recovery in the concentrate, and decreasing the MgO floating ratio, whUe,increasing the Au enrichment ratio to about 3. 5. The above resuits show that sodium amino phosphate can improve the separation effidency between pyrite and dolomite by strengthening the dsspersion of oxidized pyrite and dolomite particles,so as to optimiie the flotation index of Carlintype gold mine. The prototype technology provides a reference for the development of effic!ent separation between pyrite and dolomite minera!s,and has the potential for popuiarizafion and apphcation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cambrian pre-salt dolomite sequence in the Tarim Basin is a target zone of great strategic significance for hydrocarbon exploration in the basin. Using the results of the interpretation of 3D seismic data from Lunnan and 2D seismic data covering the whole basin, and based on a synthesis of outcrop data, drilling data, well logs, core data, and thin-section data, and the findings from previous studies, this paper studies the characteristics of the facies of the Middle–Lower Cambrian in the platform area in the Tarim Basin, the formation and evolution of platform margins, and the sedimentary characteristics, lithofacies, and paleogeographic characteristics of the Middle–Lower Cambrian series. Based on the types of lithofacies and the seismic facies analysis, the sedimentary facies of the Middle–Lower Cambrian strata can be classified into the five types. From bottom to top, the Middle–Lower Cambrian have experienced several development stages, including the deposition of continental shelf sediments of the Yuertusi Formation, gently sloping non-rimmed platform margin sediments of the Xiaoerbulake Formation, weakly rimmed platform margin sediments of the Wusongger and Shayilike formations, and strongly rimmed platform margin sediments of the Awatage Formation. In each stage, the platform margin shifted further east relative to its location in the previous stage. Based on these results and previous studies, the lithofacies and paleogeography maps of the Middle–Lower Cambrian in the Tarim Basin are modified, and the implications for hydrocarbon exploration in this area are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium-coarse-crystalline dolomite is a major variant of dolomite, and its structural heterogeneity inside and outside the crystals makes it an ideal vehicle for studies of dolomite genesis, fluid evolution and elemental migration. In this paper, the medium-coarse crystalline dolomite from the fifth section of the Majiagou Formation of the Lower Ordos Basin was systematically studied by petrographic, cathodoluminescence and related geochemical methods. The rock is developed in the context of mud powder crystal dolomite and granular dolomite, possessing significant ring band structure, fluorite and quartz intergrowth. Compared with other dolomites, it is characterized by Fe and Mn enrichment and low Na and Sr contents, as well as a negative δEu anomaly and a strong negative δ18 O offset. Combined with the evolutionary history of diagenesis, it is believed that the medium-coarse-crystal dolomite is the end product of a series of diagenetic effects such as early dolomitization-atmospheric freshwater leaching-secondary burial recrystallization-deep burial dissolution. Electron microprobe analysis reveals the structural and compositional heterogeneity inside and outside the crystals. The formation of mediumcoarse- crystalline dolomite is associated with an increase in Fe-Mn content, a rise in the Mn/Sr ratio, a decrease in Sr, and a first rise and then a fall in Na concentration. This study provides a valuable reference for further research on the genesis of the medium-coarse crystalline dolomite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Siliceous minerals of the Dengying Formation in the Gaoshiti–Moxi area in the central Sichuan Basin exhibit four types of quartz crystals (cryptocrystalline quartz, chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz, and megacrystalline quartz) and three structural types: cryptocrystalline, microcrystalline, and mosaic (laminated mosaic, window-hole interrupted mosaic, and arc-laminated mosaic). Siliceous minerals have a great influence on the storage performance of the reservoirs in the Dengying Formation. According to the petrophysical parameters of the Dengying Formation and porosity intersection diagrams, the siliceous dolomite and the reservoirs have low impedance characteristics, which makes it difficult to distinguish between them and leads to difficulties in the characterization and prediction of the reservoirs. The transverse wave velocity is favorable for reservoir characterization. Currently, the main method used to estimate the transverse wave velocity is petrophysical modeling, which establishes a relationship between the elastic and physical parameters of the reservoir. In this paper, the siliceous minerals in the dolomite in the study area are regarded as solid inclusions, and the calculation method of the rock matrix modulus is improved by using solid replacement. Then, an improved petrophysical model is constructed by combining the KT (Kuster–Toksöz) model, the DEM (Discrete Element Method) model, the Gassmann equation, and the Wood equation. The transverse wave velocity is estimated using the improved model under the constraint of the longitudinal wave velocity. The shapes of the transverse wave velocity curves obtained by the improved model and the deviations from the measured velocities are significantly better than those of the Xu–Payne model and other models. The results show that the improved model can effectively estimate the transverse wave velocity of the reservoir in this area, which provides a basis for future reservoir predictions in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) polymers have been used in biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, durability, toughness and high wear resistance. To enhance the mechanical properties, various types of minerals are commonly utilized as fillers in UHMWPE. One of the minerals is dolomite, which has been recognized as a valuable mineral with versatile applications, particularly in the field of biomedical applications. This paper presents the tensile properties of UHMWPE composites that filled with dolomite and treated-dolomite at various filler loading (i.e., 1-5 wt.%). Nitric acid and diammonium phosphate were used to treat the dolomite. From the results, the peaks of the FTIR spectrum displays carbonate (CO3-2), phosphate (PO4-3) and hydroxyl (OH-) groups in the ct-dolomite powder sample while the XRD pattern reveals that using dolomite treated with 1M nitric acid resulted in the presence of calcium hydroxide phosphate (Ca10(PO4)5(OH)) and MgO. For tensile strength, UHMWPE/ct-dolomite composites show better tensile strength than the pure UHMWPE composites. Treated improve the dolomite filler and resulted in significantly better matrix-filler interfacial interactions and improve the properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial for a special issue of the journal Minerals, focusing on the heterogeneities of carbonate reservoirs. The editorial emphasizes the importance of understanding these heterogeneities for optimizing exploration and production strategies, as they influence fluid flow behavior and the recoverable reserves within the reservoir. The editorial also highlights the need for further research to explore the implications of heterogeneities at a broader scale and recommends the use of advanced technologies and multidisciplinary approaches. The document provides a summary of five papers included in the special issue, which cover topics such as the genetic mechanism of dolomite reservoirs, diagenetic alterations in the Chiltan Formation, the formation mechanism of dolomite-mottled limestone reservoirs, characteristics of crystalline dolomites in the Sanshanzi Formation, and facies variations in the Sarvak Formation. The research presented in this special issue contributes to our understanding of ancient carbonate platforms and dolomite reservoirs and provides a framework for future studies in oil and gas exploration. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • A novel collector DDALA is developed based on dodecylamine (DDA) structure. • The reagent system composed of DDALA and xanthan gum has better flotation selectivity for apatite/quartz. • DDALA/oleic acid combined collector exhibits different competitive adsorption configurations on apatite and dolomite surfaces. • DDALA/oleic acid molecular aggregates on apatite surface dictate its weakened capturing ability. This paper introduces a novel amphoteric collector, N -dodecyl-β-alanine (DDALA), derived from the molecular structure of dodecylamine, with the incorporation of a propionic acid group. In the study, flotation experiments are undertaken to examine the selectivity of DDALA in apatite flotation. Results demonstrate that DDALA, in combination with xanthan gum (XG) depressant and oleic acid collector successfully accomplishes the reverse flotation separation of apatite from quartz and dolomite. In addition, the synergistic application of zeta potential experiments, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic tests, and first-principles calculations has been employed to delve into the action mechanisms of DDALA collector and XG depressant. By combining the results with existing research, the paper proposes that the selective adsorption of XG between apatite and quartz surfaces facilitates the selective separation of these two minerals by DDALA collector. Moreover, the intermediate collecting ability of DDALA/oleic acid combined collector for dolomite results from the competitive adsorption of DDALA neutral molecules and oleic acid anions on dolomite surface. Furthermore, the formation of hydrophilic molecular aggregates between DDALA neutral molecules and oleic acid anions on apatite surface diminishes the collecting ability of DDALA/oleic acid combined collector for apatite compared to the individual use of each collector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements (REEs), carbon, oxygen and Mg isotopes have been widely used to explain the origin of dolomite, but dolomite may undergo complex diagenetic alteration during long geological processes, and whether the geochemical signals of precursor dolomite can be preserved is still unknown. In order to further explore the formation mechanism of dolomite and the influence of diagenetic alteration processes on geochemical parameters, this paper takes the thick-layer dolomite of the Lower Qiulitage Formation of the Late Cambrian in the Tazhong uplift area as an example and divides the dolomite into two categories through petrologic observation. One category is fabric-retentive dolomite (FRD), including algal clotted dolomite, algal psammitic or psammitic grain dolomite, and aphanocrystalline dolomite; the other category is fabric-destructive dolomite (FDD), including crystalline dolomite (CD) and siliceous dolomite (SD). Cation ordering, unit cell parameters, major/trace elements, REEs as well as C–O–Mg isotopes of the pure matrix powders of different types of dolomites are further analyzed. The results show that the dolomites are near-source/far-source seepage reflux type and sabkha type eogenetic origin, and the magnesium ions mainly come from Late Cambrian seawater; dolomite crystals of different sizes are the result of the precursor dolomite suffering varying degrees of recrystallization during the early diagenesis period, inheriting the original geochemical characteristics; hydrothermal alteration occurs in the late stage of diagenesis, with limited magnesium ions in the hydrothermal fluid. Its impact on the dolomite is mainly reflected in local dolomite distortion and a large amount of aphanocrystalline silica and coarse-grained quartz cement filling, which fails to obviously reset the geochemical information of the matrix dolomite. The above results demonstrate that, under favorable conditions, early genetic marine dolomites may resist geochemical resetting over time intervals of more than 400 million years. • The eogenetic origin of dolomite of Lower Qiulitage Formation has been revealed. • Recrystallization of early diagenesis results in various crystal size. • Hydrothermal alteration occurs in late diagenesis, forming significant siliceous cement. • Eogenetic dolomite may resist geochemical resetting over long time intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the mechanical properties, mainly wave velocity, strength, deformability and degradation characteristics of carbonate fault rocks in the laboratory. The investigated materials present a complex behavior, mainly controlled by their tectonic disturbance, which has not been thoroughly studied due to practical limitations in sampling preparation and execution of laboratory tests. A novel procedure to prepare samples from the studied rocks was successfully performed. Two (2) intact, parent rock types (i.e., intact limestone, intact limestone-dolomite breccia) and five (5) fault rock types (i.e., two types of limestone fault breccias, two types of fractured marly limestones and one type of tectono-diagenetic dolomite breccia) were retrieved from five locations in Lefkada Island, Greece. The mechanical properties of the intact, parent rocks were determined to define the degree of strength reduction due to the tectonic disturbance of the fault rocks. The mechanical properties of the fault rocks significantly vary, a fact that is attributed to their structural and textural properties. These properties were quantified using a novel image processing technique and two (2) discrete algorithms. The durability characteristics of the studied rocks were also assessed through freeze-thaw and slake durability tests. The specimens with a higher tectonic disturbance yielded increased degradation characteristics, in repeated freeze-thaw and slaking cycles proving that the behavior of the material can drastically change over time due to weathering and erosion processes.. The findings of this paper suggest that the behavior of fault rocks cannot be approximated by the existing rock mechanics principles and therefore, a more focused methodology to derive their mechanical properties is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zhe-Min Uplift (ZMU) has undergone tectonic subsidence, which has been associated with a notable transgression in the northern marginal seas of China since the middle Pleistocene. However, its uplift history during the late Quaternary is still inadequate. The Old Red Sand (ORS) is a late Pleistocene deposit that is widely distributed along the southeastern coast of China. The ORS consists of partially-cemented fine- to medium-grained sand. In this paper, we focus on mud-rich ORS deposits of the Liushui area, Pingtan Island, Fujian Province, and report optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages, and new datasets of grain size, mineralogy (detrital zircon, clay and detrital minerals) and organic carbon and nitrogen isotope profiles to improve understanding of chronology, provenance, palaeoenvironmental evolution and tectonic infuence. Based on the OSL data, we hypothesize that the development of the ORS was associated with lower sea levels, with most deposition occurring within MIS4. Based on comparison of detrital zircon U Pb ages, the coarse fraction of the Liushui ORS was mainly derived from the Minjiang River, with modest input from weathering of coastal granites. The East Asian Winter Monsoon contributed some materials from the East China Sea shelf during the last glacial period, as indicated by the fine-grained nature of the Liushui ORS, low K-feldspar/plagioclase ratios, high dolomite content and the frequency of Neoproterozoic and Palaeoproterozoic detrital zircons. The deposition of the ORS was influenced by both the East Asian Winter Monsoon and sea level changes. The clay minerals in the mud layers of the Liushui ORS were dominated by kaolinite and illite, with little chlorite and no smectite, indicating that they originated from the Minjiang River. The TOC/TN ratios of the mud layers, as well as their isotope characteristics, indicate the organic matter was derived from marine sources, presumably during the transgression event in MIS5. The average uplift rate of the ORS was about 0.03 mm/yr. The uplift of the ORS provided new insights into the geological records of the ZMU, which differed from the subsidence observed in the northern region of the Minjiang River during the late Pleistocene. • The formation of the ORS was association with lower sea level, and the MIS4 was primarily the deposition stage. • During the last glacial, the more sediments from the East China Sea shelf were transported to the ORS by EAWM. • The mud layer was the transgression records during MIS5. • The distribution of the ORS was influenced by tectonic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Selective recovery of dolomite and calcite impurities in sedimentary phosphate ore. • Fatty acids coupled with ethoxylated alcohols provided better flotation performance. • Surface response methodology assisted in achieving satisfactory flotation outcomes. • Automated mineralogical characterization elucidated flotation performance. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the selective flotation of a multi calcium-bearing minerals ore, focusing on the efficient removal of dolomite and calcite impurities from a carbonaceous sedimentary phosphate ore. Commercial fatty acid (FA) and phosphate ester collectors were investigated in a reverse flotation process, assessing the impact of flotation pH, collector dosage, and type on the selectivity and recovery of calcite and dolomite. The efficiency of FA-based collectors was recognized as they provided higher quality concentrates with reduced carbonated-fluorapatite contents. The response surface methodology was employed to review and model the effects of pH and dosage of each fatty acid collector on flotation performance. Accurate regression models were developed, forming the basis for an optimization study to determine the optimal operating conditions for achieving selective carbonate flotation with high carbonate grade and recovery while minimizing the carbonated-fluorapatite (CFA) content. Automated mineralogical microscopy was conducted on the phosphate ore and the recovered carbonate and phosphate concentrates, confirming the success of flotation while attributing the presence of 12% CFA (≈ 4 % de P 2 O 5) in the carbonate concentrate to mineral associations and fines entrainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]