Study of the natural phosphates of Djebel Onk

According to statistics for 2024 Algeria with its deposits at Djebel Onk is one of the world's top 10 phosphate producers. Its geological reserves are estimated at over 2 billion tonnes. These phosphates are made up of apatite with a highly carbonated gangue and significant substitutions making them extremely difficult to mine. Suitability for enrichment depends closely on the degree of mineral association texture and the nature of impurity-bearing minerals. The productive horizon is characterized by beige and black phosphates with distinctly different characteristics which can be used for specific mineralurgical treatment. In this context intimate knowledge of their physico-chemical petro-mineralogical and granulo-structural characteristics is more than necessary to guide the choice and propose the most appropriate treatment and recovery processes.