Geology, mineralogy and economic potential of the Kamzwas talc deposit in central Namibia

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

A bulk sample collected from Area 2 was subjected to processing and beneficiation trials to ultimately end up with a high quality talc product. Flotation, rather than air classification, produced higher grades and recovery. The talc product obtained from flotation consisted of 85 percent talc and from air-classification, 44 percent talc

The geology, mineralogy, mining and markets of talc deposits in the world have extensively been reviewed. This information was used to investigate the compatibility of the bulk sample to market specifications for paint, ceramics, cosmetics, plastics and paper applications. The bulk sample is suitable for paper filling, paint, ceramic and cosmetic applications

Area 2 proved to contain high quality talc and can probably be exploited as a small-scale mining operation. Areas 1 and 3 are mainly dominated by dolomite and schists and are not economically viable for any exploitation