Mining and beneficiation of phosphate rocks from the Akashat Mine, Iraq

Abstract EN

This article is meant to cover the general aspects of mining and beneficiation of the Iraqi phosphate rocks.

The phosphate deposits in Iraq extend over the Western Desert in Al Anbar Governorate.

The Akashat mine, located about 500 Km west of Baghdad, is the first phosphate mine opened in Iraq and has been operating since 1983.

The average content of P2O5 is about 20%.

The tailings constituents are mainly carbonates, silica, and clays.

The phosphate ore is mined by open cast mining in two quarries.

The mined rock is transported to Al-Qaim fertilizer complex by train where upgrading is carried out in the beneficiation plant through different operations including crushing, homogenization, calcination, slaking, washing and desliming.

The beneficiated phosphate rocks, with 29 – 30 % P2O5 content, are used for the production of phosphoric acid and phosphatic fertilizers.