Upgrading of Tailings from the Mbembele Manganese Mine in Gabon: Manganese Enrichment Trial Using Gravimetric Separation or Flotation

Two beneficiation techniques were tested in the tailings dam at the Mbembele mine in response to the geochemical instability of the tailings ponds in the mining zone, favored by the hot, humid climate. The work was carried out mainly on a composite from the Manganese tailings treatment dam, with a titration of: Gravity separation and flotation separation were chosen for tailings recovery. Tailings samples processed on a shaking table (gravity separations) show that enriched ore (55.97%) can be recovered from the concentrated fraction with a feed of 15.99% in the first wash. In contrast, flotation treatment of tailings, which even treats reject sludge, recovers Mn contents of 54.59%. The significance of these results underlines the need to continue developing responsible mining practices at the Mbembele mine, focusing on methods that ensure the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources while preserving the integrity of the environment. It is imperative to promote approaches that do not compromise the health of local ecosystems and that meet sustainability standards, thereby contributing to the positive evolution of the mining industry towards more planet-friendly practices.