Остання редакція: 2023-05-29
Тези доповіді
The Kef Essennoun deposit is characterized by a thick layer (~ 35 m) of Upper Than phosphorites, which is itself, divided into 3 sub-layers known in all Djebel Onk district according to the P2O5 and MgO contents. From the bottom to the top, these sub-layers are:
- The basal sub-layer (BL): It consists of an alternation of marl, phosphorites and dolomite, about 2 m thick. The phosphorites have a relatively low P2O5 content (from 16 to 22%) and a high MgO content (3 to 5%). Heterogeneous phosphorite grains are cemented by marl and clay matrix.
- The main sub-layer (ML): It has a thickness of 25 to 30 m and is mined for phosphorites. It is characterized by high P2O5 content (26 to 29 %) and low MgO content (less than 4%). Homogeneous phosphorite particles are cemented by clay or carbonaceous cement.
- The upper sub-layer (SL): It consists of a phosphatic dolomite layer with a relatively low P2O5 content (16 to 24%) and a high MgO content (6 to 11 %). This sub-layer is also characterized by a high SiO2 content, ranging from 1 to 6 %. The phosphorite particles are heterogeneously grained.
The different analysis techniques applied to these types of minerals have shown a close relationship between the petrographic and mineralogical phases and between the particle size distribution and evolution of chemical contents and, on the other hand, developed a method for homogenization of the three sub-layers, which offers a wide variety of mixes that can meet the exploitability criteria.