Abstract: This study focuses on the efficient recovery and utilization of a pegmatite-type low-grade lithium polymetallic
ore from western Sichuan,primarily through the extraction of spodumene,with minor amounts of niobium-tantalum minerals. The
ore grades of Li2O,Nb2O5,and Ta2O5 are 1. 25%,0. 009%,and 0. 003%,respectively. To optimize the extraction process,the
spodumene collector EM-PN30 was used,and flotation tests were conducted under the conditions of a grinding fineness of
0. 074 mm at 74. 3% passing. The flotation process,comprising one roughing,two scavenging,and three cleaning stages,successfully
produced a lithium-niobium-tantalum concentrate with grades of 5. 60% Li2O,0. 035% Nb2O5,and 0. 015% Ta2O5,
achieving recoveries of 86. 31%,75. 52%,and 72. 82%,respectively. Further separation of the lithium concentrate and niobium-
tantalum concentrate was achieved through high-intensity magnetic and gravity separation,resulting in a lithium concentrate
with a Li2O grade of 5. 65% and a niobium-tantalum concentrate containing (Nb2O5 +Ta2O5) at 30. 23%. The results indicate
that the combined process of "lithium-niobium-tantalum mixed flotation,mixed flotation concentrate low-intensity magnetic iron
removal,high-intensity magnetic separation,and gravity separation" not only ensures the efficient recovery of lithium,but also
facilitates the separation and recovery of niobium-tantalum,thus enabling the comprehensive utilization of lithium,niobium,and
tantalum from the ore.