Abstract: There is 1.50% REO in a low-grade rare earth ore in Mongolia. The rare earth minerals in the ore are mainly present in the apatite in the form of isomorphism, and the particle size is generally 0.005~0.20 mm. The mineral structure is mostly granular, platy, columnar or flaky structure. It’s difficult to obtain well index by conventional rare earth flotation reagents. By the process of apatite flotation in turn to flotation rare earth, at grinding fineness of 70% passing 0.074 mm, sodium carbonate as regulator, sodium silicate as inhibitor, F-716 as collector, via one roughing two cleaning one scavenging closed circuit flotation process, rare earth concentrate with REO grade of 11.65%, recovery of 86.95% was obtained. The results provide technique basis for utilization of the rare earth ore resources, and can provides reference for the rational development and utilization of rare earth mineral resources in the same type of mining enterprises in China.

Key words: Low grade rare earth ore, Flotation, Apatite