Abstract: In order to achieve the resource utilization of a graphite flotation tailing in Heilongjiang,research on the
process technology for recovering sericite was conducted. Process mineralogy studies were first carried out through chemical
multi-element analysis,X-ray diffraction(XRD),and optical microscopy identification. The results showed that the tailings are
mainly composed of quartz,sericite,and feldspar,with a sericite content ranging from 20% to 35%,which is uniformly distributed.
Based on this,a series of flotation condition tests were performed to determine the optimal parameters for the roughing
stage,in which grinding fineness of 72% passing -200 mesh,pulp density of 20%,pH of 2. 0,collector(dodecylamine) dosage
of 3 500 g/ t,and depressant(sodium hexametaphosphate) dosage of 600 g/ t. Under these conditions,the rough concentrate was
reground and subjected to three stages of cleaning,ultimately yielding a high-quality concentrate with sericite content of
74. 40% and recovery rate of 75. 01%. Chemical analysis indicated that the product meets all the requirements of the Sericite
Powder (JC/ T 2577—2020) standard and can be used in coatings,plastics,electronics,and cosmetics industries. The study
demonstrates that the flotation method is technically feasible for efficiently recovering sericite from this graphite tailing,providing
a practical pathway for the high-value utilization of graphite tailings.

Key words: graphite tailings,sericite recovery,flotation,dodecylamine