Abstract
Liberation of Nb/Ta minerals from Cassiterite ore during comminution is difficult. Microwave pre-treatment of cassiterite
ore using batch multiple mode microwave was done. The ore was characterised and effects of various parameters affecting the liberation
of Nb/Ta minerals were investigated. It was found that the ore contains 76. 1%wt of SnO2 and traces of Nb2O5 (0.62% wt) and Ta2O5
(0.81% wt). The major phases in the cassiterite ore after pre-treatment were Pyrochlore, Cassiterite, Sillimanite, Ferrotapiolite, Niobium
Tantalum, Niobium Titanium, Iron Tin, Niobium Tin, Iron Tantalum and Niobium tin silicide. The ore displayed a significant liberation
of the Nb and Ta minerals at 100% irradiation and a high temperature of 540 ̊C was achieved. Significant phase changes were observed
from the SEM/EDS and the Mapping of the distribution of the Nb/Ta minerals showed that there was an improvement in the liberation
of these minerals. It is concluded that the use of microwaves brings changes in the matrix pattern of the Cassiterite ore, favouring the
liberation of microwave susceptible mineral phases.