![]() Wingate has utilized two electric dredges, one to remove overburden and the other to mine phosphate matrix. The matrix is hydraulically transported to the beneficiation plants via a series of centrifugal pumping systems. Mining utilizes dredges to remove overburden and mine the phosphate ore (matrix). Phosphate is extracted using surface mining techniques. Wingate is a phosphates production stage mining facility. Gangue minerals are generally limestone, dolomitic limestone, iron concretions of varying sizes and competent clays that resist disaggregation by washing. Post-depositional rework is extensive and site factors such as hydrology and groundwater geochemistry influence grade and gangue mineralization. ![]() The deposit underwent transport and rework through marine winnowing. Accessory- mineralization does occur, but it is of little economic consequence. Phosphate subsequently substituted into calcium carbonate in the form of the mineral francolite. Biological remains settled on the sea floor in regional anoxic zones. Cold phosphate rich waters were upwelled and mixed with warm surface waters creating vigorous biologic activity. The depositional environment was shallow marine with sea levels of 300 ft. Limitations of extraction arc the case of excavation, the capacity of the matrix to slurry, the grade of the phosphorite, gangue minerals, the depth of the matrix, and the overburden to be removed.ĭeposition of phosphorite occurred in the Miocene and Pliocene epochs. The bedrock and economic matrix are overlain by sands, clays and silts that are easily removed. These economic deposits overlay a carbonate platform where phosphorite is absent. Economic phosphorite exists in a matrix of gravels, sands, silts and clays that are readily extractible. ![]() The entirety of Mosaic’s mineral reserves and resources exist within sedimentary deposits. ![]()
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