A Review on Literatures of Phosphate Ores Analysis in China

A total of 102 published papers from 1990 to 2010 on phosphate ores analysis method in China were collected, which included 56 papers on single element analysis, 24 on traditional continuous measurement analytical method of a few components, 20 on modern multi-element analysis simultaneously and 2 reviews. The application of single element analysis in published papers has declined significantly since the 1990s. Results show that X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP-AES) are presently the most effective multi-element analytical methods for measuring phosphate. ICP-AES is good for trace element analysis such as REEs, while XRF is widely applied to major and minor elements analysis. The polyethylene-backed pellets measured by XRF have broader application prospects because this method does not damage the samples; moreover, there is no contamination to the environment. According to the current situation of the analysis methods and reference materials of phosphate ores, it is necessary to formulate a program for simultaneous analysis of multi-elements in order to satisfy the modern analysis technique. New phosphate ore reference materials should be developed to meet the requirements of comprehensive research of phosphate ore resources.