1932
Concentrate Quality Improvement for a Magnetite Ore
Henrique D.G. Turrer, Remi Belissont, Udaya B. Kodukula,
Werner Spies, Juliette Lainé, Josué M. de Souza Junior
ArcelorMittal
ABSTRACT: The study evaluates the performance of a mineral processing route that aims at increasing the iron
content of a magnetitic iron ore. Firstly, a mineral characterization was performed, providing information to
develop the beneficiation process route. Secondly, bench scale tests were executed using a wet magnetic separator
and different parameters were evaluated to improve performance. Lastly, a pre-concentration stage composed by
an HPGR and a dry magnetic separator were evaluated and showed promising results.
INTRODUCTION
The iron ore used in this study originates from a calcic iron
skarn located in the Turgai zone, Kazakhstan, with massive
magnetite mineralization, that exhibits distinctive features
and is used as raw material for the steelmaking industry.
The iron ore contains noteworthy sulfur content, reach-
ing up to 3.5 percent S, and high alkali levels, particularly
Na2O and K2O.
According to Hawkins et al. (2017), the evolution
of this type of deposit unfolds as a multifaceted process,
marked by distinct stages of mineral formation transpiring
at diverse temperature thresholds. The dynamic nature of
the fluids involved is evident in their transition from an
initial highly saline state to a progressively less salty com-
position throughout geological time. A deeper analysis of
the chemical makeup of select minerals provides intriguing
insights, suggesting a pervasive infiltration of the rocks by
oxygen-depleted fluids. The origin of sulfur within these
deposits is traced back to subterranean sources, adding a
layer of complexity to the geological narrative. The tem-
poral dimension of this geological saga places the genesis
of these deposits in a historical context, dating back to an
epoch around 337 to 322 million years ago. This tempo-
ral alignment intriguingly coincides with the intrusion
of magma into the geological landscape, a pivotal event
that set the stage for subsequent modifications occurring
approximately 270 million years ago during thermal events,
as detailed in the comprehensive study by Hawkins et al.
(2017).
The deposit, positioned in the Turgai zone of
Kazakhstan, is distinguished by its noteworthy sulfur con-
tent, reaching up to 3.5 percent S, and heightened alkali
levels, particularly Na2O and K2O.
The current beneficiation plant to treat this ore was
detailed by Barbosa et al. in 2017. It comprises the fol-
lowing dry processes: three successive crushing stages, with
classification using screens and a pre-concentration step
featuring magnetic separators deployed at conveyor belt
transfer points to receive the final crushed product.
Magnetite mineral processing has been performed for
many decades, so a lot of published papers are available
about magnetite ore fragmentation and/or concentration.
Bronkala (1978) presents the principle of some concentra-
tors that are used even nowadays in different machines.
Forciea et al. (1958) studied different flowsheets to treat a
magnetite ore and they all have a pre-concentration stage,
followed by grinding and further stages of concentration
and regrinding. More recently, Xuan et al. (2018) evaluated
the grinding circuit optimization through bench lab tests
conducted for a plant located in Ukraine that produces
Concentrate Quality Improvement for a Magnetite Ore
Henrique D.G. Turrer, Remi Belissont, Udaya B. Kodukula,
Werner Spies, Juliette Lainé, Josué M. de Souza Junior
ArcelorMittal
ABSTRACT: The study evaluates the performance of a mineral processing route that aims at increasing the iron
content of a magnetitic iron ore. Firstly, a mineral characterization was performed, providing information to
develop the beneficiation process route. Secondly, bench scale tests were executed using a wet magnetic separator
and different parameters were evaluated to improve performance. Lastly, a pre-concentration stage composed by
an HPGR and a dry magnetic separator were evaluated and showed promising results.
INTRODUCTION
The iron ore used in this study originates from a calcic iron
skarn located in the Turgai zone, Kazakhstan, with massive
magnetite mineralization, that exhibits distinctive features
and is used as raw material for the steelmaking industry.
The iron ore contains noteworthy sulfur content, reach-
ing up to 3.5 percent S, and high alkali levels, particularly
Na2O and K2O.
According to Hawkins et al. (2017), the evolution
of this type of deposit unfolds as a multifaceted process,
marked by distinct stages of mineral formation transpiring
at diverse temperature thresholds. The dynamic nature of
the fluids involved is evident in their transition from an
initial highly saline state to a progressively less salty com-
position throughout geological time. A deeper analysis of
the chemical makeup of select minerals provides intriguing
insights, suggesting a pervasive infiltration of the rocks by
oxygen-depleted fluids. The origin of sulfur within these
deposits is traced back to subterranean sources, adding a
layer of complexity to the geological narrative. The tem-
poral dimension of this geological saga places the genesis
of these deposits in a historical context, dating back to an
epoch around 337 to 322 million years ago. This tempo-
ral alignment intriguingly coincides with the intrusion
of magma into the geological landscape, a pivotal event
that set the stage for subsequent modifications occurring
approximately 270 million years ago during thermal events,
as detailed in the comprehensive study by Hawkins et al.
(2017).
The deposit, positioned in the Turgai zone of
Kazakhstan, is distinguished by its noteworthy sulfur con-
tent, reaching up to 3.5 percent S, and heightened alkali
levels, particularly Na2O and K2O.
The current beneficiation plant to treat this ore was
detailed by Barbosa et al. in 2017. It comprises the fol-
lowing dry processes: three successive crushing stages, with
classification using screens and a pre-concentration step
featuring magnetic separators deployed at conveyor belt
transfer points to receive the final crushed product.
Magnetite mineral processing has been performed for
many decades, so a lot of published papers are available
about magnetite ore fragmentation and/or concentration.
Bronkala (1978) presents the principle of some concentra-
tors that are used even nowadays in different machines.
Forciea et al. (1958) studied different flowsheets to treat a
magnetite ore and they all have a pre-concentration stage,
followed by grinding and further stages of concentration
and regrinding. More recently, Xuan et al. (2018) evaluated
the grinding circuit optimization through bench lab tests
conducted for a plant located in Ukraine that produces