Pelletization of iron ore concentrate from fluorspar tailings

Willie Nheta, Jeanette Mashigo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Many low grade iron ore deposits which were previously ignored are being treated due to depletion of high grade iron ore deposits. Haematite flotation concentrate from a reverse flotation of fluorspar tailings was characterised and agglomerated using bentonite and coke. The effect of bentonite and coke concentrations on mechanical strength and metallurgical characteristics of the wet and baked pellets was investigated. It was found that the concentrate contained 60.5% Fe, 4.24% silica and other minor elements. Major mineral phases present were hematite, magnetite and silica. A maximum wet drop number of 3 and wet strength of 2.85N was obtained when using 1.25 and 0.75wt% bentonite respectively. The maximum dry and baked strength obtained was 28.1N and 2690N respectively whilst using 1.25wt% bentonite and no coke. Porosity of the baked pellets was not affected very much with change in coke concentration which is not the usual case with iron ores. At high coke concentration (3wt %), the pellets contained spinels.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEducation and Accreditation in Geosciences; Environmental Legislation, Multilateral Relations And Funding Opportunities
PublisherInternational Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference
Pages935-942
Number of pages8
Edition11
ISBN (Print)9786197408263
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Event17th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference, SGEM 2017 - Albena, Bulgaria
Duration: 29 Jun 20175 Jul 2017

Publication series

NameInternational Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management, SGEM
Number11
Volume17
ISSN (Print)1314-2704

Conference

Conference17th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference, SGEM 2017
Country/TerritoryBulgaria
CityAlbena
Period29/06/175/07/17

Keywords

  • Agglomeration
  • Binder
  • Flotation
  • Mechanical strength
  • Pelletization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geology

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