Lack of process characterization data of the ores based on the granulometry, texture, mineralogy, physical, chemical, properties, merits and limitations of process, market and local conditions may mislead the mineral processing entrepreneur. The proper implementation of process characterization and geotechnical map data will result in optimized sustainable utilization of resource by processing. A few case studies of process characterization of some Indian iron ores are dealt with. The tentative ascending order of process refractoriness of iron ores is massive hematite/magnetite \ marine black iron oxide sands \ laminated soft friable siliceous ore fines \ massive banded magnetite quartzite \ laminated soft friable clayey aluminous ore fines \ massive banded hematite quartzite/jasper \ massive clayey hydrated iron oxide ore \ manganese bearing iron ores massive \ Ti-V bearing magnetite magmatic ore \ ferruginous cherty quartzite. Based on diagnostic process characterization, the ores have been classified and generic process have been adopted for some Indian iron ores. Keywords Characterization Á Iron ores Á Beneficiation Abbreviations \ Less than [ Greater than WHIMS Wet high intensity magnetic separation, WLIMS Wet low intensity magnetic separation

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