Two-step flotation and reverse flotation circuits of iron oxide and its process minerology

Abstract

Mining operations usually provide ore of varying characteristics. Similarly, for Donganshan Sintering Plant, the charges in iron oxide ore especially prior flotation process were investigated by conducting mineral liberation analyzer “MLA”. This in-deep study of process mineralogy explored and analyzed the mechanism of difficulty to obtain high-efficient flotation process. The MLA analysis results showed also that the main useful minerals in this ore are magnetite/hematite, and the main gangue minerals is quartz, followed by chlorite and ankerite. In addition, two-step “direct then reverse” and one step “reverse” flotation experiments were carried out and produced iron oxide concentrates of 48.91% and 49.45% yield; 65.03% and 65.22% grade; 70.96% and 72.08% recovery respectively. Besides, the process flow sheet was simplified with reduced reagent consumptions.