Characterization and processing of iron ore fines of Kiriburu deposit of India

The beneficiation potential of the iron ore slimes produced from the washing plants and tailing ponds of Kiriburu mines assaying up to 60% Fe, 3.34% SiO2, and 2.93% Al2O3 is analyzed. To start with, the ore slime was characterized in sufficient detail to reveal that it is extremely fine 80% below 110 mum and contains substantial amount of goethite (Fe2O3.H2O). The liberation study indicates that the finer particles (-45 mum) are less liberated than the coarser particles. Taking into account all the physical and chemical attributes of the ore, a two-stage hydrocyclone-spiral circuit was envisaged for processing the ore. At first, the performance of this circuit was assessed through simulation using MODSIM - a modular simulator for ore dressing plant flow sheets. Simulation results showed that the ore could be upgraded up to 64% Fe that formed the basis for a pilot plant campaign. A 5-in. hydrocyclone followed by a five-step spiral (5-ft diameter) was set up to process the ore in close circuit. The experimental results show that it is possible to raise the iron content up to 64.17% at a solid recovery of 37.38 with simultaneous decrease in the alumina content down to 1.17%. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.