Developments in the wet and dry processing of lower grade magnetite ores

摘要

The results of early laboratory test work on the development of an efficient and environmentally sustainable dry processing option for the beneficiation of lower grade magnetite ores were tabled by IMP Technologies Pty. Ltd. (IMPTEC) and Cyclomag Pty.Ltd. at Iron Ore 2017 in Perth W.A. Since that time, the companies have experienced increasing demand for laboratory testing of a variety of magnetite ores from prospective developers in Australia and the USA. The laboratory test work has also included an ongoing optimization programme focused on the design and operating responses of both the Super-fine Crusher (SFC) and the Planar Magnetic Separator (PMS). Cyclomag Pty. Ltd. has recently entered into a collaborative development programme with an Australian magnetite producer to design, manufacture, install and test a wet commercial scale Low Intensity Planar Magnetic Separator, with a view to retrofitting a wet processing plant for the production of premium direct reduction (DR) grade feed. A similar collaborative development programme is being been sought for the design, manufacture installation and testing of a stand alone 75 to 100 t/h SFC/PMS dry processing module, with a view to providing a simplified low cost alternative for the development of lower grade magnetite deposits in arid and remote regions of Australia. A novel feature of this programme is a two stage (Mine Site / Port Site) processing option which further addresses, concentrate transportation and waste disposal issues, water and power availability issues, environmental impact, and financial risk mitigation. This paper reports on progress made in each of these development programmes.