Microwave Processing of Banded Magnetite Quartzite Ore for Iron Recovery

摘要

The effective utilization of low-grade banded iron ores is inevitable to meet India Steel Vision 2030 of producing 300 MT steel. In this study, banded magnetite quartzite iron ore (Fe similar to 41%) is physically beneficiated and microwave-treated followed by low-intensity magnetic separation. The appearance of massive random cracks during microwave treatment assisted the release of iron values from the matrix. Magnetite phase is strongly receptive to microwave exposure, thereby enhancing the separation characteristics. The Box-Behnken statistical design yielded an optimum concentrate with 60.1% Fe, 99% Fe recovery and 71% yield without any chemical additive. The single-step microwave exposure and low-intensity magnetic separation can be employed for the beneficiation of other low-grade iron ores.