Mineralogy and Liberation Characteristics of Western Mesabi Range Oxidized Taconites

摘要

This report describes the mineralogy and liberation characteristics of the three samples of the Biwabik Iron-Formation for 26.5 mi (42.7 km) from Keewatin to Grand Rapids, MN. (Details of response to beneficiation were reported previously.) The samples represent mostly material from the Lower Cherty Member of the Biwabik Iron Formation, although one sample included some Upper Cherty Member. Minerals of all three samples were quartz (chert), hematite, goethite, and minor to trace amounts of magnetite, iron carbonate, and iron silicates.