Development of concentration technology for medium-impregnated hematite quartzite of Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin

Abstract

Introduction. Trends in developing Ukraine’s metallurgy in the context of using its mineral raw base indicate prospects for mining hematite quartzite deposits. Problem Statement. The problem of producing high­quality hematite ore concentrates is associated with the fact that aggregates of martite, goethite, marshallit quartz, and other low hard minerals can be easily reground while crushing and grinding. This results in increased content of fine particles (slimes), which decreases selecti­ vity of separating ore and nonmetallic minerals. One of the ways to solve this problem is gentle ore grinding. Purpose. Developing a technology of dry and wet concentration for hematite quartzite from Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Basin. Materials and Methods. While conducting the research, a set of methods are used including generalization of research data; chemical and mineral analysis of ore and concentration products prior to and after concentrating by magnetite and gravitation methods; mathematical modeling of processes; technological testing in laboratory and industrial conditions. Results. Magnetic and gravitation separation is used for hematite ore concentration. Sintering ore with Fe content of 55.1% and concentrates of 62.32—64.69 % Fe have been produced from hematite ore. Iron extraction in marketable pro¬ducts makes up 73.6—80.49 %. Conclusions. There have been developed technologies for dry and wet concentration for hematite quartzites of Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Basin. For the first time, magnetic separation has been suggested to be used for hematite ore concentration. This has enabled producing concentrates with an iron content over 64.0%, decreasing ore grinding front by at least 40 % as compared with the initial one, and reducing operation and capital expenses by over 30 %.