Characterization and liberation studies of kiriburu low grade iron ore

India is one of the leading producers of iron ore in the world. According to
the National Steel Policy-2005, India aims at 110 million tons (Mt) of finished steel
production from the current level of approximately 40 Mt by the year 2019-20
(IMYB, 2008). To produce 110 Mt finished steel, around 170 Mt of quality iron ore
(+63%Fe) is required. Besides this, around 100 Mt of quality ore is expected to be
exported. All together, 270 Mt of prepared quality ore is required which
corresponds to mining of around 400 Mt of run-off mine (ROM) ore every year. It
has been estimated that at this rate of mining the proven reserve of iron ore in
India may last about 32-35 years only. However, most of the Indian iron ore mines
are engaged in selective mining for maintaining higher grade of the product
(Fe>60%). With the availability of high grade ores and for the economic reasons, a
simple washing scheme is being industrially practiced for beneficiation of the iron
ores. The present practices comprises crushing, followed by scrubbing and/or wet
screening and classification to produce washed lumps (typically -40+10mm), fines
(-10+0.15mm) and slimes (particles below 0.15mm). Normally the slimes are
considered as wastes and being rejected to the slime ponds. Rejecting slime is not
only a loss of the resources but it poses severe long term environmental
problems.