Reduction of Alumina in Indian Iron Ores

Abstract

India has got the sixth largest reserves of iron ores which is the basic raw material for iron and steel making. Inspite of being rich in iron, Indian iron ores contain high alumina as impurities. High alumina content of iron ore is not favourable for efficient operation of blast furnaces. The present paper deals with the available resources and characteristics of Indian iron ores . The deleterious effects of high alumina , the present plant practices for lowering alumina and their limitations are analysed. The process options for lowering alumina are discussed and salient results on new processing techniques are presented, in the light of recent developments and the rich experiences of NML on beneficiation of iron ores. From the point of view of resource conservation and envi-ronment protection, complete beneficiation of iron ores covering lumps, tines and slimes and the utilisation of blue dust, beneficiated fines and slimes are emphasised.