Identification of Vanadium on Iron Ore Sample from a Depo-sit in Choghart Area, Iran from Beneficiation Point of View

Abstract

Large deposits of titanoferous vanadium bearing magnet-ites have been reported from different parts of Iran including those of Choghart area which are rich in vanad-ium. These deposits cannot be directly used for the prod-uction of vanadium because of the unknown feature and characteristics of vanadium in the deposits. To know the mineralogical composition, shape of the particles, chemi-cal character and mesh of grind which play vial role in flowsheet design, samples from Choghart have been subjec-ted to detailed mineralogical and microscopic studies especially SEM, sieve analysis, liberation studies using Davis tube, sink and float tests and particle counting methods and chemical analysis. The results show that most of vanadium is present in magnetite minerals analysing V205 0.45%.Magnetite, hematite, talc (as major minerals) and apatite, calcite, goethite, feldspars, amphibole and pyroxene (as minor minerals) are present in the order of abundance and liberation studies have shown that most of the magnetite particles are free at below 150 microns in which, vanadium element replaced iron, in magnetite structure. This and evenly distribution of vanadium in magnetite sample were further confirmed by SEM technique. Based on the characterization studies carried out it can be predicted, that the combination of low intensity magnetic separation, roasting and leaching would the possible techniques to recover vanadium without ineffective destruction of magnetite structure.