Beneficiation Practices in the Sukinda Valley Area Chromite Deposits

Abstract

Extensive Chromite deposits in sukinda valley occur between District Jajpur and Keonjhar, Orissa. Mostly the ores are granular fines with a few soft moist and friable lumpy masses. In these lumps chromite grains occur as discrete grains within ferruginous matrix. In few cases serpentine and quartz association are also observed. The inherent characteristics of the deposits are such that their up-gradation / value addition does not pose many problems to the natives of the area. The method of benefi-ciation ranges from primitive Stone Age to modern-day technology. Consequent upon quantity c eiling on export of high grade chromite ore (ROM) and no such restriction on chromite concentrate in the country, mushrooming of chro-mite ore beneficiation (COB) facilities took place in the leasehold sectors and also outside of it. This resulted in unscrupulous exploitation by a few equipment manufactu-rers, suppliers & consultants engaged for commissioning of COB facilities without a proper development of process flow sheet and metallurgical accounting. Such procurement of machinery / equipment though enhanced the throughput capacity of concentrate generation but compromised on the recovery of valuables, especially fines. Such unscientific value addition of the ROM ore jeopardized the very concept of conservation. This paper deals with the processing technology being prac-ticed in the Sukinda valley for the friable chromite ore, and the remedial measure needed for optimum recovery of the valuables established through extensive R&D work done at IBM laboratory.