Exploration and Exploitation of Multi-Metallic Magnetite Ore of Nagaland for Value Added Product

Abstract

The multi-metallic magnetite ore at Pokhpur, Tuensang district of Nagaland is of special significance due to the presence of Ni, Cr and Co. Its smelting was carried out to selectively reduce all the oxides of nickel, chromium, cobalt and iron present in the ore into their metallic form. The reduction of chromium was found to be the controlling factor to determine the amount of reductant required to be added in the charge mix. Initially the basic laboratory scale smelting reduction study was carried out in a graphite crucible fitted in an induction furnace at two different temperatures using two reductant prior to pilot scale smelting trails in 500 kVA submerged arc furnace. The product comprising of chromium, nickel and cobalt was used to make grinding media which has been successfully tested in cement plants.