Beneficiation and Pelletization of Iron ore fines from M/s. Salgaocar E Irmao Ltd., Goa

Abstract

Four Iron ore fines samoles were received from Messrs. Salgaocar E Irmao Ltd., Vascodagama, Goa for beneficiation and pelletization studies and were reported to be representative of the existing reserves at their mine sites. The sample from Velguem minos analysed 64.03% Fe, 2.48% Al2O3, 1.98% SiO2, which could be beneficiation in grade by 1.1% by dry screening at ½” followed by washing and cyclone treatment of the undersize, recovering 96% of the iron content in the lumps and fines , with an insoluble content of 2.47% in the latter. The sample from the Sallitho’s Pale Mines assayed 62.94% Fe, 5.01% Al2O3 and 1.43% SiO2 which could be upgrade to 64.88% Fe, 2,33% Al2O3, 1.14% SiO2 in the beneficiated product by dry screening at ½” followed by washing and cyclone treatment of the undersize, recovering 96.5% of iron content in the lumps and fines. The mixes sample(all four sample mixed, assayed Fe 62.37%, SiO2 1.5% and Al2O3 4.13%; simple washing and cyclone treatment improved the grade of beneficiated fines by 1.5% Fe with a recovery of over 95% Fe content in the lumps and fines and an insoluble content of 4.13% in the fines,. Strong pellets assaying 66.74% Fe, could be produced from the beneficiated sample, after grinding, balling and firming of the green pellets. The properties of the heat hardened pellets are considered to be fully satisfactory for their transport over long distances and for iron smelting in the conventional blast furnace.