Concentration studies on a low grade Manganese ore from Jhabua, M.P.

Abstract

Beneficiation of a complex low grade manganese ore from Jhabua, M.P., assaying 28.8% Mn, 22.38% SiO2, 2.37% Al2O3, 5.9% Fe, 0.19% P, 10.73% CaO and 2.45%BaO was studied employing various mineral dressing processes. Braunite was the principal manganese mineral in the ore, followed by psilomelane and pyrolusite, while quartz, calcite and iron oxides (Hematite and goethite) constituted the chief gangue. Of the various methods employed, a combined process employing jigging, tabling, reduction roast treatment of the gravity concentrate followed by wet magnetic separation yielded a manganese concentrate assaying 48.89% Mn, 5.6% Fe and 12.12% SiO2 with a manganese recovery of 57.7%. High intensity magnetic separation to remove the siliceous and calcareous gave a concentrate assaying 47% Mn, 5.3% Fe and 11.9% SiO2 with a slightly better manganese recovery of 57.7%. These concentrates can be employed for the production of standard grade ferromanganese after blending with ores of slightly lower phosphorus content.