Beneficiation of low grade Ferruginous Manganese ore (No.) from S-G-B-K Mines, Keonjhar District, Orissa

Abstract

A low grade ferruginous manganese ore assaying 28.1% Mn, 24.9% Fe, 8.9% SiO2, 5.61% Al2O3, 0.13% BaO and 0.145% P was received from M/s. Serajuddin & Co., from their S-G-B-K mines, in Keonjhar District, Orissa, Pyrolusite was the predominant manganese mineral in the sample followed by psilomelane and hollandite. Goethite was the chief gangue followed by lateritic material, quartz, ochre, hematite, feldspar and traces of muscovite etc. Most of the gangue was liberated at about 28 mesh. Straight magnetic separation at -28 mesh after desling and heating at 600°C yielded a manganese concentrate assaying 54.1% Mn, and 10.8% Fe with a manganese recovery of 50.6%. Washing of the ore followed by gaseous reduction roast and wet magnetic separation at -28 mesh yielded a manganese concentrate assaying 58.5% Mn with a manganese recovery of 69% for a Mn/Fe ratio of 7:1.