Beneficiation and Pelletization studies on Iron ore fines from Redi Mines, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra

An iron ore sample from iron Redi mines, Ratnagiri District
Maharashtra, was received for beneficiation and pelletization studies. The sample, as received, assayed Fe-63.0%, SiO2-1.5%, Al2O3-2.0%, CaO-0.1%, MgO-Trace, P-O.05%, S-trace, and L.O.I. 5.7%. Washing of the ore followed by cyclone treatment of the slime yielded beneficiated fines assaying 64.4% Fe, 1,3% SiO2, and 1.7% Al2O3 with a recovery of 90.3% Fe in the lumps and fines. Strong pellets assaying 66.3% Fe, 0.6 FeO, 1.4% SiO2, and 2.0% Al2O3 could be produced from the beneficiated fines, after grinding to 78%-270 mesh and employing 0.5% bentonite as a binder. The properties of the heat hardened pellets are considered satisfactory for transport over long distances and for iron smelting in a blast furnace.