Reducibility of Salem Magnetite ore

An attempt is made to assess the reducibility of Salem magnetite iron ore based on hydrogen reduction of lumps and briquettes made thereof. The temperature of reduction varied from 700°C-1000°C with different rates of hydrogen flow. Reduction rate was observed to considerably slow down after 70 percent of reduction was completed. Reduction experiments were also conducted after table concentration of the magnetite ore, these concentrates containing 5-6% silica. Likewise, tests were also undertaken on concentrate containing 13% SiO2 obtained after wet magnetic separation of the raw ore. These studies showed that reducibility of the ore concentrates compared favourably with that of high grade haematite iron ores used in India at present for iron production.