Mineralogical and thermal investigation of iron ore concentrate and tailing, processed using an Airtable

The present work deals with the detailed characterization and thermal studies of the iron ore concentrate and tailing generated from the processing of medium-grade iron ore assaying total Fe, 57.95% upgraded to 64.02% total Fe and simultaneously lowering alumina, silica, and LOI in the concentrate. From the optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, and XRD studies, hematite was observed as the dominant iron ore mineral, and clay minerals were the major gangue minerals. Goethite of different compositions and textural characteristics were seen in the samples as well. The thermal characteristics i.e., dehydroxylation and oxidation of the iron ore minerals especially goethite with temperature, were also observed systematically through TG-DTA, which established the subsequent lowering of the
interlocked hydrous phases and clay minerals in the concentrate. Thus, the improved iron ore quality of the concentrate could be subjected to further metallurgical utilization and blast furnace operations.