Exploring Different Methods of Iron Ore Beneficiation

Iron ore is one of the most abundantly found elements in the Earth's crust. It is used worldwide to produce steel and iron, and hence, it is an important mineral for economic development. 

However, the majority of iron ores available around the world contain impurities and unwanted gangue materials. Iron ore is available in various categories, and the low-grade type is unsuitable for production. Hence, reducing its gangue content and increasing its Fe content is essential. 

Read Also :- What Is The Process Of Calcium Carbonate Beneficiation?

For this, the process of iron ore beneficiation is performed. As each deposit of this mineral has a unique mineralogy, the process of beneficiation is specific to each deposit. If you are practicing beneficiation of this mineral, you must learn about the various types of methods available.

Reading this post will help you learn about the same and make it easier to select a suitable beneficiation technique.

Iron Ore Beneficiation Methods

Magnetic Separation

This technique is practiced using separators where the magnetic minerals are separated from the non-magnetic ores. Finely ground minerals are passed over the high-intensity separators or magnetic drums. Ores with high magnetic content are attracted to the magnetic field and separated from non-magnetic substances.

Read Also :- Top 5 Advantages of Bauxite Beneficiation

Froth Flotation

It is an extensively used technique for iron ore beneficiation. In this method, the finely ground ores are mixed with a reagent and water. Then, air is transferred to the mixture. The chemical reagent selectively attaches to the surface of relevant minerals, creating a froth, which is skimmed off. It helps to separate valuable iron minerals from the contaminants.

Electrostatic Separation

It is one of the most effective ways to beneficiate iron ore from other minerals. It involves using an electrostatic separator based on electricity to separate iron from other harmful substances. It is performed using tribo-electrostatic technology, resulting in finely powdered substances with high iron content.

Palletization

Sometimes, the beneficiated ore requires further processing. They are converted into pellets that involve forming small pellets or balls by attaching iron ore with a binder like bentonite. 

The pellets are heated at a high temperature, which makes them hard. It improves the transportation and handling of the ore, making it ideal for use in furnaces.

Gravity Separation

This technique is useful for separating dense particles from the lighter contaminants. It is achieved using jigging or dense media separation. In this process, a suspension of ferrosilicon or fine magnetite is used for separating iron ore particles on the basis of their density. 

Read Also :- Mineral Processing Stages: Crushing, Grinding, and Sizing

Grinding and Crushing

It is a cheap method of beneficiation the ore, where the mineral is first crushed into small particles using primary crushers. Then, it is ground to a fine powder in a semi-autogenous grinding mill. It helps to separate the iron ore from contaminants.

Learn More About Effective Iron Ore Beneficiation from Steqtech

These are the common methods of iron ore beneficiation. If you are confused about which separator to select, you must switch to the most effective and reliable method – Electrostatic Separation. Steqtech offers the best quality electrostatic separation equipment involving low maintenance and high efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about our process and equipment.