Effective Processing of Specularite Ore by Wet Magnetic Separation and Reverse Flotation Techniques

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain a high grade and yield percentage of iron concentratefrom a specularite ore by using wet magnetic separation and reverse flotation techniques.The processing a specularite sample using wet magnetic separation and reverseflotation method was studied. During the magnetic separation process, particle size was-2000 μm and magnetic field applied at 0.25 T and 0.85 T which were performed at asolid-liquid ratio of 10% and 20% by weight, respectively. In the reverse flotation tests,experimental design (DOE) was applied, statistically. Depressant dosage, collector dosageand flotation time were selected as main parameters. PH value, frother dosage (MIBC) andparticle size were constant parameters. The results showed that particle size and magnetic fieldintensity had a significant effect on the iron concentrate grade and yield for wet magneticseparation. The optimum value of iron concentrate grade was 98.75% at 0.25 T andparticle size of -150 μm while the highest value of iron concentrate yield was 67% at 0.75T and particle size of -74 μm. In the flotation tests, depressant dosage had the greatestinfluence on the iron concentrate grade while the effect of the collector dosage and frothcollection time were less. Froth collection time had the greatest effect on iron concentrateyield.The maximum iron concentrate grade was 90.13% for the following conditions:5250 g/ton depressant, 1000 g/ton collector and 2-minute froth collection time. Themaximum iron concentrate yield was 98.96% for the following conditions: 5250 g/tondepressant, 1500 g/ton collector and 1 min froth collection time under fixed conditions.