beneficiation of iron ore process flow

This is carried out by the processes of beneficiation of the iron ore. Beneficiation of the ore is the process where ore is reduced in size and gangue is separated from the ore. Since each of the iron ore deposit has a unique mineralogy, the beneficiation process is specific to each deposit.

Falling prices for iron ore with lower quality than 60 % Fe have led increasingly to the design of iron ore beneficiation lines. General problems of water scarcity and risks with tailings dams have led to the focus shifting to dry beneficiation technologies. In the following article, current developments are examined and case studies referenced.

Suitable beneficiation methodology for iron ore is mainly dependent on its mineralogy and its nature. However, due to specific mineralogical characteristics (varies significantly with deposit), beneficiation process may differ for different type of deposits.

Beneficiation of Iron Ore and the treatment of magnetic iron taconites, stage grinding and wet magnetic separation is standard practice. This also applies to iron ores of the non-magnetic type which after a reducing roast are amenable to magnetic separation.

To obtain a uniform product, ores of different grades, compositions, and sizes are usually blended. The term beneficiation in regard to iron ores encompasses all of the methods used to process ore to improve its chemical, physical and metallurgical characteristics in ways which makes it a more desirable feed for the iron making furnace.

Vale is endeavouring to switch its iron ore beneficiation largely to dry processes. The gangue types like silica is separated from the up to 15 % moist ore from the surface mines by means of dry screening (Fig. 7), with no water being added to the process. This is enabled by newly developed vibrating screens.