Characterization of Chemical Composition and Microstructure of Natural Iron Ore from Muko Deposits

Abraham J B Muwanguzi,Joseph K Byaruhanga,Pär G Jönsson,Andrey V Karasev

doi:10.5402/2012/174803

Abraham J B Muwanguzi, Joseph K Byaruhanga + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/174803

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Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and microstructure of raw iron ore from the deposits in Muko area (south-western Uganda). The quality of this iron ore was evaluated to establish its suitability to serve as a raw material for iron production. Samples were taken from the six hills of Muko ore deposits and tests carried out to establish their composition and properties. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were employed in the investigation and chemical analysis performed to determine the compounds constituting the ore. The quality of this ore was compared to generalized world market standards and ores from other nations. It was found that Muko ore is a rich hematite grade with Fe content above 65%. It has little gangue (<6% SiO2 and 3-4% Al2O3) and low contents of the deleterious elements (P~0.02% and S<0.006%), which correspond to acceptable levels for commercial iron ores.

Highlights

The most commonly used iron-bearing minerals contain iron compounds as follows: hematite, Fe2O3 (70% Fe); magnetite, Fe3O4 (72.4% Fe) and of much less importance are: limonite, 2Fe2O3·3H2O (60% Fe); siderite, FeCO3 (48.3% Fe); pyrite, FeS2 (46.6% Fe) [1]
The study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and microstructure of raw iron ore from the deposits in Muko area
The quality of raw iron ores and its viability for commercial exploitation is mainly determined by its chemical composition

Summary

Introduction

The most commonly used iron-bearing minerals contain iron compounds as follows: hematite, Fe2O3 (70% Fe); magnetite, Fe3O4 (72.4% Fe) and of much less importance are: limonite, 2Fe2O3·3H2O (60% Fe); siderite, FeCO3 (48.3% Fe); pyrite, FeS2 (46.6% Fe) [1]. These iron percentages are in their pure states. The known world resources of crude iron ores are approximately 800 billion tonnes containing about 230 billion tonnes of Fe [7]. It is apparent that most of the known deposits contain low-grade ores with iron contents less than 30%. Revealing and exploiting new deposits of iron ores, of high-grade, is very important

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