Comparative Effectiveness of Flotation Technique at Varying Conditions for Beneficiation of Itakpe and Agbaja Iron Ores

Abstract

Itakpe and Agbaja iron ores are part of prominent iron deposits in Nigeria, yet studies on their beneficiation via froth flotation are relatively limited. Thus, this research investigated comparatively the flotation behaviour of both ores at varied pulp pH, particle size, and collector type. The ores were also examined using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Petrological, and fractional sieve size analyses. Fifty (50) kg sample each of the ores was sourced for the research. Then, size fractions (63, 75, and 125 mm) of each ore were prepared and subjected to froth flotation using different collectors; Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX), Sodium Ethyl Xanthate (SEX), and Oleic Acid, at varying pulp pH ranging from 9-11. From the results obtained Itakpe iron ore assayed 36.18% Fe2O3 and contains predominantly haematite, sillimanite, and quartz while Agbaja iron ore contains chiefly, quartz and haematite, and assayed 40.6% Fe2O3 alongside 1.505% P2O5. The liberation sizes of both ores lie favouraby in the range -125+75 µm. Beneficiation studies carried out revealed that significant enrichment of both ores was actualized. Thus, it was established that Itakpe iron ore is best processed using PAX at pH 11 and particle size of 125 µm yielding concentrates assaying 67.66% Fe2O3 at a recovery of ~90% while for Agbaja iron ore, PAX at pH 9 and particle size of 63 µm is considered best to yield enriched concentrates assaying 65.5% Fe2O3 at 52.5%.recovery.