The wet high intensity magnetic separation of magnesite ore waste

Ahmet Atasoy

doi:10.2298/hemind181010026a

Abstract

The wet high intensity magnetic separation of magnesite ore waste stocked in an open pit of a magnesite mine was investigated in this paper. The received sample was subjected to physical, chemical, thermal and phase characterizations. The magnesite ore waste sample contained 77.69 % MgCO3 and a considerable amount of Fe2O3 (3.14 %). The unwanted silica and iron impurities were removed and a high-grade magnesite was experimentally obtained. Results have shown that a high-grade magnesite was obtained after subjecting the non-magnetic portion of the processed sample twice at 1.8 T. It was possible to increase the magnesite content up to 91.03 % while reducing the iron content to 0.32 % by using magnetic separation. After the calcination process at 1000?C, the sample showed mass loss on ignition of 52 % and contained 85.39 % MgO with 0.32 % Fe2O3. The final product can be used in chemical and metallurgical applications where high magnesia contents are required. The experimental results provide useful information on wet magnetic separation of magnesite wastes.

Highlights

Magnesite is the major mineral of magnesium, while the other minerals are talc, brucite and dolomite [1]
The first part of the deposit is located from Kütahya to the Eskişehir region while the second part is in the east province of Erzincan [7]
Magnesite ore used in this work comes from Kütahya region

Summary

Introduction

Magnesite is the major mineral of magnesium, while the other minerals are talc, brucite and dolomite [1]. Other mineral impurities in magnesite ore are quartz, apatite and small amounts of iron. Magnesite is formed by carbonation of magnesian serpentine in the presence of water and carbon dioxide under moderate temperatures and pressures. Chemical composition of magnesite ore is complex and varies from region to region. It contains MgO (42-47 %), CaO (1.0-2.0 %), SiO2 (1 %), Al2O3 (1 %), Fe2O3 (1 %) and 50 % mass loss on ignition. Depending on the magnesia content, magnesite ores can be classified into three groups as high (MgO > 46 %), middle and low (MgO < 43 %) grades [2]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion