Low-grade Ore Research Articles

Microbial communities of acidic post-mining environments and their use in laterite bioreduction

The biogeochemistry of post-mining areas is important because of their impact on the environment and the possibility of remediating such areas. Such a hostile environment is also a source of acidophilic microorganisms that can dissolve minerals that might be applied in the extractive metallurgy of low-grade oxide ores. Therefore, the study used autochthonic microorganisms isolated from water and sediment samples taken from places affected by acid mine drainage. The acidophiles were isolated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Genomic analysis revealed low prokaryotic diversity. The genera with a relative abundance greater than 1% were Acidithiobacillus (39.8-84.2%), Ferrimicrobium (26.4-34.4%), Acidiphilium (8.31-28.8%), and Leptospirillum (9.6-32.1%). Aerobic bacteria were adapted to reduce iron(III) under a nitrogen atmosphere and the presence of elemental sulfur as an electron donor. It was shown that increasing the amount of sulfur (1-5 g) had little effect on the process kinetics. In anaerobic bottom sediments, Sulfobacillus (45.7%) and Acidisphaera (32.7%) predominated. Microorganisms showed the fastest reduction activity when glycerol was used as an electron donor. Four weeks of anaerobic-controlled bioreduction of laterites yielded nickel and magnesium at 33.3% and 77.3%, respectively, which could have potential applications in the processing of laterites.

Eugène Rodolphe Faribault: Nova Scotia Gold Icon

Eugène Rodolphe Faribault proved to be a very good choice as a geologist for the Geological Survey of Canada, after his appointment on July 1, 1883. His career spanned fifty years, time mostly committed to mapping the southwestern half of Nova Scotia, concentrated on the slate and quartzite of the Meguma Supergroup in which gold mining was taking place. In his words, he was, “a specialist on geological maps and structural geology of gold mines in Nova Scotia”. Dozens of his meticulously prepared maps of over sixty gold districts have stood the test of time for accuracy. A popular figure in the field, Faribault made frequent trips to operating mines. He early recognized the existence, in some districts, of extensive bodies of low-grade ore. He emphasized too, the similarities between the ‘saddle reef’ deposits mined in the Bendigo fields of Australia and the auriferous veins of the Meguma formations. His ‘pay-zone’ theory held that near-surface mineable ore in Nova Scotia gold mines should continue at depth, provided the same structural conditions persisted. However, for various reasons his theory received a mixed reception. Back in Ottawa at the GSC offices, Faribault was a highly respected figure among fellow workers and supervisors alike, and across all departments. His quiet charisma and friendly nature, complemented by professional expertise, won him accolades as an ambassador well beyond the workplace. For his excellence in a young developing science, Faribault thoroughly earned the epithet, “The Grand Old Man of Nova Scotian Geology”.

The green reductive leaching of manganiferous iron ore and Mn3O4 nanoparticles production: Kinetic modeling and comparison of various reductants

BackgroundSecuring critical metals is crucial for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies. In this regard, extracting metals from various sources and low-grade ores can lead to the sustainable production of metals. Manganese, as a strategic metal, can play a significant role in achieving this goal. MethodsIn this study, various reductants such as oxalic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, tannic acid, hydrogen peroxide, iron (II) sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, and DL-malic acid were used to evaluate the feasibility and comparison on the manganiferous iron ore leaching. Significant findingsDL-malic acid was chosen as the main reductant to investigate other factors because it is novel (as a reductant), eco-friendly, cost-effective, accessible, and easily storable. Therefore, more detailed studies on the dissolution of manganiferous iron ore in the presence of DL-malic acid as the reductant were carried out considering different levels of temperature, particle size, acid concentrations, and leaching time. Increasing the temperature from 298 K to 348 K notably boosted the leaching recovery from 27.00 % to 70.11 %. It was observed that decreasing the ore particle size from -212 μm to -38 μm resulted in an enhancement of leaching recovery from 57.74 % to 70.11 %. Also, adding only 250 % stoichiometry of DL-malic acid notably increased the leaching recovery to 70.11 %, compared to just 5.32 % in a reductant-free medium. It should be noted that the concentration of sulfuric acid had a direct impact on leaching recovery, increasing by 28.28 % with a concentration of 0.5 M and by 93.08 % with a concentration of 4 M. In this research work, the kinetic of the leaching process was modeled using the modified shrinking core model (MSCM). The calculated activation energy was about 33 kJ/mole, which confirmed that the mixed mechanism controlled the reaction. Mn3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using a pregnant leach solution (PLS) and through a multi-stage co-precipitation method. In this method, hydrogen peroxide was used to modify the manganese hydroxide phase as a more eco-friendly method than other heat treatment methods. The SEM and EDX analyses revealed an average particle size of 80 nm with spherical shapes and no impurities. The XRD pattern of the synthesized nanoparticles confirmed the Mn3O4 phase composition.

MODEL OF LATERITE NICKEL DEPOSITS BASED ON LGSO AND HGSO VALUES PT MITRA KARYA AGUNG LESTARI

The laterite nickel deposit model provides information about the form of laterite nickel deposits below the surface, which can be used as one of the considerations in the implementation of mining activities. The purpose of conducting this research is to determine the distribution model of nickel laterite deposits in 3 dimensions (3D) and to determine the amount of nickel laterite reserves based on high-grade saprolite ore (HGSO) and low-grade saprolite ore (LGSO) values in the DH Block. In this research, Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) is used to estimate nickel laterite resources, which are applied using mining software Surpac 6.3.2 to produce a model in 3D form. The data used are laterite nickel content data (assay), x, y, and z coordinate data (collar), survey data, and lithology data. Based on IDW estimation results with a Cut Off Grade (COG) value of 1.3 in the DH Block of PT Mitra Karya Agung Lestari, High-Grade Saprolite Ore (HGSO) values were obtained at Ni content 1.7 and Low-Grade Saprolite Ore (LGSO) at Ni content 1.3, with a tonnage value of 111.994 tons of HGSO and 371.044 tons of LGSO.

Beneficiation process reengineering under the background of green development-- take the full utilization of a low-grade lead-zinc ore as an example

A zero-waste mine is an advanced mine development and resource utilization strategy that aims to encourage the reduction of mine solid waste at source and the utilization of all its components. A low-grade lead-zinc ore in Guangxi, China, contains valuable components like galena, sphalerite, pyrite, barite, etc. and the gangue mineral is primarily dolomite. This paper proposes a flow of “waste pre-discarding by dense medium cyclone - sequential priority flotation of lead and zinc recovery - flotation and gravity combined process for barite recovery” to realize full component utilization. In this technical approach, 38.81% of the waste rock that can be utilized as concrete aggregate was removed from the feed ore through pre-discarding prior to grinding, after that recovers lead and zinc by the sequential priority flotation method with yield of Pb concentrate and Zn concentrate at 7.61%. In order to more efficiently recover barite and pyrite from lead-zinc flotation tailings, the gravity equipment of reflux classifier (RC) was used, which obtained barite concentrate with a yield of 7.97% and pyrite concentrate with a yield of 2.28%. The remaining yield of 43.34% tailings can be used for filling after the recovery of barite concentrate. Utilizing waste rock, lead, zinc, barite, and other resources might help the mine achieve the dynamic balance of “mining-discarding-beneficiation-filling” and realize zero tailings discharge.

Analysis of bioleaching characteristics and multi-element dissolution behavior of complex zinc ores

In order to recover low-grade complex zinc ore in a reasonable way, this study adopts bioleaching method to study it. The ore samples contain 1.52%, 2.03% and 14.4% zinc, respectively, which occurs in the form of sphalerite. Other major minerals include pyrite, galena, quartz and mica. The inoculation of the domesticated strain was basically free of adaptation period, and the cell concentration could be rapidly increased after a short decrease. The leaching extent of zinc increased continuously, while the leaching rate decreased gradually. After the bioleaching process, sliver, lead and iron were mainly present in the residue phase. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy analysis showed that sphalerite, galena and pyrite were dissolved, and the latter two further precipitated to produce PbSO4 and jarosite. In addition, the dissolution of calcium compounds can lead to the formation of gypsum precipitation. These precipitates covered the fresh ore surface may hinder the further bioleaching process. The Exponential model was used to simulate the bioleaching process, and it was found that the fit coefficients were all greater than 0.98, and a reasonable leaching cycle was further discussed. The results provide a good basis for the economic and environmentally friendly recovery of low-grade complex zinc ores.

High flow-rate pre-leaching of low-grade uranium ore: gypsum reduction

High flow-rate pre-leaching of low-grade uranium ore: gypsum reduction

The deleterious role of gangue mineralogy in copper extraction: A case study of poor recovery in leaching low-grade Cu ores

In a series of four extended industrial column leach experiments spanning 542 days, aimed at examining Cu-recovery from low-grade sulfide ores, all instances yielded suboptimal Cu recovery rates (<27%). Through a nuanced analysis integrating time-resolved chemical data on leachate with detailed mineralogical investigations, we highlight that the dissolution of aluminosilicate gangue minerals is a pivotal factor constraining Cu recovery. The source materials, extracted from a low-grade segment of a Cu–Au porphyry deposit (∼0.32–0.36 wt% Cu), underwent diverse leaching conditions employing various lixiviants, curing phases, redox conditions, and particle size distributions. Notably, poor Cu recovery is closely tied to gangue mineralogy. The ammonia leach column experienced limited Cu leaching due to an inert gangue shielding chalcopyrite from the lixiviant. In acid columns, swift precipitation of silica-rich phases impeded effective Cu leaching at multiple scales, from large-scale-column to molecular levels. Identifying gangue mineralogy and considering their impact during acid leaching are crucial for formulating effective lixiviant strategies for Cu recovery from low-grade primary sulfide ores. The curing phase, requiring high acid concentrations (∼50 g/L H2SO4), emerges as a critical aspect for promoting effective gangue dissolution while preventing refractory silica-rich phase precipitation.

Characterizing low-grade refractory gold ores using automated mineralogy coupled with LA ICP-MS

Researchers have made notable progress in quantifying refractory components causing gold losses in traditional extraction methods. The potential for improving gold recoveries lies in targeted re-treatment of the 'invisible' gold fraction hosted within various ore minerals, even at low concentrations. This study presents a methodology for analysing the refractory components that cause gold losses in traditional extraction methods. The approach utilizes automated mineralogical techniques in conjunction with in-situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA ICP-MS) to characterize low-grade refractory ores and assess gold deportment. The methodology combines pre-concentration gravity separation, traditional chemical and mineral techniques, and LA ICP-MS to generate comprehensive datasets. To demonstrate the practical application of the methodology, a case study was conducted on historical tailings material from Witwatersrand's Evander Goldfield in South Africa. The case study aimed to determine the mineralogical distribution of gold that cannot be extracted through cyanidation. The results indicated that invisible gold is primarily hosted in pyrite (with an average concentration of 10.21 ppm representing 32 % of total gold), other sulphides (with an average concentration of 1.29 ppm representing 0.42 % of total gold), and oxides (with an average concentration of 0.50 ppm representing 1 % of total gold). The remaining gold is present in discrete fine cyanide amenable phases (with 28 % deportment) and silicate-hosted phases (with 39 % deportment). Environmental monitoring of the Witwatersrand tailings material revealed a net “acid-producing” nature, with high concentrations of heavy metals (such as As, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, and Ni) associated with sulphides (with over 78 % deportment). The deportment information obtained through this approach can optimize ore processing strategies and provide valuable insights for future remediation plans. By characterizing the refractory components causing gold losses and understanding the distribution of gold within the ore, this methodology offers the potential to enhance gold recovery and improve the efficiency of ore processing operations.

Process Optimization of an In-Situ Bioleaching Section with Associated Membrane Filtration in a Field Test Laboratory

The winning of critical raw materials from secondary resources, e.g., from abandoned mines, mining residues, electronic waste or low-grade ores, is a potential source with promising outcomes due to innovative and more efficient extraction methods. The research and education mine “Reiche Zeche” at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany offers a scientific lab in a real application environment for an in-situ bioleaching section from a low-grade sulfide ore vein with on-site associated membrane downstream processing. The evaluation and resumption of previous research activities showed both the feasibility and the potential for further up-scaling. But there was also potential evaluated for improving the effectiveness, especially in terms of individual process elements within the leaching and membrane cycle as well as regarding microbiology. Based on this, further optimization was carried out and effectiveness was evaluated and compared to the prior state. The results regarding the leaching outcome proved that process optimization leads to stable and continuous leaching process operations as well as to improved and more favorable conditions for the microorganisms due to the implementation of a bioreactor and changing the whole leaching operation from a direct into an indirect process. Furthermore, cleaning in place (CIP) resulted in the maintenance of selectivity despite discontinuous membrane process operation.

Nanoparticle depressants in froth flotation – The effect of colloidal silica with different size and surface modifications on the selective separation of semi-soluble salt type minerals

Colloidal silica has been presented as a selective depressant in froth flotation separation of scheelite and calcite by our group in 2020. Here we analyze the effects of colloidal silica dosage, specific surface area (i.e. size), and modification with microflotation on pure scheelite, calcite, fluorite, and apatite minerals. In a reagents scale-up procedure batch flotation experiments were conducted on a low-grade scheelite ore using statistical experimental design methodology. Microflotation experiments showed colloidal silica selectively depressing calcite flotation with increasing intensity with reduced size of colloidal silica. The nanoparticulate depressant did not affect the recoveries of scheelite, apatite, and fluorite – typical ore minerals that occur associated with calcite. Batch flotation of a low-grade scheelite ore confirmed the observations made at the microscale: colloidal silica significantly improves the scheelite-calcite selectivity index. Here, we observe a series of relations between colloidal silica specific surface area and modification on different process indicators such as scheelite-calcite selectivity index, recoveries, and froth properties. These relations are assumed to be due to the different aggregation mechanisms of the colloidal silica dispersions. The aluminate-modified colloidal silica, which tends to form a coherent gel network in the presence of Ca2+, shows the strongest effect on reducing calcite recovery accompanied by a significant reduction in scheelite recovery compared to the non-functionalised and silane-modified colloidal silica.

Eco-friendly and selective separation of nickel and copper from low-grade nickel sulfide ore via sulfur fixation roasting with MgCO3 followed by sulfuric acid leaching

Based on the demand for nickel sulfate for batteries and environmental pollution control, this work proposed a novel and clean magnesium carbonate roasting process for sulfur fixation followed by acid leaching for efficient extraction of Ni and Cu. The effect of some key factors, including mass ratio of MgCO3 to ore, roasting temperature, and roasting time in the MgCO3 roasting process, also leaching time, leaching temperature, acid concentration, and liquid-to-solid ratio in the leaching process, on the transformation of metals was investigated. An optimal roasting and leaching conditions were determined and 98.5 % nickel and 99.0 % copper were converted into metal sulfate into the leaching solution. In the roasting process, magnesium carbonate plays a major role in sulfur fixation by transforming into MgO, and the Mg element contained in the ore plays a minor role in sulfur fixation, and the sulfur element involved in the reaction is transferred to magnesium sulfate in the ore to avoid gas emission. And the magnesium carbonate can be recycled with almost no loss. The kinetic model of metal transformation in leaching process was determined by Sharp method and the results show that the transformation of metal is controlled by diffusion of solid product layer, the apparent activation energies and the influence index of the initial sulfuric acid concentration are determined to be 25.64 kJ·mol−1 and 1.26 (for nickel), 18.34 kJ·mol−1 and 1.43 (for copper), 15.36 kJ·mol−1 and 0.87 (for iron), respectively. From an economic and environmental perspective, this process has strong feasibility and broad application prospects for treating low-grade nickel sulfide ore.

A sustainable method for high-efficient exploitation of low-grade vanadium-bearing shale ore by oxidation roasting pretreatment

Vanadium (V), as a strategic metal, plays an important role in national security, economy, and infrastructure construction. The V-bearing shale ore should be vigorously developed in China because its’ vanadium reserves of 87% of the total. To solve the problem of environmental issues and high production cost problems in the traditional V extraction method for shale ore, oxidation roasting pretreatment with efficient and clean properties was proposed in this work. A V2O5 leaching efficiency of 94.33% was obtained under the pretreatment conditions of a roasting temperature of 700 °C, roasting time of 2 h, and particle size with −74 μm fraction of 80 wt%. The muscovite crystal was destroyed and the V was released from Al-O octahedral in the oxidation roasting process. Additionally, cracks and holes appeared on the surface of ore particles, which are conducive to the following acid leaching. The leaching residue was suitable for making silica fumes as a building material. Based on this study, a sustainable and high-efficient exploitation method was provided for the comprehensive utilization of V-bearing shale ore resources.

Comprehensive Study on Mineral Processing Methods and Mineral Technical Economics of Manganese Ore in Chongqing Chengkou.

Chongqing Chengkou manganese deposit is a large carbonate-type manganese deposit in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, located in Gaoyan Town, Chengkou County, Chongqing. In order to improve the recovery rate of low-grade manganese ore and concentrate grade index, achieve efficient utilization of mineral resources, and sustainable development of Gaoyan manganese ore deposit in Chengkou, Chongqing, China, in this paper, by means of optical microscope analysis, high-resolution X-ray tomography technology, three-dimensional image analysis technology, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrum analysis, and technical and economic analysis, the occurrence state and process mineralogy of manganese are studied, and the technical and economic analysis of flotation, high-intensity magnetic separation, and gravity separation are carried out. It provides a reference for other mining enterprises to choose the most suitable beneficiation method according to the specific mineral species.

Solvent extraction for high separation strategy of light and heavy rare earth elements from a sulfate-leached solution of low-grade monazite

A novel separation strategy for light REEs (Ce4+ and La3+) and heavy REEs (Y3+ and Eu3+) from a low-grade monazite ore leached solution in a sulfate medium was studied to achieve a higher selectivity of metal ions. A prior separation of higher valence Ce4+ was performed using 8.0 vol% Cyanex 923, 0.2 mol/L H2SO4 in the aqueous feed, an organic-to-aqueous (O/A) phase ratio of 1, and a temperature of 25 °C, yielding the separation factor β(Ce4+/REEs3+) = 9424. A reductive back-extraction of Ce2(SO4)3 was efficiently performed using a solution mixture of H2SO4 + H2O2 with concentrations ≥1.0 mol/L each. Further, Y3+ from Ce4+-depleted solution was selectively extracted using 2.0 vol% Cyanex 572 organic extractant and 0.2 mol/L H2SO4 in aqueous feed at an O/A ratio of 1, yielding a separation factor of 6438 at 25 °C. The subsequent extraction of Eu3+ over La3+ was carried out at 2.5 vol% D2EHPA, 0.05 mol/L H2SO4 in the aqueous feed, an O/A ratio of 1, and a temperature of 55 °C, yielding β(Eu3+/La3+) = 5787. Both Y3+ and Eu3+ from the individually loaded organics were stripped with an efficiency of ∼ 99.9% by contact with 2.0 mol/L (COOH)2 prepared in a 1.0 mol/L HCl solution. The remaining La3+ in the raffinate was directly precipitated by adding ≥0.01 mol/L (COOH)2 crystals at 90 °C. This article provides an efficient and highly selective recovery of REEs from a low-grade monazite leached solution with higher separation values β(Ce4+/REEs3+) = 9424 and β(Eu3+/La3+) = 5787.

A Comparative Analysis of Non-Cyanide and Cyanide Gold Leaching Technologies: Lessons Learned from the Failed CLINN GEM Facility and Promising Results of the REVIVE SSMB Project in Itogon, Benguet

This research paper presents a comparative analysis of a non-cyanide gold leaching technologies implemented in the small-scale mining community of Itogon Benguet against a potential gold recovery method with Free Cyanide decontamination and Sodium Cyanide recovery system. The study evaluates the failed CLINN GEM facility and the successful REVIVE SSMB project, focusing on technology readiness and acceptance, operational efficiency, and community engagement. The results demonstrate that the failure of the CLINN GEM facility was attributed to its low community acceptance, high operating costs, and complexity, hindering its practicality and scalability. In contrast, the REVIVE SSMB project achieved exceptional results through an alternative gold ore leaching process using Cyanidation CIP method, driven by strong community engagement, cost-effectiveness, sustainable wastewater/tailings discharge management system and simplified operation approach even for the recovery of gold from complex and low-grade Au ore from the locality. For a viability assessment, a stochastic model for the technology feasibility and project optional valuation under diverse uncertainty consideration for community adoption and expansion presentable to potential investors or for the option right to accept and manage the technology as demonstrated. This research simulated the viability of the REVIVE SSMB approach with a high predictability using Monte Carlo Model through Real Option Analysis; and under the worst-case scenario at 50th percentile (median) 74.53% recovery was achieved. Repeatedly with a similar 50th percentile simulation under an optimized condition with pulp density of 44- 50% and 3kg per ton of activated carbon loading during flotation yielded a gold recovery of 91%. Hence, it is arguably viable, coupling with the 98 to 99% free cyanide decontamination rate and the 55% NaCN recovery successful discharge management system under the REVIVE SSMB 6 months project model.

Roles and Regulation of Quorum Sensing of Acidophiles in Bioleaching: A Review.

Bioleaching has gained significant attention as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for extracting metals from low-grade ores and industrial byproducts. The application of acidophiles in bioleaching has been extensively studied. Among the various mechanisms leaching microorganisms utilize, quorum sensing (QS) is pivotal in regulating their life activities in response to population density. QS has been confirmed to regulate bioleaching, including cell morphology, community structure, biofilm formation, and cell metabolism. Potential applications of QS have also been proposed, such as increasing mineral leaching rates by adding signaling molecules. This review is helpful for comprehensively understanding the role of QS in bioleaching and promoting the practical application of QS-based strategies in bioleaching process optimization.

Mechanism of iron grains aggregation and growth in metalized pellet under the alternating magnetic fields

The direct reduction-magnetic separation method is highly efficient for producing metallic iron powder from low-grade complex ore resources. However, the limitation lies in the small average size of iron grains, which impedes the subsequent separation between metallic iron and gangue minerals. To address this, a novel method utilizing induction heating was introduced to stimulate the aggregation and growth of iron grains. Our study systematically investigated the growth kinetics behavior of iron grains under alternating magnetic fields. Additionally, we compared the impact of induction heating versus conventional heating on iron grain growth and delved into the mechanism through which the magnetic effect enhances the aggregation and migration of iron grains. The results indicate that iron grains can effectively aggregate and migrate to the edges of cracks or pellet surface under alternating magnetic fields, realizing the increase of average iron grain size and the pre-separation of metallic iron from gangue minerals. Specifically, the average iron grain size increased from 12.95 μm to 36.58 μm when induction heating temperature at 1300 °C for 100 min. Additionally, the total iron grade of concentrate reached 94.60% with ball milling 30 min and magnetic field intensity of 750 Gs. Finally, the growth model of iron grains under alternating magnetic fields was established and the mechanism of magnetic effect on promoting iron grains growth was revealed.

Reductive behavior of nickel and iron metallization in magnesian siliceous nickel laterite ores under the action of sulfur-bearing natural gas

Abstract This study is a process for the preparation of advanced nickel–iron alloys by selective reduction of nickel-poor laterite ores using a variety of reducing agents. The first part of the experiment was the reduction of nickel laterite ore using natural gas; the reduction yielded mostly nickel metal and a small amount of iron forming fine nickel–iron particles. Fine nickel–iron particles are formed through the reduction of nickel and a small amount of iron oxides. These particles are dispersed and embedded within silicates. Additionally, H2S present in natural gas reacts with iron oxide, resulting in the formation of FeS. This, in turn, forms a low melting point eutectic with Fe, which reduces surface tension and promotes the growth and aggregation of nickel–iron particles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various parameters such as roasting temperature, roasting time, natural gas concentration, and nickel laterite pellet on the formation and aggregation of ferronickel particles in low-grade nickel laterite ores. The results showed that the optimum reduction parameters were achieved at 900°C, 120 min, 40% natural gas concentration, and 40–60 mesh nickel laterite size, with roasting temperature being the most important factor followed by natural gas concentration, roasting time, and nickel laterite pellet. Using these parameters, the metallization rates of Ni and Fe were found to be as high as 95.3 and 8.5%, respectively.

Design of saccharide based organic binder for low-grade iron ore pelletization using atomistic simulations and machine learning methods

Inorganic binders like bentonite, used for pelletization of low-grade iron ore, generate iron ore slimes with comparatively high silica and alumina content necessitating extra steps for their removal during iron making process. This demands the usage of organic binders as full or partial replacement of bentonite for iron ore pelletization. In this work, adsorption of organic binders with saccharides skeleton and –H, –OH, –CH2OH and –CH2CH2OH as polar substituents, on goethite surface was studied using density functional theory, molecular dynamics and machine learning. It was observed that adsorption energy of binders on goethite surface had weak dependence on number of hydrogen bonds between them. With this favorable interaction in mind, a library containing 64 organic binders was constructed and adsorption energy of 30 of these binders was computed using molecular dynamics, followed by training of a linear regression model, which was then used to predict the adsorption energy of rest of the binders in the library. It was found that the introduction of –CH2CH2OH at R2 position resulted in statistically significant higher adsorption energy. Binder34 and Binder44 were identified as viable candidates for both goethite and hematite ore pelletization and adsorption of their n-mers on goethite and hematite surfaces was also quantified.