Reverse Anionic Flotation for Potential Beneficiation of Sekota Iron Ore, Northern Ethiopia
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Date
2023-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In this project study, hematite ore sample obtained from Sekota area, Northern Ethiopia was used. Main objective of the study is to obtain iron concentrate at possible maximum grade and recovery by using reverse anionic flotation beneficiation method. The effect of oleic acid collector dosage and sieve size fractions were studied and optimized. The chemical and mineralogical characterization of the ore was also determined. Results of chemical analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) showed that the iron ore contains 65.12% Fe2O3 (45.57% Fe). Major gangue minerals were SiO2 (20.62%) and Al2O3 (8.86%) while all other minerals were reported at <1%. Mineralogical descriptions using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and QEMSCAN BMA showed predominantly hematite and goethite with quartz, kaolinite and clay as gangue minerals while others P and S are in lower amounts. The concentrate 62.96% Fe2O3 with highest grade of 44.07% Fe was obtained with 43.4% Fe recovery in the feed size fraction (−63 μm) adding 3g/t of oleic acid collector. Based on the results obtained from the flotation tests conducted, Sekota iron ore at a sieve size of -75μm and -63μm were able to enhancing both grade and recovery.
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Beneficiation, concentration, tailing, grade, recovery