Upgrade of SLon concentrate with the use of froth flotation on a typical African iron ore

ABSTRACT

This study focus on the upgrading of SLon concentrates, of a complex African iron ore, with the aid of flotation. Mineralogical studies indicated that the +38µm material was not liberated and required milling prior to flotation. The -38µm material was well liberated and was close to the required product specification, with a Fe content of 99.7% of the target grade. The proposed beneficiation process includes de-sliming (38µm) of the SLon concentrate and milling of the +38µm material, followed by froth flotation. The new proposed flow diagram showed that the SLon concentrate of this African iron ore can successfully be upgraded.

KEYWORDS:

• Iron ore
• froth flotation
• floatability

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.