Characterization and Beneficiation of Anka Chromite Ore Using Magnetic Separation Process
- 1 Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna
- 2 Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna
- 3 Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna(Deceased)
Abstract
Chromium is largely used as alloying elements in steels for production of stainless steels. It is added in form of ferro-chromium, which is presently imported from Russia and Germany to meet the need of Nigerian Steel Industry. Chromite ore (FeOCr 2 O 3 ) is the most important mineral occurrence of chromium, and some deposits are reported in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. This work involves the analysis of collected ore samples from Anka in Zamfara State. The samples assaying 36.84% of Cr 2 O 3 was subjected to beneficiation process in order to enrich the ore, in terms of the Cr 2 O 3 , using magnetic separation. The results obtained after the analysis of the beneficiated ore using wet chemical analysis and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer shows that Cr 2 O 3 content increased to 48% with a maximum Cr:Fe ratio of 6.2:1. The content of Cr 2 O 3 is high enough and can be used for ferro-chromium alloy production.
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