Mineralogy of Iron Ores of Different Alumina Levels from Singhbhum Belt and Their Implication on Sintering Process

Abstract

To increase the life of the mines, ores of lower quality are blended with the higher quality ores. In general, the blending of ores at mines site is controlled by the chemical composition of the ores by controlling the Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 levels on the lowest side possible. However, if there is a change in mineralogy, like an increase in hydrous phase the composition may still be the same, but this difference may affect the sinterability and sinter quality. The mineralogical investigation of iron ores and their chemistry are required to avoid the increase in deleterious elements during sintering. By the know-how of the behavior of individual iron ores in terms of their sinterability, in advance, the quality of the iron ores blend can be optimized to produce quality sinter and productivity. Characterisation studies conducted on iron ores of Singhbhum Orissa belt revealed that hematite, goethite, clay, gibbsite and quartz occur in all the iron ore samples but in variable proportions. Traces of alumina, present as solid solution in the iron oxide minerals, has also contributed Al 2 O 3 to the ores.