Routes for An Iron Recovery Contained in the Jigue Residue

Ludmila Samara Barbosa, Ivon Luís da Silva Prado and Osmar Henrique Costa Barbosa, and Manoel Robério Fernandes

Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais , Brazil

Abstract: The Arcelormittal Mineração Serra Azul (AMMSA) generates a coarse-grained residue from the jigging process during the concentration of iron ore of the type sinter feed. This material is stacked but it´s not marketed due to characteristics that do not conform

to the quality standards defined by the steel market. Therefore, the present study presents a route of magnetic concentration of high intensity in rougher stage for three different granulometric bands. The granulometric bands studied were: Sample A (-5.00 mm +2.36 mm), Sample B (-2.36 mm +0.60 mm) and Sample C (-0.60 mm). The sample A was obtained by granulometric classification, while samples B and C underwent comminution procedures. After the concentration tests, the values of mass and metallurgical recoveries were respectively: sample A (78.30% and 95.13%); sample B (50.75% and 96.83%) and sample C (68.59% e 84.08%). As study results, it is observed the obtaining of a commercializable concentrate for the sample C, with the Fe content higher than 62.50% and SiO2 content less than 8.5%. Samples A and B did not reach the commercial standard of 62.50% of Fe and 8.5% of SiO2, reaching 59.64% Fe and 10.16% SiO2 for sample A and 60.52% of Fe and 8.66% of SiO2 for sample B. However, a blending with a richer material could be an option for correction of the contents. Another option would be to consider the possibility of using a cleaner stage for the treatment of this material of superior granulometry.

Key words: iron ore, tailings, concentration, recovery