Iron Ore Characterization Techniques in Mineral Processing

Abstract

While iron is a pivotal metal that is exploited commercially, its extraction from ores, subsequent processing and purification follows a series of steps, and material characterization in terms of physical, chemical and mineralogical features and behavior is imperative at each stage. Some characterization tests rely solely on physical measurements, while others are based on optical and chemical data. Thus, employing these techniques is critical for gaining a complete understanding of ore characteristics such as physical, chemical, textural, mineralogical, granulometric, etc., in order to forecast its behavior during processing operations, and as a result, to optimize the process. Consequently, this review highlights some of the primary characterization tests such as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) used in iron ore processing and their significance in analyzing various properties such as elemental composition, porosity, mineral association, and liberation, among others, while also introducing additional and emerging techniques used in iron ore mineralogical assays and processing operations. Characterization tests are presented used not just for high-grade iron ores, but also for low-grade discard materials such as fines and tailings. While optical microscopy and SEM aid in micro-morphological examinations, and XRD, FTIR, and other techniques aid in detailed chemical investigations, TGA and BET assist in physical characterization. A combination of these techniques may be deemed ideal for gaining a thorough understanding of ore characteristics as well as ore processing. © The Institution of Engineers (India) 2023.