Integrated Mineralogical Characterisation of Banded Iron Ores of Orissa and Its Implications on Beneficiation

J. K. Mohanty, M. S. Jena, A. K. Paul

1Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
Department of Geology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, India.

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2012.1112122                

Abstract

Iron is a primary raw material for steel industry. Increase in demand for steel puts pressure on iron resources of India in respect of its grade and reserve. With increase in demand for good grade of ore vis-a-vis its limited reserve, the utilization of low to medium grade iron ores is the order of the day with adoption of advanced beneficiation techniques. In order to find out the effective way of utilization, an in depth mineralogical study is essential as it throws light on the mineralogical peculiarities associated with the ores which affect the resultant beneficiation technique as well as the final product. In order to have a detail insight into the different mineralogical attributes, various characterisation studies megascopic, microscopic (both optical & electron), XRD, mossbauer and VSM are undertaken on the iron ores from different iron ore formations of Orissa. Importance of integrated mineralogical characterisation in beneficiation of iron ores is discussed.

Keywords

Iron Formation; Characterization; Beneficiation; Mossbauer Spectroscopy; Orissa

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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