Author(s)

K.J. Olatunji, A.G. Durojaiye

Mineral Resources Engineering Department, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Bond index is useful in designing of grinding system in mineral processing. In this study, the Bond work index of Birnin- Gwari iron ore in northern Nigeria is determined using modified Bond’s method using ‘reference ore’. Samples of iron ore were sourced using random method, reference minerals; marble and granite of known weight and iron ore of known weight were ground using the laboratory ball mill grinding machine. 80% passing size for the iron ore marble and granite samples were obtained at 100μm sieve size for the feeds and products. The work index of reference minerals; marble and granite were used to calculate the work index of iron ore. The value of 28.66 Kwh/short ton and 24.92 Kwh/short ton were obtained. The value of 20.39 Kwh/short ton was selected as it is within the range indicated by previous research work on iron ore in Nigeria.

Bond index, Birnin-Gwari iron ore, modified, reference minerals, mineral processing.

K. Olatunji and A. Durojaiye, "Determination of Bond index of Birnin- Gwari Iron Ore in Nigeria," Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, Vol. 9 No. 7, 2010, pp. 635-642. doi: 10.4236/jmmce.2010.97045.