UP-GRADING OF AGBADO-OKUDU IRON ORE USING MAGNETIC SEPARATION AND SHAKING TABLE TECHNIQUES

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Author

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Department of Engineering

ABSTRACT
The beneficiation of the Agbado Okudu iron ore deposit located in Kogi State, Nigeria was investigated. The investigation involved determining the chemical composition and mineralogical characteristics of the run-of-mine. Followed by determination of the work index of the ore and then separation tests using shaking table, magnetic technique and a combination of the two techniques. The results of the tests carried out revealed that the Agbadu okudu iron ore contained on the average a total iron content (38.82% FeT), 49.10% (Si02) and other element. Thin sections of the ore sample examined under polarized light revealed that the iron bearing minerals are predominantly magnetite and hematite with a combined average percentage distribution of 69% and the mineral in abundant after the iron bearing minerals is quartz. The grindability test reveals that the Agbado Okudu iron ore has and average work index of about 4.32 kwh/tonne. The results of gravity separation shows that a concentrate with a maximum grade of 55.81% (FeT), and a recovery of 66.40% at particle size fraction -56 + 45?m could be produced. While magnetic separation alone produced a concentrate with an optimum grade of 57.43% (FeT), and a recovery of 82.12% at particle size fraction of – 80+63?m. However, combination of gravity separation technique (shaking table) followed by magnetic separation technique could only produce a concentrate with an optimum grade of 57.17% (FeT), and a recovery of 80.85% at a particle size fraction of –63+53?m. Hence, based on the results obtained from the concentration tests, the Agbado Okudu iron ore deposit can be best beneficiated using magnetic technique to produce a concentrate that can serve as feed for pig iron production by conventional blast furnace route.