Investigation of physicochemical characterization and magnetic enrichment of iron ore from Sidi Maarouf deposit

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2024.297846

Keywords:

iron oxide, characterization, steel industry, magnetic separation, washing, Jijel region, eastern Algeria

Abstract

The establishment of a new metallurgical complex in Bellara, located in El-Milia in the Jijel region, is geographically advantageous due to its proximity to the Sidi Maarouf deposit (Algeria). This proximity has been a fundamental motivation for the completion of the current study. The object of research is the quality of iron products from Sidi Maarouf. The research is aimed at developing a treatment process aimed at improving the quality of iron products from Sidi Maarouf, while reducing the impurities of quartz and clay present in this ore. This approach will be based on an approved technological treatment scheme, implemented through an experimental approach to ensure reliable results that meet the requirements of the steel industry. The problem issue revolves around the difficulties encountered in the production of steels due to the natural characteristics of the raw material.

In the absence of a physico-chemical characterization of the Sidi Maarouf iron ore deposit, samples taken undergo a series of thorough analyses, including microscopic examinations, X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as additional chemical analyses using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The identified minerals are predominantly composed of hematite in terms of iron. As for the gangue, it is mainly composed of calcite and quartz. Through to the pre-treatment process involving washing, we have successfully removed lightweight particles, resulting in a concentrate containing dense particles. This approach was crucial in achieving satisfactory results during the high-intensity dry magnetic separation. As a result of the research it is shown that the enrichment of the Sidi Maarouf iron ore through high-intensity dry magnetic separation, a final concentrate was obtained with a Fe2O3 content exceeding 67 %, along with a significant reduction in silica impurities to 0.92 % and alumina to 0.77 %. It was concluded that this concentrate, derived from the -1+0.5 mm fraction and obtained under a current intensity of 12 A, meets the requirements of the steel industry.

Following the work carried out, it is found that the methods of valorization of iron ore through mineralogical processes consistently require a high level of efficiency and performance in terms of equipment and characterization of the products obtained. In the future, iron ore processing will be conducted using innovative methods, integrating advanced technologies to enhance its characteristics while adopting environmentally friendly practices.

Author Biographies

Abdeslam Chaib, Badji Mokhtar University

PhD, Lecturer, Head of Mining Department

Laboratory of Valorisation of Mining Resources and Environment (LAVAMINE)

Soufiane Bouabdallah, Abderrahmane Mira University

PhD, Lecturer

Meriem Ferfar, Environmental Research Center (C.R.E)

PhD, Researcher

Aissa Benselhoub, Environmental Research Center (C.R.E)

Associate Researcher

Environment, Modeling and Climate Change Division

Nadiia Dovbash, National Scientific Centre «Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences»

Researcher

Stefano Bellucci, INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati

Senior Researcher

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Investigation of physicochemical characterization and magnetic enrichment of iron ore from Sidi Maarouf deposit

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Published

2024-02-08

How to Cite

Chaib, A., Bouabdallah, S., Ferfar, M., Benselhoub, A., Dovbash, N., & Bellucci, S. (2024). Investigation of physicochemical characterization and magnetic enrichment of iron ore from Sidi Maarouf deposit. Technology Audit and Production Reserves, 1(3(75), 9–14. https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2024.297846

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3(75) (2024): Chemical engineering

Section

Chemical and Technological Systems

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Copyright (c) 2024 Abdeslam Chaib, Soufiane Bouabdallah, Meriem Ferfar, Aissa Benselhoub, Nadiia Dovbash, Stefano Bellucci

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