Beneficiation of Gidan Jaja iron ore, Zamfara State Nigeria using magnetic concentration method

Abstract

This research work focused on the possibility of upgrading GidanJaja iron ore deposit located in Zurmi Local Governmental Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria using magnetic concentration technique.250 g of the representative sample was ground to the liberation size of the ore containing 52.08% Fe and 15.0% TiO₂ and then fed to the low intensity magnetic separator, the machine separated the ground sample into concentrate and tailing based on their magnetic susceptibility. Chemical analysis of the concentrate revealed 56.87% Fe and 12.20% TiO₂ with recoveries of 76.24% Fe and 48.67% TiO₂ respectively. The result obtained from concentration test inferred that GidanJaja iron ore can be upgraded using magnetic separation technique to produce a concentrate suitable for lump direct charging in the conventional Blast furnace. However, the presence of 12.20% TiO₂ is still a concern. The result fell below the standard specification for the concentrate to be used for sinters and pellets production for the blast furnace in Ajaokuta, Nigeria.