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Feasibility assessment of low-grade iron ore from El Ouenza mine by high-intensity magnetic separation

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Category: Content №1 2025

Last Updated on 25 February 2025

Published on 30 November -0001

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Authors:

H.Bouzeriba*, orcid.org/0009-0009-9378-7343, University of Bejaia, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Materials Technology Process Engineering (LTMGP), Bejaia, Algeria, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

N.Bouzidi, orcid.org/0000-0002-9154-5895, University of Bejaia, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Materials Technology Process Engineering (LTMGP), Bejaia, Algeria

A.Idres, orcid.org/0000-0001-8029-0930, University of Badji Mokhtar, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Laboratory of Mineral Resources Valorization and Environment (LAVAMINE), Annaba, Algeria

I.Laala, orcid.org/0009-0006-3684-9200, University of Bejaia, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Materials Technology Process Engineering (LTMGP), Bejaia, Algeria

L.Zaoui, orcid.org/0000-0002-3842-4728, Department of Ecology and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, University of 20 th August 1955, Skikda, Algeria

* Corresponding author e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

повний текст / full article

Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu. 2025, (1): 028 - 033

https://doi.org/10.33271/nvngu/2025-1/028

Abstract:

Purpose. The objective of this work in the first stage is to characterize the poor iron ore from the El Ouenza mine. Then, in the second stage, it is a question of valorizing it by high intensity magnetic separation.

Methodology. The characterization of representative samples taken from the study area was carried out using several techniques, including X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Processes involving a combination of calcination and high-intensity dry magnetic separation were used to upgrade the poor iron ore to meet the requirements of the steel industry.

Findings. The results obtained show that the El Ouenza iron ore consists mainly of ferrous minerals, notably hematite and goethite, as well as a siliceous and calcareous gangue. The treatment results enabled us to achieve a grade of 51.94 % for the sample calcined at 900 °C using a magnetic field of 2.3 T on the size fraction (-0.5 0.125) mm.

Originality. The originality of the work lies in the possibility of using combined methods, calcination and magnetic separation, to valorize poor iron ore from the Ouenza mine.

Practical value. This study shows that the results obtained by calcination and magnetic separation are very significant. These techniques enable us to obtain a concentrate with an iron content of 51.94 %, bringing value to the steel industry, eliminating the reserves of poor iron ore stored near the mine site and preserving the environment.

Keywords: El Ouenza mine, enrichment, treatment, magnetic separation, calcination, environment

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