Valorization of waste rocks from Boukhadra iron ore mine for better environmental management
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- Category: Solid-state physics, mineral processing
- Last Updated on 11 January 2018
- Published on 11 January 2018
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Authors:
I.Rouaiguia, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
M.Bounouala, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria
C.Abdelmalek, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria
A.Idres, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria
Abstract:
Purpose. Characterization of mining wastes for the valorization of waste rocks from the Boukhadra iron ore mine which is located near the Algerian-Tunisian border in the city of Tebessa (Algeria).
Methodology. Analyses by X-Ray Diffraction, petrographic studies on thin sections and polished sections, particle size analysis, analysis by X-ray Fluorescence of the raw sample including those for the different particle size of waste rocks of the Boukhadra mine were carried out to identify their mineralogical and chemical composition. Based on the physical properties of these mining wastes, magnetic susceptibility was taken into account for possible enrichment of the weakly magnetic iron minerals by high intensity magnetic separation on dry way (DHIMS). During the separation of wastes, we took into account the particle size distribution and the intensity of the electrical current.
Findings. The studies realized have enabled us to deduce that the Boukhadra waste rocks, which are generally extracted from the open-pit mine, mainly consist of limestone, hematite, gray and yellow marls, with an average grade in Fe2O3 of 19.97 %. The particle size analysis carried out on a representative sample of the waste rocks from the Boukhadra mine weights 500 g and crushed to 4 mm reveals that the iron-rich class (27.67 % Fe2O3) is located between -0.5 + 0.25 mm. Tests by dry high-intensity magnetic separation on different classes: (-1 + 0.5 mm), (-0.5 + 0.25 mm), (-0.25 + 0.125 mm) and (-1 + 0.125 mm) with alternatives amperages (3‒12 A) show that the experiment carried out in the class (-0.5 + 0.25 mm) at 12 A offers a concentrate of iron (40 % Fe2O3) against a reject of limestone and marls (43 % CaO, 15 % SiO2, 8 % Al2O3, 2 % Fe2O3).
Originality. This is a topical issue in the Algerian mining industry, which causes serious problems for the mining environment and local residents following the increase in volumes of mining wastes and their pollution in the Boukhadra region. So, the management of waste rocks represents a major preoccupation for protecting the environment and contributes to the sustainable development. It represents a model for the valorization and the management of waste rocks from this mine or any other iron mine.
Practical value. The installation of mining wastes enrichment equipment allows, on the one hand, the recovery of a marketable product and, on the other hand, the rejects resulting from magnetic separation (DHIMS) can be used in various fields, namely: cement plants, ceramic, construction materials (economic interest), it will also contribute to the rehabilitation of the mining site and the protection of the environment.
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