Iron Processing of the Clear Hills Iron Deposit
Patrick Kerr, PhD student in Materials Engineering
Supervisor - Dr. Qi Liu and Dr. Thomas Etsell
For over 50 years, there have been a number of geological, mineralogical, and metallurgical studies carried out on the Clear Hills iron deposits. Due to the low grade and complex mineralogy, previous investigations have achieved limited success. After careful analysis of previous experiments, reports on the Clear Hills iron deposits and various iron ore processing techniques, it was determined that there are a number of processes worth further investigating experimentally, as well as investigation into the economics of such processes.
A process that involves physical beneficiation prior to direct reduction of the iron oxide mineral is desired, such as, fine grinding followed by gravity (centrifugal) separation, froth (reverse quartz) flotation, or (wet high intensity) magnetic separation (WHIMS). Using these techniques will minimize the heat input required for ironmaking. If the energy required in achieving a suitable grind size for adequate liberation of the iron minerals is too great, or if the processes are unsuccessful, then investigation of preliminary heat treatment of the ore may be required. |
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