Prediction of Mineral Processing Behavior of Bauxite Ores by XRD Cluster Analysis

Abstract

The implementation of X-ray diffraction (XRD) cluster analysis in support of mineral exploration and mining operations has been highlighted in recent ore characterization and geometallurgical studies. This tool enables geological domains or ore types to be classified by distinguishing sample clusters with distinct mineralogical compositions and their potential implications in mineral exploration and/or processing behavior without the need for deeper XRD expertise. In this study, 69 bauxite samples from Porto Trombetas, Brazil were classified by cluster analysis. Results led to six groups and their subgroups, which correspond to the different geological weathering horizons of bauxite formation, each with different gibbsite, clay mineral and iron bearing mineral content. Scrubbing, size classification and mineral separations were conducted for each sample. The results demonstrated that samples from the same cluster present similar chemical and mineralogical compositions as well as an equivalent behavior on the mineral separation assays.