Optimization of flocculation process to selectively separate iron minerals from rejected iron ultra fines of Indian mines and minimize environmental issue

Abstract

Indian iron ore mining industry disposes large amount of ultra fines containing high gangue minerals, thereby lead to loss of iron values and environmental pollution. Selective flocculation studies have been thought of for beneficiation of ultra fines. Response of different types of starches to iron ore ultra fines generated by the hydro-cyclone in Joda Iron Ore Washing Plants, Orissa, India has been studied. The starches used are: (i) maize starch (MS), (ii) potato starch (PS) and (iii) causticized potato starch (CPS). The order of selectivity as flocculant towards iron bearing minerals is observed as MS