SADME/Amdel mineral research project OD 1/1/249: Warrakimbo micaceous iron oxide deposit - ore beneficiation testing and product assessment. Progress reports on work completed during the period May 1980 to March 1987.
Created: 11 Nov 2024
Revised: 02 Dec 2024
Author: Radke, F.;Capps, P.G.;Ellis, J.K.W.;Webb, A.W.;Patterson, D.
In May 1980 Amdel was asked to carry out preliminary investigations to determine the beneficiation potential of the various minerals present in a sample of Warrakimbo micaceous iron oxide. In the first stage of the work a mineralogical examination...
In May 1980 Amdel was asked to carry out preliminary investigations to determine the beneficiation potential of the various minerals present in a sample of Warrakimbo micaceous iron oxide. In the first stage of the work a mineralogical examination and quantitative head analysis were completed. The bulk mineralogy and degree of haematite liberation within various size fractions of crushed sample were determined by point counting. Results showed that haematite is well liberated, even in the coarsest size fractions, whereas pyrite showed a much improved liberation with finer particle size. Chalcopyrite occured mainly as liberated grains locked with non-opaque gangue and goethite. Stage two of the testwork addressed beneficiation by magnetic separation and flotation at grind sizes of minus 75 micrometres and minus 212 micrometres. Product assay results showed that for the coarser ground feedstock, separation of copper and sulphur-bearing grains from the haematitic ore was better than for the case of the finer feedstock, with recoveries of 58% Cu and 92% S to copper sulphide concentrates being achieved by normal sulphide flotation methods. Prior magnetic separation was also effective in separating a high grade haematite (88-94% Fe2O3) from non-magnetic gangue and other iron oxides. Based on the above analytical tests, it appears feasible to produce an upgraded Warrakimbo ore to meet commercial specifications for micaceous iron oxide.
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