Abstract
An effective process flow-sheet for valuable component recovery from fine fractions has been developed based on Satpayev deposit ilmenite ore mineralogical and technological property analysis. Ore mineral composition was studied using X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis. Experimental studies were conducted using a Falcon L40 centrifugal concentrator and a WHIMS 3X4L high-gradient magnetic separator. High efficiency of fine fraction centrifugal beneficiation was established: titanium relative recovery efficiency from fine fractions exceeded 86% for −0.03 + 0.02 mm fraction and exceeded 57% for the −0.02 + 0.01 mm fraction. Larger particle size classes bigger than 0.03 and 0.04 mm titanium recovery exceeded 94%. Concentrate cleaning using high-gradient magnetic separation resulted in a product with a TiO2 grade of 47% and titanium recovery of up to 90% from the operation. The process flow-sheet designed resulted in ilmenite concentrate production with a TiO2 grade of 53.40% and a recovery rate of 92.30%, as well as zircon-bearing and quartz products suitable for further processing.