Dolomitic BIF beneficiation of Conceição - MG mine

Abstract In the Conceição - MG mine, there are significant reserves of dolomitic itabirite, which is considered overburden material. This study aimed to develop a flotation route for the concentration of this dolomitic BIF according to the requirements of the steel industry. The characterization of samples, comminution, liberation size, microflotation of the pure dolomite and hematite minerals were performed to establish the conditions for selective separation in bench flotation tests. The microflotation tests showed that the soybean oil at pH 6 preferably floats the dolomite in relation to the hematite. The corn starch depressant at a pH higher than10 preferably depresses the hematite relative to the dolomite. The bench flotation tests revealed interactions between the factors pH, percentage of solids in the pulp, soybean oil and starch dosage. The optimal results for bench flotation tests were achieved under the following conditions: pH at 10.5, percentage of solids of 27wt%, dosages of soybean oil and corn starch of 400g/ton and 351g/ton, respectively.