Concentration studies on chromite tailings by multi gravity separator

Abstract

In this study, a representative sample was obtained from Uckopru mine in Turkiye in order to beneficiate fine-sized chromite tailings. Physical and chemical analyses showed that while the whole tailings contained 12.80%Cr2O3 (100% by weight), the particle size fraction of minus 38 microns contained 25.20%Cr2O3 (33.20% by weight) and the particle size fraction of plus 38 microns contained 6.64%Cr2O3 (66.80% by weight). The mineralogical investigations revealed that the sample contained chromite and serpentine group minerals as its main components. For concentration purposes, a Multi Gravity Separator was used for chromite fines in the experiments. The best results using the MGS device for the sample of minus 38 microns were obtained under the following conditions: angle, 2 degrees; frequency, 5.7 cpm; amplitude, 15 mm; and drum speed, 230 rpm. These conditions gave a chromite grade of 47 %Cr2O3 with fairly high recovery of 72%.