Beneficiation Study of Iron Ore from Pakke area of Bontocani Subdistrict, Bone Regency of South Sulawesi, Indonesia Using Roasting and Magnetic Separation Methods

Abstract

This study aims to examine the characteristics and analyze the magnetic beneficiation process of iron ore from Pakke area of Bontocani subdistrict, Bone regency. Mineralogical analysis using Microscopic and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) methods indicate that iron ore sample is composed of quartz (SiO₂), calcite (CaCO₃), goetite (FeO.OH), hematite (Fe₂O₃) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄). The results of chemical analysis by means of XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) method showed that sample consists of 30.49% Fe₂O₃, 42.39% SiO₂, 10.03% MnO and 1.19% As₂O₃. Each feed fraction was separated using a low-intensity drum magnetic separator.  The higherst Fe₂O₃ content of concentrate product was 54.21% and recovery of 75.31% which was achieved at the size fraction of (-180 + 150) μm. The addition of wood charcoal as reducing agent by 3% during roasting process at the temperature of 950^oC for 90 minutes has led to increase the Fe₂O₃ content in concentrate product about 63.791% but recovery was slightly recerease to about 65.20%. It was shown that the size fraction of (-180 + 150) μm is better feed in this experiment.