J. Abishev Chemical and Metallurgical Institute (Karaganda, Republic of Kazakhstan)

Mukhtar A. A., Head of Laboratory, Associate Professor, Candidate of Engineering Sciences
Kasymova B. K., Engineer, bkosimova@mail.ru
Atakhan M. M., Researcher

Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University (Karaganda, Republic of Kazakhstan)

Makashev A. S., Senior Researcher

The authors investigate processibility of old manganese ore tailings of the Zhezdy Concentration Plant (Mn 10.6%, Fe 2.7%, SiO₂ 60%) by dry and high-intensity magnetic separation. The chemical and material analyses of the representative sample show that manganese occurs mainly in weakly magnetic minerals (braunite, psilomelane), which predetermines the expediency of application of high magnetic fields. Laboratory tests on roller separator 138T were carried out at the inductions of 0.33–0.90 T. In the optimum mode of 0.48 T, the resultant magnetic concentrate features the Mn content of 29.7% at the recovery of 69.4% and yield of 24.7%, which is 2.6–2.8 times higher than the manganese content of the initial material. An increase of the induction up to 0.68–0.90 T provides the maximum yield and recovery, but is accompanied by a decrease in the quality of the concentrate due to an increase in the content of SiO₂, so such modes are only recommended for the rough processing stage with the subsequent after-treatment. The tendency of Mn concentration is confirmed by the data of the chemical analysis and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM ZEM-20 + EDS Oxford). The results clearly show the promising nature of dry magnetic separation of manganese ore tailings.

This research is funded by the Committee of Industry of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan under program-targeted funding for scientific research for 2024-2026, BR23991563: «Creation of Innovative Resourch-Saving Technologies for Mining and Integrated Processing of Mineral and Technogenic Raw Materials».

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