Characterization and Beneficiation of Anka Chromite Ore Using Magnetic Separation Process

O.K. Abubakre, R.A. Muriana, P.N. Nwokike

Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna.
Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna(Deceased).

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2007.62012                

Abstract

Chromium is largely used as alloying elements in steels for production of stainless steels. It is added in form of ferro-chromium, which is presently imported from Russia and Germany to meet the need of Nigerian Steel Industry. Chromite ore (FeOCr₂O₃) is the most important mineral occurrence of chromium, and some deposits are reported in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. This work involves the analysis of collected ore samples from Anka in Zamfara State. The samples assaying 36.84% of Cr₂O₃ was subjected to beneficiation process in order to enrich the ore, in terms of the Cr₂O₃, using magnetic separation. The results obtained after the analysis of the beneficiated ore using wet chemical analysis and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer shows that Cr₂O₃ content increased to 48% with a maximum Cr:Fe ratio of 6.2:1. The content of Cr₂O₃ is high enough and can be used for ferro-chromium alloy production.

Keywords

Ferro-alloys, Chromium recovery, Chromium Iron Ratio, Alloy steel, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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