Holistic Pre-Feasibility Study of Comminution Routes for a Brazilian Itabirite Ore

Comminution is an essential step in processing itabirite ores, given the need to liberate silica and other contaminants from iron minerals for downstream concentration then pellet feed production. In general, these ores Brazil are not particularly hard crush grind, but both capital (CAPEx) operating (OPEx) expenditures this stage of preparation can be critical project, particular due uncertainties ore prices. Several circuits have been designed operation type Brazil; however, it yet clear which technologies more cost-effective configuration they should applied. This work critically analyzes four comminution undisclosed case study. For circuits, CAPEx, OPEx, some environmental sustainability indices, as well qualitative technical criteria, were used comparisons. concludes that two process routes, especially those based on energy-efficient (and one still rarely explored even at bench-scale), demonstrated very attractive multiple standpoints.