Effective Beneficiation of Low Grade Iron Ore Through Jigging Operation

The effectiveness of jigging operation for the beneficiation of low-grade iron ore deposits of Orissa, India has been investigated. Iron ore sample obtained from Barbil region of Orissa containing very high amount of silica and alumina was crushed using the laboratory jaw crusher and roll crusher to prepare different particle sizes. The sink and float tests were carried out to evaluate the possible response of the sample by gravity concentration technique. The samples were subjected to jigging in a laboratory Denver mineral jig and Harz jig. The operating variables used to determine the effectiveness of jigging include, particle size, velocity of water and amplitude. Recovery of iron values and the separation efficiency were assessed by determining mineralogy and the percentages of Fe in the jig concentrate and tailings by wet chemical and X-ray floroscence (XRF) techniques. Optimum iron ore recovery of 78.6% was achieved with 63.7% Fe in concentrate when the jig was operated at medium stroke, with an average water velocity and at a particle size of below 5 mm. The results are very close to theoretical results obtained by sink and float studies.