Froth Flotation of Ajabanoko Iron Ore Deposit in Kogi State towards Nigerian Iron and Steel Development

Abstract

Low grade Ajabanoko iron ore assaying 40.72% Fe crude and 34.40% SiO2 was subjected to Froth Floatation process with the intension of upgrading it to standard specification of 60% Iron (Fe) concentrate towards production of pig iron which could be used for iron and steel development in Nigeria. Chemical analysis conducted on the concentrate samples from Froth floatation process using Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) and Flotanol gave highest Fe content at underflow of 41.52% and 45.48% respectively and high silica as gangue of 39.63% and 33.30% respectively. The acceptable iron concentrate of a beneficiated ore that can be used in Blast furnace and direct reduction steel making process are 64% Fe and 68% - 70%Fe respectively. The results obtained from the work fell short of this standard, hence, the use of floatation reagents is not advisable for upgrading low grade Ajabanoko Iron ore