The Geochemical and mineralogical characterization of Tajimi iron ore in Kogi State and determination of its flotability nature

O. J. Ajakaye; O. O. Alabi; S. C. Ebidame; Y. E. Gbadamosi

O. J. Ajakaye Federal University of Technology Akure
O. O. Alabi Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure
S. C. Ebidame Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure
Y. E. Gbadamosi Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7756-5582

Keywords: Beneficiation, Characterization, Froth flotation, Industrial potential, Iron ore

Abstract

This research focuses on the geochemical and mineralogical characterization of Tajimi iron ore, located in Kogi State, Nigeria, with the aim of evaluating its industrial potential through froth flotation. A comprehensive analysis of the ore was conducted using techniques such as X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and petrographic analysis, followed by a beneficiation via froth flotation method. The chemical composition of the crude ore was determined to be 62.166% Fe₂O₃ and 18.568% SiO₂, with other trace elements also identified. Mineralogical analysis revealed the presence of goethite and cristobalite as the dominant minerals, with significant interlocking within the ore matrix, which facilitates the comminution process. Froth flotation was employed to enhance the iron concentration, resulting in a froth concentrate with 68.260% Fe₂O₃ and a depressed product with 68.006% Fe₂O₃. The recovery rate of iron oxide in the concentrate was 32.941%, with an enrichment ratio of 1.098 and a concentration ratio of 3.333, indicating a successful beneficiation process. The findings suggest that Tajimi iron ore has significant industrial potential, though further refinement is needed to reduce silica and other impurities.