Mining Institute, Kola Science Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russia:

A. S. Opalev, Deputy Director of Science, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, a.opalevas@ksc.ru
I. V. Karpov, Leading Production Engineer

Kola Science Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russia:
S. V. Krivovichev, CEO, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The article focuses on increasing efficiency of ferrous quartzite processing at Karelsky Okatysh JSC. The processing technology currently in use at Kostomuksha GOK is characterized by higher losses of fine magnetite (-0.02 mm) and by insufficient dissociation of aggregates, due to ore over-grinding and extended circulation of middlings along the process chain of the concentrator. To increase the production efficiency, it is proposed to withdraw the concentrate at each stage of grinding using the expanded-front fine screening and subsequent combined magnetic/gravity separation. This approach to improving the process flow chart takes into account the mineral and material composition of ore, the features of ore pretreatment and separation operations, and ultimately can ensure the production of a concentrate with the quality of 70% Fetotal at the concurrent increase in the technical and economic performance owing to the rational use of energy in the ore pretreatment processes. To implement the technology of stage-wise concentrate withdrawal, it is proposed to use TAPP Group’s Banan-type AURY high-performance multicyclone screens for the preliminary classification of crushed ore and Derrick Corporation’s Superstack fine vibrating screens in combination with magnetic gravity separators MGS-2.0 to produce the finished concentrate. The proposed technology is based on the general principles formulated by Academician L. A. Vaisberg, to whom this article is dedicated.

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