Particle disintegration of an important Brazilian manganese lump ore

Abstract

The manganese lump ore from Morro da Mina mine is typically silicate carbonated and presents a great economic potential for the ferroalloy companies installed in Minas Gerais. However, its low manganese content, associated with the lack of knowledge about its metallurgical properties makes it difficult for large scale application. This pioneering study aimed to amply investigate this lump ore's particle disintegration. One ton of ore from the mine was homogenized and quartered. Representative samples were characterized by different techniques, such as ICP-AES, XRD, SEM, BET and OM. Aiming to characterize particle disintegration, three parameters were proposed: Cold Disintegration Index (CDI), Decrepitation Index (DI) and Heating Disintegration Index (HDI). By using these indexes, it was possible to conclude that this manganese lump ore did not present significant disintegration at room temperature. At medium temperature test, slight decrepitation occurred, and at high temperatures, intense disintegration was detected. The carbonate decomposition and porosity growth were the main responsible factors for the ore hot particle disintegration.

Geometallurgical characterisation of Mn ores

“…These differences might reflect differences in crystal size and alignment which in turn, for example, could affect the particle's processing behaviour during transport, comminution or its granulation behaviour and/or reactivity during agglomeration or/decrepitation potential in the electric furnace (e.g. Clout 2003; Donskoi et al 2016; Faria et al 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015; Ksiazek et al 2011, 2013).…”

Solar photovoltaic energy applied to ferroalloy industry

“…It could be by local concessionary with regulated tariffs or by a free market of energy with bilateral negotiation. (Abradee, 2018) In manganese ferroalloy production around the world, for example, the most used way is the electric reduction furnace (Faria et al, 2014). Souza (2016) shows that manganese ore is a strategic mineral to Brazil due to its widespread use in ferroalloys production.…”