Integrated Mineralogical Characterization and Grindability Assessment of Ajabanoko Iron Ore (Kogi State, Nigeria) for Beneficiation Optimization
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51459/jostir.2026.2.2.0301Abstract
During mineral processing, understanding the relationship between mineralogical characteristics, particle distribution, and grindability is essential in optimising beneficiation. This study investigates the geochemical, mineralogical, and comminution behaviour of Ajabanoko iron ore, analytically integrating X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), petrographic analysis, and Bond work index determination. XRF analysis showed that the ore is silica-rich, containing 61.05% SiO₂ and 34.28% Fe, indicating a low-grade iron ore dominated by silica gangue. XRD results confirmed quartz as the dominant phase, with hematite and minor goethite as the primary iron-bearing minerals. Petrographic analysis showed a heterogeneous mineral assemblage consisting of quartz, feldspar, mica, and iron oxides, with moderate grain interlocking. Further, SEM-EDS analysis showed fine hematite particles closely associated with blocky quartz and coated by aluminosilicates, indicating complex mineral intergrowths. Particle size analysis revealed a theoretical liberation size of −250 +180 µm, and an actual liberation of −1200 +1000 µm. Grindability test using granite and rutile as reference ores yielded work indices of 13.20 and 16.40 kWh/t, with an average of 14.80 kWh/t, indicating moderate resistance to grinding. The actual energy required for comminution was estimated at 7.47 kWh/t. The results demonstrate that its mineralogical composition and textural complexity strongly control the comminution behavior of the Ajabanoko iron ore. The interlocking nature of iron-bearing minerals with silica-rich gangue necessitates optimised grinding conditions to achieve adequate liberation while minimizing energy consumption. These findings provide critical insights for the design and optimization of beneficiation strategies for low-grade iron ores.
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