Beneficiation
Bauxite Resources has initiated research into the possibility of beneficiation for the Darling Range bauxite ore. Beneficiation has two main advantages;
- Ore grade quality is improved by taking out contaminants
- Improved levels of extractable alumina reduces quantity of ore transported and therefore decreases freight costs
Bauxite Resources Technical Marketing & Quality Control
BRL has commenced beneficiation studies in conjuction with a number of service providers including CSIRO. There are a number of possibilities to improve the grade of bauxite, the methods currently under investigation include:
- Dry screening
The size distribution/ grade relationship provides opportunities to select the optimum grade fraction. - Magnetic separation
The iron rich nodules in Darling Range bauxite have a magnetic component derived from the presence of maghemite.
Maghemite is thought to have formed over time by the heating effects of bushfires on the iron bearing minerals. Davis tube and magnetic separation studies have commenced. - Flotation
Flotation studies with aim of reducing the quartz content will commence shortly.
Underpinning the beneficiation studies an innovative technology to fine grind the bauxite at low cost has been trialled on a small scale. Further larger scale studies are in the planning stage.
Quality Control for Bauxite Export
It is intended to use Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to enable simple and rapid mine grade control. Calibration sets are being prepared for this purpose.