Determination of critical state line(CSL)for silty-sandy iron ore tailings subjected to low-high confining pressures

The disposal of filtered tailings in high dry stacks can induce particle breakage,changing the material's behaviour during the structure's lifetime.The grading changes influence material properties at the critical state,and this is not mature for intermediate artificial soils(tailings)in a broad range of confining pressures.In this paper,it aims to describe the behaviour of iron ore tailings in a spectrum of confining pressures broader than the reported in previous studies.A series of consolidated drained(CD)triaxial tests was carried out with confining pressures ranging from 0.075 MPa to 120 MPa.These results show that the amount of breakage plays an essential role in the response of iron ore tailings.The existence of curved critical state line(CSL)in both specific volume(ν)-logarithm of mean effective stress(p′)and deviatoric stress(q)-mean effective stress(p′)planes,and different responses in the deviatoric stress-axial strain-volumetric strain curves were verified.An inverse S-shaped equation was proposed to represent the silty-sandy tailings'behaviour up to high pressures onν-lnp′plane.The proposed equation provides a basis for enhancing constitutive models and considers the evolution of the grading up to severe loading conditions.The adjustment considered three regions with different responses associated with particle breakage at different pressure levels.

Diffusion and reaction mechanism of limestone and quartz in fluxed iron ore pellet roasting process

The increase to the proportion of fluxed pellets in the blast furnace burden is a useful way to reduce the carbon emissions in the ironmaking process.In this study,the interaction between calcium carbonate and iron ore powder and the mineralization mechanism of fluxed iron ore pellet in the roasting process were investigated through diffusion couple experiments.Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to study the elements’diffusion and phase transformation during the roasting process.The results indicated that limestone decomposed into calcium oxide,and magnetite was oxidized to hematite at the early stage of preheating.With the increase in roasting temperature,the diffusion rate of Fe and Ca was obviously accelerated,while the diffusion rate of Si was relatively slow.The order of magnitude of interdiffusion coefficient of Fe_(2)O_(3)-CaO diffusion couple was 10^(−10) m^(2)·s^(−1) at a roasting temperature of 1200℃for 9 h.Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5) was the initial product in the Fe_(2)O_(3)-CaO-SiO_(2) diffusion interface,and then Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5) continued to react with Fe_(2)O_(3) to form CaFe_(2)O_(4).With the expansion of the diffusion region,the sillico-ferrite of calcium liquid phase was produced due to the melting of SiO_(2) into CaFe_(2)O_(4),which can strengthen the consolidation of fluxed pellets.Furthermore,andradite would be formed around a small part of quartz particles,which is also conducive to the consolidation of fluxed pellets.In addition,the principle diagram of limestone and quartz diffusion reaction in the process of fluxed pellet roasting was discussed.

Iron ore tailings used for the preparation of cementitious material by compound thermal activation

In the background of little reuse and large stockpile for iron ore tailings, iron ore tailing from Chinese Tonghua were used as raw material to prepare cementitious materials. Cementitious properties of the iron ore tailings activated by compound thermal activation were studied. Testing methods, such as XRD, TG-DTA, and IR were used for researching the phase and structure variety of the iron ore railings in the process of compound thermal activation. The results reveal that a new cementitious material that contains 30wt% of the iron ore tailings can be obtained by compounded thermal activation, whose mortar strength can come up to the standard of 42.5 cement of China.

Phase, magnetism and thermal conductivity of glass ceramics from iron ore tailings

In order to develop the applications of ore tailings, the glass ceramics were prepared by using a conventional melting-quenching-sintering process. The phase component, microstructures, magnetic properties and thermal conductivities of the prepared glass ceramics were investigated by using X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer and thermophysical properties tester, respectively. The results show that orthorhombic olivine-type phase and triclinic sunstone-type phase formed when the glass was annealed at 700 oC, the concentration of olivine-type and sunstone-type phases decreased, the spinel-type cubic phase occurred and the amount increased when the annealing temperatures increased. The magnetic properties from the cubic spinel ferrites were detected in the glass ceramics, and the related saturation magnetization increased with the annealing temperature increasing. The porous glass ceramics with magnetic property showed much lower thermal conductivity, compared with the non-magnetic porous glass-ceramic and the dense glass-ceramics.

Reconstruction of broken Si–O–Si bonds in iron ore tailings (IOTs) in concrete

This paper reports a study on the reconstruction of broken Si O Si bonds in iron ore tailings (IOTs) in concrete. Limestone and IOTs were used to investigate the influence of different types of coarse aggregates on the compressive strengths of concrete samples. The dif- ferences in interfacial transition zones (ITZs) between aggregate and paste were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ener- gy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) were used to study microscopic changes in limestone and IOTs powders in a simple alkaline environment that simulated cement. The results show that the compressive strengths of IOTs concrete or paste are higher than those of limestone concrete or paste under identical conditions. The Ca/Si atom ratios in the ITZs of IOTs con- crete samples are lower than those of limestone concrete;the diffraction peak of the calcium silicate phase at 2θ = 29.5°, as well as the bands of Si O bonds shifting to lower wavenumbers, indicates reconstruction of the broken Si-O-Si bonds on the surfaces of IOTs with Ca(OH)2.

Different Effects of Wet and Dry Grinding on the Activation of Iron Ore Tailings

Improving the activity of Iron Ore Tailings(IOTs)to utilize them as a mineral admixture in cement-based minerals is still challenging.In this paper,the wet grinding technology was employed to stimulate the activity of IOTs,and the traditional dry grinding method was used as a reference.The effect of wet grinding on the activation of IOTs was evaluated through ion leaching from an alkaline solution and the reactivity index.Additionally,a detailed comparison between Dry-grinding Iron Ore Tailings(DIOTs)and Wet-grinding Iron Ore Tailings(WIOTs)was made.This comparison was based on particle characteristics,crystal structures,chemical structure,and surface properties.The results showed that the particle size of IOTs reduced rapidly during wet grinding.In addition,WIOTs had a higher activity index compared to DIOTs.The storage of lattice distortions in the quartz crystal structure was also more significant during the wet grinding process than during the dry grinding process.Moreover,both prolonged dry and wet grinding could destabilize the Si-O bond and decrease the surface binding energy.

Relationship between polymerization degree and cementitious activity of iron ore tailings

The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between the polymerization degree and cememitious activity of iron ore tailings. In light of the poor usage of iron ore tailings, stockpile samples from Tangshan were studied in terms of their ability to become cementitious materials. Compound thermal activation was used to improve the cementitious properties of the tailings, while analyzing methods, such as X-ray diffraction （XRD）, infrared spectroscopy （IR）, nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR）, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer （XPS）, were employed to study the changes in phase and structure under different activation conditions. The results reveal clear relationships between the binding energies of Si2p and O 1 s, polymerization degree, and cementitious activity of iron ore tailings.

Load-settlement behaviour of a strip footing resting on iron ore tailings as a structural fill

This study presents a laboratory investigation of load-settlement behaviour of a strip footing resting on iron ore tailings used as a structural fill.The footing was placed at various depths in the tailings bed.The relative density of the tailings was varied as D_r = 50%,70%and 90%.An incremental load was applied on the footing while observing the settlement until the failure took place.The results obtained for tailings were compared with those for the sandy soil.It is observed that the load-bearing capacity and stiffness increase with an increase in footing embedment depth and relative density.Compared to load-settlement behaviour of Perth sandy soil,the tailings fill could have as high as 22 times and 13.5 times the load-bearing capacity and stiffness,respectively.Therefore,the replacement of sandy soil with iron ore tailings for structural fills is cost-effective,and moreover,this application contributes to environmental sustainability in construction.

Mechanical behavior of iron ore tailings under standard compression and extension triaxial stress paths

The disposal of mining tailings has increasingly focused on the use of dry stacks.These structures offer more security since they use filtered and compacted material.Because of the construction method and the heights achieved,the material that compounds the structure can be subjected to different stress paths along the failure plane.The theoretical framework considered in the design of these structures generally is the critical state soil mechanics(CSSM).However,the data in the literature concerning the uniqueness of critical state line(CSL)is still controversial as the soil is subjected to different stress paths.With respect to tailings,this question is even more restricted.This paper studies two tailings with different gradings due to the beneficial processes over extension and compression paths.A series of drained and undrained triaxial tests was conducted over a range of initial densities and stress levels.In the q-p'plane,different critical stress ratio(M)values were obtained for compression and extension stress paths.However,the critical state friction angle is very similar with a slightly higher critical state friction angle for extension tests.Curved stress path dependent CSLs were obtained in the n-lnp0 plane with the extension tests below the CSL defined in compression.Regarding the fines content,the studied tailings presented very similar M and critical state friction angle values.However,the fines content af-fects the volumetric behavior of the studied tailings and the CSLs on the n-lnp0 plane shift downwards with the increasing fines content for compression and extension tests.In relation to dilatancy analysis,the fines content did not present an evident influence on the dilatancy of the materials.However,different values of mean stress ratio N were obtained between compression and extension tests and can corroborate the existence of non-unique CSLs for these materials.

Bulk geochemistry,Rb-Sr,Sm-Nd,and stable O-H isotope systematics of the Metzimevin high-grade iron ore deposit,Mbalam iron ore district,southern Cameroon

Bulk geochemistry,Sr,Nd,and O-H isotope systematics are reported for the first time on banded iron formation(BIF)-hosted high-grade iron ore at the northwestern segment of Congo Craton(CC).Located in Mbalam iron ore district,Southern Cameroon,Metzimevin iron ore deposit is a hematite-magnetite BIF system,dominated by SiO_(2)+Fe_(2)O_(3)(97.1 to 99.84 wt%),with low concentrations of clastic elements e.g.,Al_(2)O_(3),TiO_(2),and HFSE,depicting a nearly pure chemical precipitate.The REE+Y signature of the iron deposit displays strong positive Eu anomaly,strong negative Ce anomaly,and chondritic to superchondritic Y/Ho ratios,suggestive of formation by mixed seawater-high temperature hydrothermal fluids in oxidising environment.The^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios of the BIF are higher than the maximum^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr evolution curves for all Archean reservoirs(bulk silicate earth,Archean crust and Archean seawater),indicating involvement of continentally-derived components during BIF formation and alteration.TheƐ_(Nd)(t)(+2.26 to+3.77)and Nd model age indicate that chemical constituents for the BIF were derived from undifferentiated crustal source,between 3.002 and 2.88 Ga.The variable and diverse O and H isotope data(−1.9‰to 17.3‰and−57‰to 136‰respectively)indicate that the Metzimevin iron ore formed initially from magmatic plumes and later enriched by magmatic-metamorphic-modified meteoric fluids.Mass balance calculations indicate mineralisation by combined leaching and precipitation,with an average iron enrichment factor of>2.67 and SiO_(2)depletion factor of>0.99.This is associated with an overall volume reduction of 28.27%,reflecting net leaching and volume collapse of the BIF protholith.

Mechanical Properties of Iron Ore Tailings Filled-Polypropylene Composites

Iron ore tailings filled polypropylene (PP) composites were produced using the compo-indirect squeeze casting (C-ISC) process. Particle sizes 150, 212 and 300 μm where considered for different volume fractions of 5% to 30% at intervals of 5%. The tensile and impact behavior of the produced composites were investigated, experimentally, by carrying out uniaxial tensile and izod impact tests to obtain tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity and impact strength. Empirical data were compared with results obtained from models proposed by Nielsen, Bigg and Einstein. The experimental results show that elongation at break for iron ore tailings filled PP reduces with increasing 150 μm particle size. Tensile strength reduces with increasing filler. The Bigg equation exhibited improved predictability with decreasing particle size of filler in PP;while the Einstein equation which assumes poor adhesion gives the best prediction of modulus of elasticity with increasing particle size in PP. Izod impact strength decreases with particle size but increases with increasing volume content of iron ore tailings from 5% to 25% for each particle size considered.

Preparation of Micro-Iron Ore Tailings by Wet-Grinding and Its Application in Sulphoaluminate Cement

Herein,micro iron ore tailings(micro-IOTs)were prepared by wet-grinding and applied to improve sulphoaluminate cement(SAC)performance.The physicochemical properties of micro-IOTs were investigated by particle size analysis,XRD,and XPS.The hydrates trait and the hydration mechanism of micro-IOTs-SAC composite were studied by XRD,TGA,MIP,and SEM.The results demonstrated that micro-IOTs with an average grain diameter of 517 nm could be obtained by wet-grinding.The setting time of SAC gradually decreased with increasing micro-IOTs content.By adding 2%micro-IOTs,the compressive strengths of SAC pastes were enhanced about 22%and 10%at 4 h and 28 d,respectively.Moreover,the addition of micro-IOTs accelerated ettringite precipitation and changed its morphology,resulting in early strength improvement of the binary system.And increased later strength by micro-IOTs was closely related to the high content of AH_(3),fine pore structure,and high hydration degree of SAC.The findings suggested one new approach to utilize iron ore tailings in cementbased materials.

AEROCRETE MADE WITH LOW SILICON TAILINGS OF CHENGCHAO IRON ORE MINE

The experimental study on the tailings from Chengchao Iron Ore Mine has been introduced briefly. By analyzing the chemical and mineral compositions of Chenchao Iron Ore, the technological process has been constituted. According to the comparison experiments, the optimal proportion of cement and lime, dosage of the additional silicon - materials, calcium-silicon proportion, dosage of aluminum powder and other parameters have been decided. Aerocrete has been trial-produced successfully with the low-silicon iron ore tailings. It has opened up a new way for the exploitation of the low-silicon iron ore tailings.

Recovery of Iron Ore Tailings by Column Flotation

The exploration of iron ore in small mining companies results in a large amount of unrecovered fine material, representing 35% of the run of mine. Millions of tons of useful minerals are discarded every year into tailings, incurring operation costs, raising production losses and environmental impact. In addition to the disposal of 300 t/h of this material, millions of tons are already stored in tailings. CDTN carried out a study of the process in a column flotation pilot plant installed in the mining facilities with a slime sample, with a view to recovering this sludge using the reverse flotation technique. The aim of this experiment was to obtain a final concentrate whose Fe content assigned 66% with a SiO2 content below 0.8% and P lower than 0.03%. The results showed that the ultrafine flotation is an economical alternative if the improvement of the recovery in the mineral sector is concerned. Ultrafine flotation can also be assessed when dealing with reduction and treatment of effluent discharged in the environment.

Pavement Performance Research Progress and Evaluation of Asphalt Mixture Incorporating Iron Ore Tailings

In order to solve the problems caused by the storage of iron ore tailings (IOTs), many researchers conducted a series of experimental studies on the reuse of IOTs. The results of many studies showed that it was feasible to use IOTs for road engineering. This paper summarized the composition, gradation and particle characteristics of IOTs from chemical and physical aspects, and proved the feasibility of IOTs replacing traditional aggregate for asphalt concrete. Then, the research on the road performance of asphalt concrete incorporating IOTs were summarized and reviewed, including the evaluation of high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance, fatigue resistance and water stability. The water stability and the improvement of adhesion between asphalt and IOTs aggregate were discussed in detail. Finally, the performance of IOTs as asphalt concrete aggregate and the existing defects were evaluated, and future research directions were proposed.

Hydrometallurgical Processing of Brazilian Iron Ore Tailings for the Synthesis of Pigments

The aim of this study was to investigate the synthesis of iron oxide pigments from IOT. The sample of IOT was obtained through mining activity of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The procedure was carried out by hot acid leaching with hydrochloric acid (HCl) which allowed the recovery of about 95% of the iron in a liquor. The iron-based pigments—red (IBP_R), black (IBP_B), and yellow (IBP_Y)—were synthetised from the liquor by selective precipitation, crystallisation, and thermal procedures. The pigments were characterised by particle size distribution, mineral and chemical compositions, as well as colourimetric properties. The process of synthesis was successful and the procedure was shown to maximise the utilisation of mineral resources and minimise the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with IOT disposal.

Leaching behaviors of iron and aluminum elements of ion-absorbed-rare-earth ore with a new impurity depressant

Ion-absorbed rare-earth ore is an important mineral resource which is widely extracted by in-situ leaching process. And such process generates a significant amount of impurities such as aluminum and iron ions in leaching solution simultaneously. The surface characteristics and interactions by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were studied to optimize the leaching conditions. It is found that the environment-friendly depressant LG-01 can react with the impurity ions through the formation of a new complex on the surface of leaching residues. Thus, it reduces significantly the concentration of impurity ions in leaching solution and improves the leaching rate of rare-earth ore. Moreover, a leaching rate of 95.6% and an impurity removal rate of 92% have been achieved under the optimized conditions.

Fe extraction from high-silicon and aluminum cyanide tailings by pretreatment of water leaching before magnetic separation

Pretreatment of high content of Si- and Al-containing cyanide tailings by water leaching to remove some impurities, such as the major impurities minerals of Si and A1, as well as its effect on Fe extraction in the water leaching process was investigated. The effects of different parameters on iron recovery were studied, and the reaction parameters were proposed as follows： sodium carbonate content of 30%, water leaching at 60 ~C for 5 min, liquid/solid ratio of 15：1, and exciting current of 2 A. Under these optimal conditions, magnetic concentrate containing 59.11% total iron and a total iron recovery rate of 76.12% was obtained. In addition, the microstructure and phase transformation of the process of water leaching were studied by X-ray powder diffraction technique （XRD）, Electronic image of backscattering （BEI）, X-ray fluorescence （XRF）, and energy dispersive spectrometry （EDS）. The results indicate that the soluble compound impurities generated in the roasting process are washed out, and the dissoluble substances enter into nonmagnetic materials by water leaching, realizing the effective separation of impurities and Fe.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Actinomycete Isolates from Iron Mine Tailings

[Objective]The aim was to discuss the actinomycete biodiversity of iron-mine tailings by phylogenetic analysis of 12 typical isolates. [Method]The genomic DNAs were extracted by phenol-chloroform method; phylogeny analysis was carried out based on 16S rDNA PCR amplification and sequencing. [Result]The results showed that all the 12 strains belong to the genus Streptomyces sharing 98.7%-99.9% similarities with their nearest known neighbors. [Conclusion]Streptomyces is the dominant culturable actinomycete group of iron mine tailings,in which there are many potential novel species.

Non-isothermal thermal decomposition kinetics of high iron gibbsite ore based on Popescu method

The thermal decomposition kinetics of high iron gibbsite ore was investigated under non-isothermal conditions.Popescu method was applied to analyzing the thermal decomposition mechanism.The results show that the most probable thermal decomposition mechanism is the three-dimensional diffusion model of Jander equation,and the mechanism code is D3.The activation energy and pre-exponential factor for thermal decomposition of high iron gibbsite ore calculated by the Popescu method are 75.36 kJ/mol and 1.51×10-5 s-（-1）,respectively.The correctness of the obtained mechanism function is validated by the activation energy acquired by the iso-conversional method.Popescu method is a rational and reliable method for the analysis of the thermal decomposition mechanism of high iron gibbsite ore.