Reservoir characteristics and formation model of Upper Carboniferous bauxite series in eastern Ordos Basin,NW China

Through core observation,thin section identification,X-ray diffraction analysis,scanning electron microscopy,and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and isothermal adsorption experiments,the lithology and pore characteristics of the Upper Carboniferous bauxite series in eastern Ordos Basin were analyzed to reveal the formation and evolution process of the bauxite reservoirs.A petrological nomenclature and classification scheme for bauxitic rocks based on three units(aluminum hydroxides,iron minerals and clay minerals)is proposed.It is found that bauxitic mudstone is in the form of dense massive and clastic structures,while the(clayey)bauxite is of dense massive,pisolite,oolite,porous soil and clastic structures.Both bauxitic mudstone and bauxite reservoirs develop dissolution pores,intercrystalline pores,and microfractures as the dominant gas storage space,with the porosity less than 10% and mesopores in dominance.The bauxite series in the North China Craton can be divided into five sections,i.e.,ferrilite(Shanxi-style iron ore,section A),bauxitic mudstone(section B),bauxite(section C),bauxite mudstone(debris-containing,section D)and dark mudstone-coal section(section E).The burrow/funnel filling,lenticular,layered/massive bauxite deposits occur separately in the karst platforms,gentle slopes and low-lying areas.The karst platforms and gentle slopes are conducive to surface water leaching,with strong karstification,well-developed pores,large reservoir thickness and good physical properties,but poor strata continuity.The low-lying areas have poor physical properties but relatively continuous and stable reservoirs.The gas enrichment in bauxites is jointly controlled by source rock,reservoir rock and fractures.This recognition provides geological basis for the exploration and development of natural gas in the Upper Carboniferous in the study area and similar bauxite systems.

Fractionation characteristics of magnesium isotope in the ancient weathering crust

Weathering has always been a concerned around the world,as the first and most important step in the global cycle of elements,which leads to the fractionation of isotopes on the scale of geological age.The Middle Ordovician Majiagou Formation in Daniudi area of the Ordos Basin had experienced weathering for>130 Myr.Through thin section observation,major and trace element analysis,carbon,oxygen,and magnesium isotopes composition analysis,the dolomitization modes and weathering of ancient dolo-mite in Daniudi area were analyzed in detail.The results showed that the Sabkha and brine-reflux dolomitization modes had developed,and the Mg isotopes in different layers of the karst crust were fractionated by various factors.The vertical vadose zone was affected by weathering,the Mg isotope of dolomite(δ^(26)Mgdol)showed a downward decreasing trend;the horizontal underflow zone was controlled by diagenesis and formation fluid,δ^(26)Mgdol showed a vertical invariance and negative;the main reason for Mg isotope fractionation in the deep slow-flow zone was the brine-reflux dolomitization mode during early burial period,which showed a vertical downward increase.Finally,the Mg isotope characteristic data of the ancient weathering crust were provided and the process of Mg isotope frac-tionationinthekarstcrust was explained.

Petrological and Statistical Studies of the Limbiko Bauxite Deposit, Republic of Guinea

The increasing demand for Aluminium pushes the miners to multiply the research in order to answer this demand. The objective of this work is to characterize the bauxitic deposit of Limbiko. The methodology consists in collecting samples, and establishing stratigraphic logs, sections and geological maps. The analyses were carried out in the laboratory of the Company des Bauxites de Guinea. Statistical methods were used to process the geochemical data. The study area is characterized by sedimentary formations of the Devonian, in which the dolerites of the Mesozoic were injected. It is on these Devonian and Mesozoic formations that the Limbiko bauxite deposit was developed. The stratigraphic logs show the succession of formations. The parent rock is surmounted by an alteration crust. The petrographic study is based on the bauxitic and transitional zones characterized by ferruginous laterites. Both zones contain some ferriplantite. Mineralogical analysis shows the presence of gibbsite, goethite, alumogoethite, rutile and clay minerals. The geochemical study of the major elements shows that the more the contents of SiO2, Fe2O3 decrease, the more the content of Al2O3 increases and those of TiO2, Al2O3 increase in the same direction. The PCA confirms the mineralogical results by classifying the samples into clay, bauxite and ferrite.

Petrographic and Geochemical Characterization of Mayedo and Kinzoki Ranges (Sumbi Bauxite Region, Kongo Central/DR Congo)

The bauxitic region of Sumbi and its surroundings in Central Kongo (DR Congo) is located in an area corresponding to “bands” of basic rocks made up of microdolerites, basalts and andesites. The problem of this study is linked to the similarity of the phenomena that generated the depositional process of these ferruginous and aluminous formations. The aim of this article is to carry out a chemical and petrographic study of samples of bauxitic materials from the Mayedo and Kinzoki regions, with a view to their possible recovery. To this end, the chemical and petrographic analysis of the weathering formations outcropping in the study area was carried out using X-ray fluorescence and thin section methods. The latter revealed that two lithologies were detected in the healthy rocks: basalts with a mineralogical assemblage of plagioclase crystals, pyroxene microcrystals and oxide opaques;and dolerites represented by plagioclase crystals, pyroxenes and a few quartz crystals. X-ray fluorescence revealed high levels of Al2O3 (32.69%) in the Mayedo zone (MHb1). This visibly gibbsite-rich level corresponds to the zone of friable, homogeneous bauxite with a massive, blood-red texture, with an estimated gibbsite percentage of 55.50. The percentage of Fe2O3 is high in these zones at 42.77%, hence the dark red colour, reflecting a strong zone of ferruginasation. This horizon contains a high concentration of hematite and goethite minerals. Highly variable SiO2 contents ranging from 13.48% to 40.82%. These variations are essentially due to the dissolution of silica by leaching and resilification.

Radiological and X-Ray Diffraction Characterization of Bauxite and Rutile Ore Contaminated Environment in Kanam and Wase Mineral Exploration Sites, Plateau State-Nigeria

Two non-destructive analytical techniques (gamma spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer) were employed in the analysis of bauxite and rutile ore and their vicinity soil and control sourced within the Kanam and Wase mineral exploration sites. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the soil samples received from bauxite and rutile mineral mining vicinities revealed high concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K compared to the control soil samples sourced 500 m away from the mineral exploration vicinities. Radiological detriments RLI, AUI, Hin and Hex unveiled values exceeding the radiation standard concentration (>1) for soil. X-ray diffraction characterization of bauxite ore revealed the interlocking minerals of Bauxite (18)%, Albite (11)%, Garnet (15)%, Illite (6)% and Muscovite (43)% in various proportions obtained within the 2θ range (9.18 to 64.4) and a peak value (intensity, cps) of 3400. Pure bauxite percentage in the ore meets metallurgical grade (15 - 25)%. X-ray diffraction of rutile ore revealed the minerals of rutile (40)%, quartz (21.4)%, ilmenite (27)% and garnet (11.8)% found within the 2θ range (27.5 to 35.6) and a peak value intensity of 31.1 - 100.0 cps also meeting the metallurgical grade of 15% - 25%. The major environmental concern associated with the mineral-sands industry is the radiation hazards, pollution of ground-water sources from heavy metals, mineral transport with heavy equipment’s, dredging operations in fragile coastal area and clearing of vegetation.

Upgraded Analytical Protocols in Bauxite Refining Industry Using Composite Sampling Approach to Minimize Laboratory Analysis Load

The laboratories in the bauxite processing industry are always under a heavy workload of sample collection, analysis, and compilation of the results. After size reduction from grinding mills, the samples of bauxite are collected after intervals of 3 to 4 hours. Large bauxite processing industries producing 1 million tons of pure aluminium can have three grinding mills. Thus, the total number of samples to be tested in one day reaches a figure of 18 to 24. The sample of bauxite ore coming from the grinding mill is tested for its particle size and composition. For testing the composition, the bauxite ore sample is first prepared by fusing it with X-ray flux. Then the sample is sent for X-ray fluorescence analysis. Afterwards, the crucibles are washed in ultrasonic baths to be used for the next testing. The whole procedure takes about 2 - 3 hours. With a large number of samples reaching the laboratory, the chances of error in composition analysis increase. In this study, we have used a composite sampling methodology to reduce the number of samples reaching the laboratory without compromising their validity. The results of the average composition of fifteen samples were measured against composite samples. The mean of difference was calculated. The standard deviation and paired t-test values were evaluated against predetermined critical values obtained using a two-tailed test. It was found from the results that paired test-t values were much lower than the critical values thus validating the composition attained through composite sampling. The composite sampling approach not only reduced the number of samples but also the chemicals used in the laboratory. The objective of improved analytical protocol to reduce the number of samples reaching the laboratory was successfully achieved without compromising the quality of analytical results.

Quantitative characterization of vertical zonation of Mesozoic granite weathering reservoirs in the coastal area of eastern Fujian Province,China

Weathering crust reservoirs have obvious vertical zonation,which is the focus of weathering crust reservoir research,but there is a lack of quantitative characterization indexes.To achieve the quantitative characterization of granite weathering crust reservoir and provide the basis for oil exploration of granite weathering crust buried hill reservoir,in this paper,the vertical zonation of granite weathering crust reservoir is quantitatively divided by testing and analyzing the uniaxial compressive strength(UCS),magnetic susceptibility(MS),permeability,and chemical index of alteration(CIA)of the Mesozoic granite weathering crust in the coastal area of eastern Fujian.The results show that the granite weathering crust reservoir can be divided into four zones vertically:a soil zone(SZ),weathered and dissolved zone(WDZ),fracture zone(FZ),and bedrock zone(BZ).A cataclastic area is developed in the FZ and BZ,in which structural fractures are well-developed,the fracture surface density is usually greater than 200 m/m^(2),and the contribution to the fractures in the rock mass is up to about 50%,making this the sweet spot of the reservoir.In the SZ,the rocks are loose,and the pores are well-developed.The UCS is less than 10 MPa,and the average rate of change of the UCS(Δ_(σ))is 0.90.The average permeability is 2823.00 mD,and the average rate of change of the permeability(Δ_(κ))is 5.13.The average CIA is 74.9%.The average clay mineral content is 7%.The rocks in the WDZ have been significantly weathered by physical and chemical processes,and the weathering fractures and dissolution pores are well-developed.The average UCS is 18.2 MPa,and the averageΔ_(σ)is 0.70.The average permeability is 143.80 mD,and averageΔ_(κ)is 4.17.The average CIA is 65.3%.The average clay mineral content is 4%.Under the influence of tectonic movement and physical weathering,the rocks in the FZ have developed structural fractures and a few weathered fractures.The average UCS is 57.9 MPa,and the averageΔ_(σ)is 0.18.The average permeability is 5.50 mD,and the averageΔ_(κ)is 2.55.The average CIA is 61.6%.The average clay mineral content is 2%.In the BZ,the rocks are intact and hard.The average UCS is 69.9 MPa,and the average Ds is 0.13.The average permeability is 1.46 mD,and the averageΔ_(κ)is 1.43.The average CIA is 57.8%.The average clay mineral content is less than 1%.The multi-parameter combination of the UCS,Δ_(σ),permeability,Δ_(κ),CIA,and clay mineral content achieved good results in the division of the zones of the weathering crust.The UCS increases gradually from top to bottom,while Ds,permeability,Δ_(κ),CIA,and clay mineral content all decrease gradually.In addition,based on the petrophysical parameters of the rocks,including the density,resistivity,and acoustic velocity,a good division effect was also achieved,which can provide a basis for the vertical zonation of the granite buried-hill weathering crust reservoir.

Chemical weathering profile in the V–Ti–Fe mine tailings pond:a basalt-weathering analog

The(ultra-)mafic mine tailings pond revealed a weathering discrepancy in the tailings profile,which provided a valuable analog to assess the role of carbonate and silicate weathering of the basalt.In this study,drill-cores samples were selected from the Wanniangou V–Ti–Fe mine tailings pond(Sichuan province,China)to investigate the mineralogicand geochemical characteristics in the tailings profile.The results reveal(1)the tailings pond profile consist of upper and lower layers.The upper layer is composed of carbonate weathering(1.4%),which was formed in the initial stages of tailings exposure and represented a minimal weathering degree.(2)The lower layer was primarily observed at the aquifer zone of the tailings pond,and was consistent with 0.45%carbonate weathering and 48.4%silicate weathering.(3)The weathering discrepancy in the tailings profile could be due to the sulfide oxidation and aerobic/flowing aquifer,which facilitate the water-tailings reactions.The tailings profile provides an analog to studying basalt weathering,as it spans both carbonate and silicate weathering.This research reinforces the idea that silicate weathering is predominant in basaltic areas and plays a crucial role in regulating atmospheric CO_(2)(carbon dioxide)levels on Earth.

Construction of a Gravel Road Using Bauxite Residue

Results from research efforts over many years by the Highway Laboratory of Civil Engineering Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki(AUTH)and other academic or research institutions on behalf of"Aluminium of Greece"have demonstrated the potential use of bauxite residue in the construction industry as bricks,in the ceramic industry,for restoring abandoned surface mines and road construction.This paper details the construction of a gravel road using bauxite residue on the road"St.Nikolas-Kiriaki"in the site of the"Aluminium of Greece".The final layer included the addition of bauxite aggregates to provide an additional road carrying capacity.The aim of the project was to construct a trafficable surface for trucks and other vehicles with adequate resistance to heavy traffic loads and external factors as changing climatic conditions or soil erosion due to the rain.The construction is the right balance between technically excellent result and economically feasible.The prospect of using bauxite residue for similar road construction,or in general road construction,remains open.

Effects of cementation on physical properties of clastic rock-originated weathering crust reservoirs in the Kexia region,Junggar Basin,NW China

Cements are widely developed in clastic rock-originated weathering crust(CWC)reservoirs in the Kexia region along the northwestern margin of the Junggar Basin and significantly affect reservoir physical properties and oil and gas distribution in this area.Focusing on the CWC reservoirs at the top of both the Permian Jiamuhe Formation and the Triassic Karamay Formation,this study analyzed the types and characteristics of cements in the reservoirs and explored their effects on reservoir physical properties based on thin sections,SEM images,XRD results,and tests of physical properties.The main results are as follows.The cements in the CWC reservoirs in Kexia region mainly consist of carbonate minerals(41.5%),clay minerals(27.8%)and zeolite minerals(30%),as well as small amount of siliceous minerals.Among them,the carbonate minerals are dominated by siderite and calcite,the clay minerals mainly include kaolinite,interstratified illite/smectite(I/S)and chlorite,and the zeolite minerals primarily comprise heulandite and laumontite.These different types of multiphase cements are generally paragenetic or associated and affect reservoir physical properties to different degrees.Specifically,the carbonate and clay cements of the early diagenetic stage reduced the reservoirs’average porosity from 21%to 15%.The dissolution of some carbonate and zeolite cements in the early A substage of the middle diagenetic stage restored the average porosity to 18%,and the cementation in the late A substage decreased the average porosity to 13%again,of which about 4%was reduced by carbonate cements.The average porosity of the CWC reservoirs gradually decreased to the current value of approximately 10%in the B substage of the middle diagenetic stage.The impact of cementation on the CWC reservoirs can reach as far as 70 m below the unconformity.Moreover,the types and contents of cements vary with their depth below the unconformity surface,leading to the development of multiple zones with high cement content and the differentiated oil and gas distribution.

Characteristics and identification of weathering crust of Pennsylvanian volcanic rocks in Shixi area,Junggar Basin

Based on drill core and thin section observation,major geochemical element analysis and con-ventional well log analysis,this study summarizes the characteristics and thickness of weathering crust of Pennsylvanian volcanic rocks(Carboniferous)in Shixi area,Junggar Basin.The weathering crust is identified and divided into three types according to the petrological characteristics and well log interpretations in Shixi area,and the isopach of weathering crust is mapped.The results show that:(1)With the increase of depth,the weathering weakens,and the rocks become less fractured with decreased porosity;(2)the weathering crust of the Upper Carboniferous volcanic rocks can be divided into strongly weathered and mildly weathered layers in Shixi area;(3)the weathering crust is relatively thicker in Dinan uplift and Shixi uplift.This study provides research basis for further evaluation of Upper Carboniferous volcanic reservoir,and will benefit for well location deployment and potential oilfield development in the Shixi area.

Prediction of Chemical Composition of Ancient Glass Relics before Weathering

Ancient glass relics are easily weathered by the influence of buried environment, and the internal elements exchange with the environmental elements in large quantities, resulting in changes in their composition ratio. Archaeological research can often detect the component content of glass relics after weathering, but it is difficult to obtain the corresponding component content before weathering. It is necessary to predict the chemical composition of glass relics before weathering in order to accurately identify the type of glass relics and repair them. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a distributed matching strategy, and studies the influence of weathering on the composition content of glass through compositional correlation analysis and linear regression statistical methods, so as to build a prediction model of the composition content of glass relics before weathering. The results show that the composition prediction model of glass cultural relics constructed by the distribution matching strategy has a good prediction ability, which is consistent with the change trend of the composition ratio of linear regression analysis. Moreover, the model is simple and easy to operate, which is convenient for popularization and application, and provides theoretical basis and reference value for further research on the composition and accurate classification of glass cultural relics.

Outline of Metallogenic Regularity of Bauxite Deposits in China

Among the abundant aluminum ore resources in China, bauxite is dominated, which is mainly distributed in 19 provinces and regions, including Shanxi, Henan, Guizhou and Guangxi. The major deposit type of bauxite is paleo-weathering crust sedimentary type, and the other one is the accumulation type. The main metallogenic period is the late Paleozoic Era followed by the Cenozoic Era. The metallogenic tectonic background is characterized by a cratonic environment. This paper summarizes the bauxite metallogenic regularity based on the characteristics of bauxite resources, bauxite deposit type, bauxite metallogenic belt and metallogenic series in China, and 15 bauxite metallogenic belts, 8 bauxite metallogenic series and 7 bauxite ore concentrated areas were identified in the study. This paper also provides a theoretical basis for the evaluation of the potential of bauxite resources.

The dynamic development of bacterial community following long-term weathering of bauxite residue

Bauxite residue is the industrial waste generated from alumina production and commonly deposited in impoundments.These sites are bare of vegetation due to the extreme high salinity and alkalinity,as well as lack of nutrients.However,long term weathering processes could improve residue properties to support the plant establishment.Here we investigate the development of bacterial communities and the geochemical drivers in bauxite residue,using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology.Long term weathering reduced the pH in bauxite residue and increased its nutrients content.The bacterial community also significantly developed during long term weathering processes.Taxonomic analysis revealed that natural weathering processes encouraged the populations of Proteobacteria,Chloroflexi,Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes,whereas reducing the populations of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria.Redundancy analysis(RDA)indicated that total organic carbon(TOC)was the dominant factors affecting microbial structure.The results have demonstrated that natural weathering processes improved the soil development on the abandoned bauxite residue disposal areas,which also increased our understanding of the correlation between microbial variation and residue properties during natural weathering processes in Bauxite residue disposal areas.

Cavernous Weathering in Aeolian Sandstones: An Example from the Yongningshan Hill of the Loess Plateau, Northwest China

Cavernous weathering is commonly found on sandstone slopes in different environments. Either a single dominant process or polygenetic agents require to be invoked in order to interpret the development. The Yongningshan hill of the central Loess Plateau is representative of cliff dwellings in Northwest China, which is characterized by well-developed cavernous weathering features and provides a good opportunity for the better understanding of sandstone weathering in the Loess Plateau. Multiple methods, including field survey, in-situ rock strength measurement, along with experiments on samples for microscopic observation, element composition and salt chemistry, were employed to investigate the controlling factors of cavernous weathering. The results show that cavern development is different on the four slopes with the western slope hosting massive honeycombs, tafoni and hardened surfaces. The porous and permeable aeolian sandstones are fundamental, because they provide space and pathways for the transportation of water and salt, honeycombs dominantly aligning within the lamination of cross-beds. The environmental factors such as the seasonal wetting and drying cycle, aeolian salt, moisture and water vapor are key factors for the development of cavernous weathering forms. The northern and northwestern wind-blown dust storms have brought abundant salts, the lengthier dry periods of the wetting and drying cycle being beneficial for salt accumulation within caverns, favoring salt weathering.

Effect of Bauxite Aggregate on Properties of Al_2O_3-SiC-C Iron Trough Castables

A1203-SiC-C iron trough castables were prepared using high alumina bauxite clinker GL-90 （ 〉 1 mm ） or homogenized bauxite GL-88 to replace the traditional brown corundum aggregates （ 〉 1 mm ） to reduce the cost of iron trough castables. Effects of the two bauxite aggregates on properties of iron trough eastables were investigated. The results show that the two kinds of bauxite affect flowability, bulk density, strength and slag corrosion resistance of trough castables differently. Compared with homogenized bauxite, high alumina bauxite clinker is more suitable to substitute brown corundum. The castables prepared from the bauxite clinker have similar performances with those prepared from brown corundum, especially used in medium or small blast furnaces with weak thermal impact and lower temperature hot metal. However, in large blast furnaces with severe thermal impact and high temperature hot metal, the performances of the two castables are significantly different. So it is suggested to use the brown corundum based castables in the front gyral zone of the slag skimmer.

Metallogenic mechanism of Pingguo bauxite deposit,western Guangxi,China:Constraints from REE geochemistry and multi-fractal characteristics of major elements in bauxite ore

Major and REE geochemistry and multi-fractal analysis of two types of bauxite(primary bauxite and accumulated bauxite) ores were studied in Pingguo bauxite orefield in western Guangxi,China.The results of geochemical data show that the accumulated bauxite has a feature of high Al_2O_3 whereas relative low Fe_2O_3 and SiO_2 contents compared to the primary bauxite.The similar chondrite-normalized rare earth element(REE) patterns illustrate that they have a cognate relationship.However,the negative Ce anomalies of primary bauxite and positive Ce anomalies of accumulated bauxite indicate that the ore-forming system changed from reducing environment to oxidation environment.The results of multi-fractal spectrum and parameters of Al_2O_3,Fe_2O_3 and SiO_2 between primary bauxite and accumulated bauxite show that the distinct multi-fractal spectrum parameters reflect the different grade distribution between accumulated and primary bauxite ores.Metallogenic process from primary bauxite to accumulated bauxite is accompanied by the loss of diffluent elements(e.g.,Si and S) and enrichment of stable elements(e.g.,Al and Fe) in the surface environment.Among the rest,the migration mechanism of iron during the evolutionary process from primary ore to accumulated ore can be described as combined leaching and chemical weathering action with participation of sulfur.

Pre-desilication and digestion of gibbsitic bauxite with lime in sodium aluminate liquor

The effect of lime on the pre-desilication and digestion of gibbsitic bauxite in synthetic sodium aluminate liquor at different tem- peratures was investigated. The bauxite is comprised of gibbsite, aluminogoethite, hematite, kaolin, quartz, and minor boehmite. Lime in- creases the desilication efficiency of the bauxite during the pre-desilication process by promoting the conversion of sodalite and cancrinite to hydrogamet. Desilication reactions during the digestion process promoted by lime result in the loss of A1203 entering the red mud, but the amount of aluminogoethite-to-hematite conversion promoted by lime leads to the increase of aluminogoethific A1203 entering the digested liquor. The alumina digestion rate at 245~C is higher than that at 145 C due to the more pronounced conversion of aluminogoethite to hema- tite. The soda consumption during the digestion process decreases due to lime addition, especially at higher temperatures.

Chemical weathering intensity and element migration features of the Xiashu loess profile in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province

The chemical weathering intensity and element migration features of the Xiashu loess profile in Zhenjiang are studied in this paper.（1）The Xiashu loess profile underwent moderate chemical weathering.It seems that the precipitation is a more important factor than the temperature in controlling the process of the chemical weathering.（2）The major elements such as Si,K,Na,Ca,Mg,Mn and P were migrated and leached,while the elements Fe and Ti were slightly enriched.The migration features of the major elements reveal that the Xiashu loess finished the primary process of chemical weathering characterized by leaching of Ca and Na,and almost reached the secondary process characterized by leaching of K.Except the elements Sr and Ga,other trace elements such as Th,Ba,Cu,Zn,Co,Ni,Cr and V were enriched.It might be caused by both the biogeochemical process and the adsorption of trace elements by clay mineral and organic materials.（3）The difference of element migration down the Xiashu loess profile reveals that the climate was warm and wet at the early-middle stage of the middle Pleistocene.At the end of the middle Pleistocene,it became dry and cool.At the early stage of the Late Pleistocene,the paleoclimate became warm and wet again.As a whole,the paleoclimate generally became drier and cooler in this region from the beginning of the middle Pleistocene.

Mineralogical and sink-float studies of Jajarm low-grade bauxite

Jajarm＇s bauxite deposits are mainly diasporic, and they have a low mass ratio of Al2O3/SiO2. It is necessary to increase the run-of-mine mass ratio before feeding the material to the Bayer process. Chemical analysis indicated that the low-grade bauxite sample from Jajarm contained 43.9wt% Al2O3 and 13.35wt% SiO2, resulting in a mass ratio of 3.29. According to mineralogical studies, the presence of aluminosilicate minerals such as kaolinite, illite, and quartz was the main reason for the decrease of the mass ratio. Microscopic observations revealed that, with the size reduction from -1000＋710 to -38 μm, the liberation degree of diaspore increased from 10% to 60%, and that of aluminosilicates increased from 20% to 85%. Heavy liquids with the densities of 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, and 3.4 g/cm3 were used to evaluate the heavy media separation in three sizes, i.e., -3350＋710, -710＋212, and -212＋125 μm. Laboratory studies confirm that the density of 3.2 g/cm3 can produce the concentrates （in sunk fractions） with recoveries of 89.09%, 91.24%, and 84.68% with the Al2O3/SiO2 mass ratios of 5.03, 5.16, and 5.15 for the -3350＋710, -710＋212, and -212＋ 125 μ m sizes, respectively.