Exploring the Potentials of Tailings of Bukuru Cassiterite Deposit for the Production of Iron Ore Pellets

Abstract

Cassiterite ore was sourced from Dogo-Na-Hawa, in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government of Plateau State, Nigeria. The ore was analyzed as mined and its various constituents noted. Previous study has shown considerable iron ore composition of the deposit. The present study entails the separation and analysis of magnetic mineral (mostly iron ore) from the ore. The beneficiated iron ore was pelletized using the facilities of the Nigerian Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos. The pellets so produced were subjected to various tests such as drop resistance, green compressive strength, dry compressive strength at 900oC, tumbler resistance, micro porosity and indurations compressive strength at 1100oC. The results indicated Bukuru cassiterite contains sufficiently high grade of iron ore that could be beneficiated for iron production. The pellets produced are of good quality and could be utilized for iron and steel making.