Mining and Minerals

Chrome and Manganese Ore Processing

Chrome and manganese are sold into ferroalloy markets that pay for a ratio and punish contamination, and both are processed from ores where the valuable mineral is dense but not always easy to liberate cleanly. This course covers producing saleable product from each. Delegates work through chromite and manganese mineralogy, including the chrome to iron ratio that determines value and the manganese to iron ratio buyers watch. Comminution to liberation without excessive fines generation is addressed, since fines are where recovery is lost. Gravity concentration is covered through spirals, shaking tables and dense medium, with the circuit configurations used on the Bushveld and elsewhere. Ultra fine chrome recovery is addressed. Magnetic separation for manganese follows. Drying, sizing and lumpy against fines products are covered. Ferroalloy smelting requirements are addressed so operators understand what the customer needs. Tailings retreatment is covered as a real revenue source. The course closes on product specification, sampling and moisture penalties.