Studies on concentration and direct reduction of the Ramim iron ore

Beneficiation and direct reduction of the Ramim iron ore was studied. Feed concentrates were obtained by gravity concentration of oolites followed by wet, high-intensity magnetic separation. Poor liberation prohibits physical concentration of goethite from oolites. These concentrates were directly reduced with different reductants at varying temperatures, followed by dry magnetic separation. Quality of concentrates depends on temperature, iron content in feed, type of coal, residence time, and composition of pellets. Conditions of optimum temperature range 1250–1275°C, unmixed pellets, high iron content in feed, dense high carbon reductant, and 15 min residence time resulted in grades and recoveries better than 90%. It is shown that segregation and growth of the metallic iron nuclii must be achieved in order to get superior yields.