Characterisation of dolomite fines and their implications in beneficiation

Characterisation studies of dolomite fines (<2 mm) sample generated from a dolomite processing plant of Odisha were carried out, and their implications on reducing the silica content were discussed. The feed material analysing 27.7 % CaO, 19.6 % MgO, 8.4 % SiO₂, 0.98 % Fe^(total), 1.5 % Al₂O₃ contents was subjected to characterization studies using optical microscopes, X-ray diffraction and electron microscope instruments. The studies revealed that the primary minerals present in the feed material are dolomite, calcite and quartz and in addition, traces of apatite, orthoclase, pyrite and siderite. Sink and float analysis of the feed material shows that the density fraction >2.91 g/cm³ would yield a product grade <3 % SiO₂.