Briquetting of manganese ore fines with cement as binder

Abstract

This study develops briquettes from fines generated in the processing of manganese ore from a strategic manganeferous district of Minas Gerais-Brazil. The briquettes were produced based on the following variables: compaction pressure (20 and 25MPa), curing time (7 and 28 days), percentage by mass of binder (5% and 10%), and replacement with tailings (0% and 10%). Technological tests evaluated the compressive, abrasion, impact strength and water absorption. The best conditions for briquette included 10% Portland cement, 10% Mn tailings, compaction pressure of 25MPa and 7 days of curing, as well as 10% Portland cement, compaction pressure of 25MPa and 28 days of curing. The briquettes primarily contained the spessartine, todorokite, quartz, and pyrolusite minerals. The storage time tests indicated that the briquettes responded satisfactorily to storage for three months in a dry environment and at room temperature. Through crackling tests, the briquettes have potential to be commercially used.

keywords:
mineral processing; manganese ferroalloys; experimental factorial design