Methods of ore processing by microwave radiation

The article analyzes Russian developments - methods for processing ores, rocks using microwave radiation. The methods were developed at the Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, IPKON RAS, IRE RAS, SUSU, Binotek LLC, IG KarRC RAS, JSC "Uralelektromed", St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg Mining University, NPK "Mekhanobr-tekhnika", UrFU and etc. As the authors of the developments note, microwave processing of rocks and ores in most ways is used to form gaps in it, a fractured structure, remove oxide films from the surface of mineral phases, due to differences in the electromagnetic properties of the ore and non-ore phases. This effect can occur in the microwave frequency range at powers from 0.5 to 50 kW, radiation duration from 0.5 to 600 s, with a heating temperature of ore phases from 150 to 500 degrees C. As the analysis showed, microwave processing is used for grinding rocks, ores, as well as to increase the efficiency of such processes as grinding, hea ting, leaching, flotation. As a result of the study, a technological scheme for preparing ore for the process of bacterial chemical oxidation using microwave was developed.