Reuse of Iron Ore Tailings by Magnetic Separation Using Functionalized Magnetic Particles

This study aimed at the investigation of the effect of colloidal magnetic particles on the magnetic separation of iron ore tailings (IOT). For this, the synthesis and characterization of bare iron, iron-dextran, and iron-oleate magnetic particles is reported. FTIR spectra confirmed that the synthesized particles were composed by magnetite. In general, the iron recovery was superior when magnetic particles were introduced, regardless of the addition of bare magnetic or functionalized iron particles. When iron-crosslinked-dextran particles were added into the pulp at the dosages of 0.5 and 1.0 g/t, an increase in recovery of about 7% took place at 0.34 T, but with a loss in grade of about 5%. Further cleaning stages are necessary to reduce the silica content. This work is aligned with the sustainability needs of mining operations, constituting an alternative technology for the reuse of iron ore tailings.