Study on Magnetite Ore Crushing Assisted by Microwave Irradiation

High energy consumption in ore crushing brings great challenges to the mining industry. Microwave irradiation provides a promising solution for rock breaking. However, there is currently a lack of detailed understanding of the microwave parameters regarding magnetite ore. The purpose of this study is to fully understand the potential value of microwave irradiation applied in auxiliary crushing of magnetite ore. It is typically found that increasing power reduces the mechanical properties of ore, increasing energy utilization, and crushing degree, more than extending time. Based on wave impedance, this reveals the dependence of energy utilization on thermal damage. Increasing irradiation power, time and cooling rate will cause more transgranular cracks and cleavage tears in the crushed ore. Based on the separate microwave response of several minerals, the microwave-damage mechanism of magnetite ore is further demonstrated.