Magnetic Preconcentration and Process Mineralogical Study of the Kiviniemi Sc-Enriched Ferrodiorite

Scandium is classified as a critical raw material by the European Union. Its beneficiation from various primary and secondary sources is currently being studied under several research and development projects. Due to the geochemical characteristics of Sc, its enrichment to ore grades by geological processes is scarce. Potential new sources are investigated to respond to the expected increasing demand for this rare earth metal. The recently discovered Kiviniemi Sc deposit in Finland represents an igneous occurrence with estimated total resources of 13.4 Mt and an average Sc grade of 163 g/t. The deposit consists of relatively homogeneous ferrodioritic intrusive body with its main unit with similar to 2.5 ha surface extension. Scandium is mainly incorporated into the lattice of clinopyroxene and amphibole within the main unit. Composite samples from three drill cores from various parts of the main unit were concentrated with a combination of low-intensity and high-gradient magnetic separation. Depending on the feed characteristics, high-gradient magnetic separation reached recoveries between 87% and 92% with 230-310 ppm Sc while removing 35-49 mass percent of gangue minerals, mainly plagioclase and potassium feldspar. Our study provides information on the magnetic preconcentration conditions with process mineralogical details and produced concentrates for further testing according to the suggested processing scheme.

Automated summary

Scandium is classified as a critical raw material by the European Union and research is being conducted on its beneficiation from various sources. The recently discovered Kiviniemi Sc deposit in Finland has significant resources and high grade. Magnetic separation is found to be an effective method for concentrating scandium ores.