Phase transformation in suspension roasting of oolitic hematite ore

Suspension roasting followed by magnetic separation is a promising method to upgrade oolitic hematite ore. An oolitic hematite ore was roasted using suspension roasting technology at different temperatures. The phase transformation for iron minerals was investigated by XRD and Mossbauer spectrum, and the characteristics of roasted product were analyzed by VSM and SEM-EDS. Results indicate that the magnetic concentrate is of 58.73% Fe with iron recovery of 83.96% at 650 A degrees C. The hematite is rapidly transformed into magnetite during the roasting with transformation ratio of 92.75% at 650 A degrees C. Roasting temperature has a significant influence on the phase transformation of hematite to magnetite. The transformation ratio increases with increased temperature. After roasting, the magnetic susceptibility is significantly improved, while iron ore microstructure is not altered significantly.