EVALUATION OF COMPATIBLE PROCESSING ROUTES USING THERMAL TREATMENT FOR UPGRADING OF MOPA MURO AND OBAN MASSIF MANGANESE DEPOSITS

Abstract

The present study deals with evaluation and compatibility of processing routes using thermal treatment for upgrade of mopa muro and oban Massif manganese ore deposits. The study samples are characterized by XRD, XRF and SEM analysis. The results of SEM analysis show the micro-cracks in the thermally treated manganese sample, Mineralogical investigation shows that in the Mopa Muro manganese ore, most of the Manganese occurs in the silicate managenese mineral as in Almandine (Fe2+)3Al2(SiO4)3, Spessartine(Mn2+)3Al2(SiO4)3, Clinochlore (Al-Fe-SiO2-OH), Geothite FeO(OH),while the Oban Massif is rich in, Pyrolusite MnO2, Clinochlore (Al-Fe-SiO2-OH ), and Spessartine(Mn2+)3Al2(SiO4)3. The mineralogy of the two deposits also revealed that there is a Free Silica (Quartz) in abundant. The low content of sulphur and phosphorus is however within the requirement of the metallurgical grade manganese ore, while 44.08% and 42.07% of manganese (Mn) obtained for Mopa Muro and Oban Massif manganese ores respectively after all analysis indicate apparent inability of the ores meet the requirement of metallurgical grade manganese with values less than 66% recommended specification using thermal treatment.