Abstract
The results of multigravity separator (MGS) upgrading tests on fine chromite gravity tailings using −100 and −100+150 μm fractions of the initial sample (−1 mm) with 24˙7%Cr2O3 grade were presented. The metal screen analysis revealed that 20˙66% of the total Cr2O3 content was present in the −106 μm size fraction. Under optimal operational conditions, a concentrate with 43˙7%Cr2O3 content and 65˙0% chromite yield for the size fraction of −100 μm and a concentrate with 30˙5%Cr2O3 and 83˙3% yield for the size fraction of −100+150 μm could be produced. Shaking table test results revealed that the coarse fraction of the tailings could not be enriched any further owing to the high concentration of interlocked particles. However, a saleable concentrate could be obtained by MGS when the coarse tailings were ground down to −100 μm and used as the feed. The results of the study suggested that multigravity separation of the Kef tailings was technically feasible and economically viable. The payback time of two alternatives suggested for the utilisation of MGS in Kef concentrator was calculated to be <7 months.
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