Magnesite concentration technology and caustic – calcined product from Turkish magnesite middlings by calcination and magnetic separation

Abstract

This paper deals with the current magnesite concentration technology and upgrading studies in Turkey, which is the second biggest magnesite and third biggest sinter magnesia producer in the world. Magnesite heat treatment and magnetic separation fundamentals are also covered. This study aims to concentrate magnesite middlings containing the silica/iron impurities from Kütahya, Turkey, by calcination and dry magnetic separation. Final calcined MgCO3 product contains 89.57% MgO, 0.96% SiO2, 0.43% Fe2O3, 2.35% CaO and 6.64% loss of ignition. The optimum particle size was determined at −8 + 0.5 mm at 1000°C. Final product is saleable for industrial applications (i.e., soil decontamination, panels, fertilizers, animal nutrition, abrasives).