The challenge
Variation in ore characteristics
Alumina-containing iron ores are major feed materials used in iron ore sintering in the Asia Pacific region.
There are three main types of alumina-containing iron ores and due to their unique properties they perform differently during the sintering process.
An understanding of how they influence the sintering process is critical, because it can be used to improve the physical and chemical properties of sinter for more efficient iron and steel production.
Our response
Simulating impacts to the sintering process
A top-tier mining company approached us to get a better understanding of how iron ores with different alumina-containing minerals influence the sintering process.
We simulated industrial sintering using advanced x-ray diffraction techniques, revealing the mineralogical changes that occurred as a function of temperature and time for each ore type.
As a result, we determined how each alumina type of iron ore would perform during processing.
The results
Understanding the influence of different ore characteristics to optimise processing
These insights improved the company's understanding of the influence of ore material on the final product, and the desirable ore properties for processing.
This knowledge can be used to optimise processes for more efficient and cost-effective processing and metal production.