Search

Tailings produced from iron ore mills in China are estimated to be 130 million tonnes grading 11% Fe annually, and are of numerous types with complex characteristics. Some examples of recovering the value include beneficiation to produce iron concentrates (Nanfen), production of a garnet concentrate (Taochong), recovery of rare earth and niobium concentrates from spiral launder tailings (Baogang Group), using slime- sand separation to recover gold, silver, copper, cobalt, sulphur and iron (Wuhan Iron and Steel Corp), and the production of coloured nucleated glass (Meishan, Daimiao). Proposed uses discussed are production of bricks and other construction materials including those for roadbuilding, use in fertilisers or soil improvers, use as backfill in mines, and revegetation and reclamation at mine sites. General problems of the better utilisation of tailings in China are discussed and suggestions for a more systematic approach made., Tailings produced from iron ore mills in China are estimated to be 130 million tonnes grading 11% Fe annually, and are of numerous types with complex characteristics. Some examples of recovering the value include beneficiation to produce iron concentrates (Nanfen), production of a garnet concentrate (Taochong), recovery of rare earth and niobium concentrates from spiral launder tailings (Baogang Group), using slime- sand separation to recover gold, silver, copper, cobalt, sulphur and iron (Wuhan Iron and Steel Corp), and the production of coloured nucleated glass (Meishan, Daimiao). Proposed uses discussed are production of bricks and other construction materials including those for roadbuilding, use in fertilisers or soil improvers, use as backfill in mines, and revegetation and reclamation at mine sites. General problems of the better utilisation of tailings in China are discussed and suggestions for a more systematic approach made.