Plasma Processing of Iron Ore

The depletion of high-grade ore minerals and the scarcity of fossil fuel reserves are challenging factors for metallurgical industries in the future. Also, extensive mining for increased steel demand results in the generation of fines often found unsuitable for use as direct feedstock for the production of metals and alloys. Apart from mines waste, the other major sources of fine minerals are leftover in charge burdens, sludges, and dust generated in the high-temperature process. Sludge and fines generated during beneficiation of ore add to this woe, as the outcomes of beneficiation plants for lean ores show better yield for fine particles. The utilization of lean ore and wastes in iron making requires wide research and adopting new advanced technologies for quality production with time-saving operations. The application of thermal plasma in mineral processing has several advantages that can overcome the current industrial metal extraction barriers. The present study demonstrates the thermal plasma for the processing of different iron-bearing minerals and its feasibility for metal extraction.