Abstract:
This research describes the characterisation of cassiterite waste material from Barkin-Ladi, Plateau State of Nigeria with a view to recover titanium minerals from it. Samples were collected from the study location at Barkin ladi. The compositional analysis of the test sample was done with the use of X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM/EDS). The potential for extraction of titanium from the sample by using gravity separation techniques was investigated using gravity concentration criteria. The concentration processes were repeated varying the parameters such size ranges, time of operation, flowrates and reticulation depth for hindered settling. The gravity concentrates obtained through these tests were analysed using quantitative method. Mass balance calculations were carried out to determine the recovery and loss of Titanium and Titanium ores in the feed material and concentrate products across a range of grains sizes. The concentrates from the three concentration methods were then tested using Scanning Electron Microscope. The result of the compositional analysis reveals titanium bearing minerals to be Ilmenite (25%), Anatase (<1%), Pyrophanite (19.16%) and Titanomagnetite (8.33%). Other compounds present in the sample include Quartz (10.83%), Cohenite (8.33%), Magnessiferite (7.56%), Magnetite (0.83%) and Periclase (MgO). Potassium (1.61%), Oxygen (9.16%) and Titanium (8.33%). The results of the concentration tests show that the shaking table was effective only at the 1700μm at 92.89% recovery. The spiral separator and hindered settler were effective across the tested size ranges which were 850μm, 600μm, 425μm and 300μm., the spiral separator concentrate at 93.16% recovery has a grade of 57.43% and the hindered settler concentrate with recovery of 91.2% has a grade of 32.7%. Results showed, the spiral separator is the most efficient of the three methods and the concentrate obtained with a grade of 57.43%.
