Characterisation and separation studies of Indian chromite beneficiation plant tailing

Detailed characterisation and recovery of chromite from the beneficiation plant tailing of Sukinda, India, was investigated. Different characterisation techniques viz. size analysis, size-wise chemical analysis, size-wise density measurement, X-ray diffraction analysis, heavy liquid separation, scanning electron microscopy, mineral analysis by QEMSCAN and thermo gravimetric analysis were carried out. Based on the results, two flow sheets comprising gravity, magnetic separation and flotation, were used to recover chromite values. A chromite concentrate of 45.0% Cr2O3 with a Cr:Fe ratio of 2.3 can be produced from the tailing analyzing 17.0% Cr2O3 and Cr:Fe ratio of 0.49.