Image analysis estimation of iron ore particle segregation in epoxy blocks

The work performed shows that the difference between layers in the epoxy block due to density segregation can be unacceptably high for iron ore samples and, similarly, to any ore samples with significant density differences between particles of different texture. The traditional block preparation technique, with its random selection of the analysed horizontal layer, can therefore result in large errors in estimation of mineral abundances, mineral liberation and textural classification characteristics. It is suggested that vertical sections of epoxy blocks are used for image analysis where significant density difference between particles is suspected.