Silica Remobilization in the Mesabi Iron Range: Mine Ore-Waste Cutoff Prediction
Location
CSU 238
Start Date
16-4-2013 10:05 AM
End Date
16-4-2013 11:05 AM
Student's Major
Chemistry and Geology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Steven Losh
Mentor's Department
Chemistry and Geology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Oxidation of iron formation in the Mesabi Iron Range, Minnesota, has negatively impacted recovery of the main ore mineral, magnetite, by two mechanisms. First, magnetite has been partially or completely oxidized to hematite (martite), which is not magnetically separable. Second, silica has been remobilized during the oxidation process, and comprises a higher percentage of the ore concentrate than is desirable due to its altered grain size, making it difficult to grind sufficiently. Fluid inclusion data showed that fault-channeled, diagenesis-stage fluids (mean T homog = 154° C; mean salinity = 9.5 wt% NaCl equivalent) were responsible for early oxidation of iron formation: this event is distinct from later, widespread, shallow-level supergene (lateritic) oxidation. Petrographic and SEM examination of rocks from early-oxidized zones show rims of recrystallized quartz around variably-oxidized magnetite in samples in which Fe-talc and/or minnesotaite have been oxidized to goethite, indicating silica redistribution during oxidation. No such rims have been noted in later (supergene)-oxidized iron formation, implying they may have formed only under diagenetic conditions. Additionally, fractures in magnetite grains, created by faulting, have been filled with silica, resulting in quartz micro veins that pose serious economic concerns. This study focuses on the cause and effect of silica remobilization with an eye to enabling prediction of the ore-waste cutoff in a mine from visual inspection of variably oxidized iron formation.
Silica Remobilization in the Mesabi Iron Range: Mine Ore-Waste Cutoff Prediction
CSU 238
Oxidation of iron formation in the Mesabi Iron Range, Minnesota, has negatively impacted recovery of the main ore mineral, magnetite, by two mechanisms. First, magnetite has been partially or completely oxidized to hematite (martite), which is not magnetically separable. Second, silica has been remobilized during the oxidation process, and comprises a higher percentage of the ore concentrate than is desirable due to its altered grain size, making it difficult to grind sufficiently. Fluid inclusion data showed that fault-channeled, diagenesis-stage fluids (mean T homog = 154° C; mean salinity = 9.5 wt% NaCl equivalent) were responsible for early oxidation of iron formation: this event is distinct from later, widespread, shallow-level supergene (lateritic) oxidation. Petrographic and SEM examination of rocks from early-oxidized zones show rims of recrystallized quartz around variably-oxidized magnetite in samples in which Fe-talc and/or minnesotaite have been oxidized to goethite, indicating silica redistribution during oxidation. No such rims have been noted in later (supergene)-oxidized iron formation, implying they may have formed only under diagenetic conditions. Additionally, fractures in magnetite grains, created by faulting, have been filled with silica, resulting in quartz micro veins that pose serious economic concerns. This study focuses on the cause and effect of silica remobilization with an eye to enabling prediction of the ore-waste cutoff in a mine from visual inspection of variably oxidized iron formation.
Recommended Citation
Rague, Ryan. "Silica Remobilization in the Mesabi Iron Range: Mine Ore-Waste Cutoff Prediction." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 16, 2013.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2013/oral-session-05/4
