Beneficiation of Low-Grade Iron Ores: Comprehensive Review of Conventional and Advanced Techniques

Volume: 12 | Issue: 1 | Year 2026 | Subscription
International Journal of Metallurgy and Alloys
Received Date: 01/20/2026
Acceptance Date: 01/31/2026
Published On: 2026-02-10
First Page: 1
Last Page: 18

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By: Mihir D.M M and Vignesh Veeramani.

1BHQ Operations, Research & Development, JSW Steel, Vijayanagar works, Toranagallu, Bellary, Karnataka, India.
2Research & Development, JSW Steel, Vijayanagar works, Toranagallu, Bellary, Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Due to the rapid depletion of high-grade iron ore resources and exponential demand from the global steel industry, particularly in India targeting 300 MTPA by 2025, the utilization of low-grade iron ores including Banded Hematite Quartzite (BHQ), Banded Hematite Jasper (BHJ), and lateritic iron ores has become critically important. These ores contain 30–50% Fe with associated gangue minerals such as SiO₂ (40–50%), Al₂O₃ (0.5–2.5%), and minor constituents including goethite, magnetite, kaolinite, and gibbsite. This comprehensive review synthesizes conventional beneficiation methods (gravity separation, magnetic separation, flotation) and advanced techniques like reduction roasting to provide systematic approaches for maximizing iron recovery while maintaining economic viability. Case studies demonstrate that integrated mineral characterization followed by optimized beneficiation circuits can achieve pellet-grade concentrates (>64% Fe) with recovery rates of 35–93% depending on ore type and processing route. This paper provides practitioners and researchers with practical guidance on flowsheet design, parameter optimization, and selection of appropriate beneficiation technologies for low-grade iron ore utilization in Indian context and globally.

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How to cite this article: Mihir D.M M and Vignesh Veeramani Beneficiation of Low-Grade Iron Ores: Comprehensive Review of Conventional and Advanced Techniques. International Journal of Metallurgy and Alloys. 2026; 12(1): 1-18p.

How to cite this URL: Mihir D.M M and Vignesh Veeramani, Beneficiation of Low-Grade Iron Ores: Comprehensive Review of Conventional and Advanced Techniques. International Journal of Metallurgy and Alloys. 2026; 12(1): 1-18p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijma/article=24065

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