Theory and Practice of Bauxite X-Ray Sorting

Abstract

Problem of bauxite grade declining is now becoming a global scenario. That is why, for many years, scientists have been studying the problem of bauxite beneficiation. Complex mineralogy of bauxite, high content of alumina and process limitations often make traditional beneficiation techniques ineffective.

The use of different kinds of radiation jointly with sorting techniques has been intensively studied in Russia, that resulted in development of new direction of beneficiation — X-Ray sorting. Currently this is a separate direction of beneficiation widely and selectively applied for lump separation of different ore types, including bauxites. This can be used for reduction of silica content and carbonate/sulfur removal in bauxites. The paper shows feasibility to use this technique for improvement of quality of hard to beneficiate bauxites located in the Urals, Russia and analyzes applicability of this method to other bauxites of the world.