Effect of microwave on the liberation of andalusite from andalusite bearing ores
Loading...
Date
2016-06
Authors
Nor Atikah Ramli
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
A sample of andalusite bearing ores was taken from Sungai Cerul, Terengganu. The andalusite bearing ores is the latest discovery and according to Department of Mineral and Geoscience, this new deposits seems to be economics in future in this country in the field of mining. In addition, our country, Malaysia is a frequent user of this andalusite minerals which have been imported from producing country. This is due to the many mineral andalusite application in the industry. Work done by Sofea, 2015 proved that crushing and grinding is not promising in separating the particles of andalusite minerals without having the microwave treatment. Then, microwave becomes a major tool in this study to liberate the andalusite mineral. Effect of microwave towards the mineral liberation is the best to do in the wet conditions as the water absorb to the rock. Water that being absorbed in the rock makes the boundaries between andalusite crystal and its matrix becomes weak. Effect of the microwave was able to increase the percentage purity of alumina after in the help of the grinding process. Liberation and separation of andalusite bearing ores able to improve the grade of andalusite from 25.99% to 39.95%.