Per: Tiago Henrique coelho pires (mINERAÇÃO MORRO DO IPÊ), mAYCON SILVA ALVES (vALE S.A), ISMAEL HENRIQUE BRAGA (VALE S.A), Geovan Olavo Damásio (NORSK HYDRO), RONILDO DA COSTA SOEIRO (mineracão morro do ipê), Antonio Carlos da Silva (mineração morro do ipê)
Abstract:
Due to the long period of exploitation of iron ore deposits in the Brazilian region of the Iron Quadrangle, there have consequently been changes in the mineralogical characteristics of the mineral deposits in this region over the years. When iron ore production began in Brazil in large volumes, around the first decades of the 20th century, the mineral deposits contained a high iron content, requiring only fragmentation and classification steps. However, over the years, these deposits became impoverished, thus requiring the adoption of new processes to ensure quality production. Currently, this region is preparing for yet another change that will occur in the characteristics of its mineral deposits, as the reserves with the presence of friable rocks are increasingly close to being depleted, starting the exploration of deposits containing compact rocks, thus requiring the readjustment of its processes so that the continuity of iron ore production is feasible. Due to these mineralogical changes, companies increasingly seek to study new process routes, where it is possible to reduce operating costs in these readjustments. Therefore, the route with the adoption of AG/SAG milling for the comminution stages of this new type of rocks present in the next nearby reserves, demonstrates great economic potential.