Iron Ore Beneficiation in the U.S.A.: Past and Future

Abstract

The iron ore mining industry in the U.S. is facing strong competition from high-grade overseas sources. In order for the American iron ore industry to remain competitive, research on low-cost beneficiation methods that ensure high-quality and uniform-quality products must be maintained in order to prepare for evertightening specifications on ironmaking raw materials for blast furnaces and for direct reduction processes. In this article, some of the past developments are reviewed and future prospects are discussed with a special emphasis on flotation technology.