Anameric, Basak2019-07-092019-07-092017-01-19https://hdl.handle.net/11299/204327The objective of this project was to investigate whether nodular iron technology can be used to beneficiate Minnesota ilmenite low intensity magnetic separator (LIMS) concentrate. LIMS concentrate is a by-product produced while upgrading ilmenite concentrate. It contains approximately 44 wt % Fe (total), and 24 wt % TiO2, and is not suitable for further beneficiation using hydrometallurgical processes. The motivation for this project was to produce a commercially viable, highly metallized, and titanium oxide free, nodular iron product. Throughout the project raw material mixtures, which contained LIMS concentrate, coal and fluxes were heated in electric resistance furnace. Recipes for raw material mixtures were designed with the consideration of: (i) obtaining low melting temperature slag, (ii) reducing and carburizing the iron oxides, and (iii) obtaining complete smelting. For the recipe designed with the consideration of four oxide slag system, CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, and TiO2, and operating at titanite (sphene)(CaTiSO5) phase area, nodular iron and slag production was observed. For the nodular iron produced, iron yield in the nugget was 93%, percent sulfur contained in the nodular iron was 0.14%. For the slag produced, iron loss in the slag was 7%, total iron contained in the slag was 4.30%. Complete titanium oxide recovery in the slag was achieved.enNatural Resources Research InstituteUniversity of Minnesota DuluthTechnical Report