Iron content in iron ore

Importance of the Topic

Iron content in ore directly affects mining profitability and resource evaluation. Rapid and accurate quantification of total iron enables informed decision making for exploration, extraction, and processing operations.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study presents a potentiometric titration method compliant with ISO/TS 2597-4 for fast determination of total iron in various iron ore samples. The aim is to deliver precise results to support economic feasibility assessments.

Methodology

Samples were ground to below 160 µm particle size. A weighed portion was treated with hydrochloric acid and heated at 80 °C for one hour followed by 95 °C for ten minutes. Iron(III) ions were reduced with tin(II) chloride, an excess of titanium(III) chloride was added and then oxidized. After cooling, phosphoric and sulfuric acids were introduced and the mixture was titrated with standardized potassium dichromate to the potentiometric endpoint.

Instrumentation Used

• 905 Titrando autotitrator with integrated dosing systems
• 802 rod stirrer and 804 Ti stand
• Combined platinum ring electrode with ceramic pin diaphragm
• Pt1000 class B temperature sensor
• Heating plate for controlled sample digestion

Main Results and Discussion

The method yielded well‐defined titration curves and consistent iron content values across four replicates for each sample. Mean total iron ranged from 54.25 % to 66.78 % with relative standard deviations below 0.5 %. These results demonstrate high precision and reproducibility.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This approach offers a cost‐effective, reliable, and easy-to-implement solution for total iron analysis in mining and quality control laboratories. It supports quick resource evaluation and optimizes extraction planning.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include full automation, inline process monitoring, and integration with digital control systems. Development of eco-friendly reagents and miniaturized titration platforms could further broaden industrial applications.

Conclusion

The described potentiometric titration procedure provides a fast, accurate, and economical method for total iron determination in iron ore according to ISO/TS 2597-4. It meets industry requirements for efficiency and precision in resource assessment.