Characterization of complex bauxite ore: Part I

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the granulometric characterization of a complex, high-iron bauxite ore using dry sieve analysis. The research focuses on the particle size distribution of three distinct material categories: the coarse stockpile class (-300+0 mm), the intermediate stockpile class (-8+0 mm), and a fine composite class (-4+0 mm), evaluated via series of laboratory sieves. The experimental results indicate that the coarse stockpile ore is dominated by large fragments, with approximately 90% of its total mass concentrated above 50 mm. In contrast, the intermediate stockpile class demonstrates a significantly more balanced and uniform particle size distribution. Sieve analysis of the fine composite class (-4+0 mm) confirms a highly uniform material distribution throughout the lower millimeter fractions. These structural parameters and physical size characteristics establish the necessary baseline data required for downstream mineral processing and separation designs.