A comparative mineralogical and geochemical characterisation of iron ores from two Indian Precambrian deposits and Krivoy rog deposit, Ukraine: implications for the upgrading of lean grade ore

This study focuses on the mineralogical and geochemical characterization of iron ores from two significant Precambrian deposits in India—the Jilling-Langalota and Chitradurga deposits—and contrasts these with the Krivoy Rog deposit in Ukraine. The objectives include analyzing the composition and properties of the iron ores to ascertain their upgrading potential. A comprehensive methodology involving X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and various chemical analyses was employed to delineate the mineral phases and the nature of iron-bearing and gangue assemblages. Results indicate that Indian iron ores, particularly from the Jilling-Langalota deposit, are richer in iron and contain higher levels of alumina and phosphorous compared to those from Krivoy Rog. The findings illustrate that the Indian ores exhibit a porous structure with significant amounts of blue dust, while the Ukrainian ores are characterized by their massive structure and lower levels of clay. The study also uncovers the impact of geological formation processes on the ore characteristics, suggesting that the mineralogical nature significantly influences their amenability for beneficiation and waste utilization strategies.