Upgrading of low-grade iron using alkaline roasting

Abstract The characterization and upgrading of low-grade iron ore from Sungai Petani, Kedah, face significant challenges due to the presence of gangue minerals such as silica (Si), alumina (Al), and phosphorus (P). This study aims to address these challenges by comparing the effectiveness of alkali roasting and conventional roasting methods in enhancing the iron content of the ore. The iron ore samples, derived from the Sungai Petani region, were analyzed to determine their mineralogical and chemical characteristics. Alkali roasting and conventional roasting were implemented as pretreatment techniques. The results demonstrated that alkali roasting was significantly more effective than traditional roasting in upgrading the low-grade iron ore by facilitating the transformation of goethite into hematite, resulting in lower porosity and reduced gangue content.