Effect of intensive milling on the structural characteristics of shale ore

This investigation examined the effect of intensive milling on the structural properties of shale ore with high Rare Earth Element (REE) content, which is unsuitable for aluminum production due to high silica and/or low aluminum. In this context, bauxite-related shale ore from the Karaman province in Türkiye was subjected to intensive milling under various conditions. Representative samples were collected from the deposit were first subjected to coarse crushing and milling processes, and then were excessively milled in a planetary ball mill under different conditions to ensure their mechanical activation. Changes occurred during milling were examined by XRD, TGA, BET and SEM analysis. The characterization results of intensively milled and unmilled samples showed that the intensive-milled samples were mechanically activated. As a result, the usability of mechanically activated shale for the recovery of Al and REEs from shale ore was evaluated.