Enrichment or Dressing of an Ore


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Enrichment or Dressing of an Ore

Enrichment or Dressing of an Ore:

Removal of unwanted material (gangue) from the ore is called enrichment or concentration of ore. The undesirable impurities like soil, sand etc. found in ore are called gangue or matrix. The process used for removal of gangue from an ore is based on the difference between the physical and chemical properties of the gangue and ore. Enrichment or dressing of an ore is carried out by the following methods.

1. Levigation: The powdered ore is washed in a jet of water. The lighter, rocky and earthy impurities are washed away by water, while heavier ore particles are left behind to settle down at the bottom. This process is also called hydraulic washing.

2. Froth floatation: Sulphide ores of copper, lead and zinc are generally concentrated by this method. The finely powdered ore is mixed with water and a small amount of oil in a tank. Air is blown into the mixture. A froth or scum is produced at the surface. The ore particles are carried by the froth to the surface. The earthy impurities sink to the bottom. The froth along with the ore is removed. An acid is added to break up the froth. The concentrated ore is filtered and dried.

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Sample Questions
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Question : 1

Concentration of Bauxite ore is done by _______________

Right Option : B
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Question : 2

The technique involving washing of ore in a jet of water is _________________

Right Option : C
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Question : 3

The undesirable impurities like _______________________________ found in ore are called gangue or matrix.

Right Option : D
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