Characterizing magnesite heavy-media separation screenings as promising technogenic raw materials

. This article discusses the possibility of using technogenic raw materials for the production of magnesia and magnesium oxide. The analysis of domestic industry supply with magnesite and magnesian raw materials is presented. Man-made minerals, such as magnesite screenings, produced in the course of heavy-media separation of ore, are noted to be a promising source of this type of raw material. It has been established that this type of raw material is poorly studied. Research methodology. The applied research methods were substantiated to establish the amount and form of magnesium oxide in the magnesite screenings of the Satka deposit. Results and discussion. A significant amount of both current and accumulated screenings at the site in Satka and their chemical composition allow us to consider them as a promising technogenic raw material for magnesium oxide production. The work has determined the distribution of magnesium oxide by size classes. On the basis of elemental analysis, it was decided to recognize the object under study as a suitable mineral for processing. The thermogravimetric analysis of magnesite screenings made it possible to establish the forms of magnesium oxide in the material. Conclusions. Analysis of the results obtained allows us to assert the possibility of processing the studied technogenic raw materials, but the presence of magnesium oxide in the composition of solid solutions with calcium carbonate predetermines the use of chemical enrichment methods.