Genmin confirms potential for greener, high-quality iron ore from Baniaka project
Central South University发现，Genmin的Baniaka铁矿粉和矿块是低杂质的高品位铁。
African iron ore explorer and developer Genmin (ASX: GEN) has reported preliminary results of a value-in-use test program being carried out on proposed fines and lump iron ore product from its wholly-owned Baniaka project in the Republic of Gabon.
The tests were carried out on 700 kilogram lump and fines samples at Central South University in China and aimed to benchmark the products against commercial lump iron ores from the world market.
The results indicated the greener product could have a potentially-high value in the blast furnace iron making process.
A subsequent value-in-use model relating to price differentials for the proposed fines and lump iron ore will be used as a basis for financial assumptions to be included in the Baniaka preliminary feasibility study.
Product composition
Baniaka fines are characterised as having a high iron grade (approximately 63.9%), low silica (2.5%) and low alumina (2.3%) with minor harmful impurities such as phosphorus, sulphur, potassium, sodium, lead and zinc.
They are considered to be high-quality raw materials for the sintering process, and are able to replace some Australian and Brazilian fines in sinter feed blends at a substitution ratio of 20% with productivity gains and cost reductions.
Baniaka lump also has a high iron grade (63%) and low silica (3.1%) and alumina (2.3%) content, with a low presence of harmful elements.
It is reported to have a reducibility index (RI) of 81.5% compared to an average 67.2% for nine Australian, Brazilian and African lump products.
RI is considered to be an important measure in blast furnace technology where the objective is to convert iron oxides to relatively pure iron through chemical reduction.
Significant value
Genmin managing director and chief executive officer Joe Ariti said Baniaka’s product will have a potentially significant value to Chinese steel mills.
“Metallurgically, Baniaka lump has excellent thermal stability and reducibility, and the fines deliver high iron grades and low deleterious elements,” he said.
“We are confident we can deliver high-quality raw materials to the iron making process and fit China’s decarbonisation policy with greener iron ore products through a high proportion of lump and mine site infrastructure planned to be powered by renewable hydroelectricity.”
Lump expertise
Central South University’s School of Minerals Processing in Changsha is globally recognised for its expertise in laboratory and pilot-scale assessment of lump products in the blast furnace; fines products in the sintering process; and pelletising ultra-fines iron ore products.
Genmin selected the university to undertake value-in-use testing and prepare a subsequent model based on its history of working with major iron producers including Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG), Vale, BHP Group (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO).