Abstract
Most magnesite deposits in Yugoslavia contain serpentine and olivine as impurities. Heavy medium separation is used for the beneficiation of raw magnesite ore with particle size greater than 0.35 ram. The results of investigations reported in this work indicate a possibility of efficient removal of serpentine and olivine using HGMS and superconducting magnetic separators for fines smaller than 0.35 ram. Based on these results a new technological process for magnesite upgrading was established. The process combines the gravity and magnetic separation processes for treatment of raw material, as well as for magnesite after its decarbonisation. It is possible to upgrade the magnesite fines below 0.35 mm which are rejected from the conventional processes. The grade of the magnesite concentrate of 98% and above may be obtained using this process.