Characterization of ilmenite from Kerala coastline, India:Implications in the production of synthetic rutile

Abstract

Surface samples have been collected from Kerala coast, Chavakad - Ponnani (CP- central sector), Neendakara – Kayamkulam (NK- southern sector) beach sectors for ilmenite characterization studies. The TiO2 percentage in samples from NK deposit is greater than that in CP deposit. X-ray diffraction analysis of ilmenite shows characteristic peaks of ilmenite and some altered phases, such as pseudorutile, pseudobrookite, etc. Two ilmenite samples separated from CP and NK deposits were subjected to chemical beneficiation for production of synthetic rutile by a process developed and patented by NIIST. Investigations revealed that ilmenite samples with 32.95% and 56 % TiO2 could be upgraded to synthetic rutile of 95% TiO2 content. However, economic viability of upgrading lean ore to synthetic rutile is largely dependent on commercial utilization of large quantities of iron oxide produced as the by product.