Magnetite is recovered as a by-product of the copper operations. Since operations commenced in 1965, Magnetite has been separately stockpiled onsite.

Magnetite - material safety

Fe₃ O₄

The Specifications cover the dense media separation (DMS) magnetite

Current magnetite production is a by-product of the copper operations and as such is recovered from the Concentrator floatation tails stream by magnetic separation. Approximately 15%, by weight, of magnetite is removed by 'cleaning' and 're-cleaning' of the magnetic concentrate from the first stage. This results in the upgrading of magnetite to 62.5% Fe (greater than 90% magnetite). This upgraded magnetite is then subjected to elutriation, to generate the DMS magnetite product.

Dense media separation (DMS) - medium grade

Iron ore - coarse grade

Enquiries from potential customers regarding DMS medium grade product should be directed as follows:

South African market:
DMS medium grade magnetite is sold to the South African market.

International market:
Palabora has received numerous enquiries on the application of DMS medium grade product from overseas coal washeries.