TEHRAN (ANA)- An Iranian researcher and professor of the School of Mining Engineering of the University of Tehran succeeded in producing iron concentrate from low-grade hematite sources with application in steel industry.

Mehdi Qarabaqi was able to reduce water consumption in the processing and increase the efficiency and recovery of the process in the low-grade hematite iron project by using modern processing methods and the appropriate combination of low-cost and low-water-consuming methods and by making changes in the layout of equipment and the design of separation equipment.

“In hematite iron processing methods, physical, gravity and magnetic methods and some new methods have been used, and this has led to the production of hematite concentrate product with suitable grade and high efficiency,” Qarabaqi told ANA.

Noting that the project was implemented for a private company and at present, he said that a contract is being signed for the construction of an industrial plant for the production of hematite concentrate.

“The main ingredient for steel production in Iran is the magnetite iron ore concentrates,” Qarabaqi said.

In a relevant development in July, a knowledge-based company in Iran had also opened a sludge and steel oxide powders processing plant that produces 25,000 tons of industrial waste concentrate annually.

The company was inaugurated in a ceremony with the participation of Iran’s Vice-President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy.

According to a report by Iranian Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, operationalization of the plant will not only have a positive impact on the environment of the region, bit also will meet the needs of the industry.

With the opening of this factory, which was built by the knowledge-based Eksir Fadak Steel Company, 25,000 tons of concentrate is produced annually from the accumulated waste in Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan Province, which not only generates revenues from waste, it also plays a part in reducing  pollutants emission into the environment.

In this plant, which is built over a land over an area of ​​10,000 square meters, nanocatalyst and advanced oxidation have been used.