Extraction of Metals: Ores and Minerals - Practice Questions & MCQ

Let us discuss the method of concentrating the ore by the Magnetic Separation method.

This is based on differences in the magnetic properties of the ore components. If either the ore or the gangue is attracted towards the magnetic field, then the separation is carried out by this method. For example, iron ores are attracted towards the magnet, hence, non–magnetic impurities can be separated from them using magnetic separation. The powdered ore is dropped over a conveyer belt which moves over a magnetic roller. The magnetic substance remains attracted towards the belt and falls close to it.

Example: Chromite (Cr₂FeO₄) ore is separated by this method.

If ore and not the gangue or the gangue and not the ore is attracted by a magnet, the two can be separated by this method