Purification of an Indigenous Molybdenite for Enhanced Steel Production

Abstract

Due to their high thermal and mechanical stability, increasing demands for high-grade molybdenum compounds for improved steel properties warrant continuous extraction for defined industrial applications. In this study, molybdenum-cumsilica compound preparation from indigenous molybdenite was examined via oxidative roasting and chemical leaching. The influence of pertinent parameters such as leachant concentration, reaction temperature, and particle size on the extent of molybdenite ore reacted was thoroughly investigated. The degree of molybdenite dissolution rate increased from 52 to 90% at optimal conditions. The leach liquor obtained at optimal conditions was purified through solvent extraction technique and beneficiated to an Industrial Sodium Aluminosilicate (ISA)/Industrial Sodium Molybdate Dihydrate (ISMD) compound. This prepared compound as characterized is recommended as industrial raw material in some defined steel operations.