Evaluation of Zefreh Dolomite (Central Iran) for Production of Magnesium via the Pidgeon Process

This study evaluates the production of magnesium metal from the Zefreh dolomite ore of Central Iran using the Pidgeon process. The investigation consisted of mineralogical and chemical characterization of the dolomite ore, calcining, chemical characterization, LOI (loss on ignition) determination, reduction tests on the calcined dolomite (dolime), using Iranian (Semnan) ferrosilicon and mineralogical, and chemical characterization of the reactants and products. Calcining of dolomite samples was carried out at approximately 1400°C in order to remove CO₂, moisture, and other easily volatilized impurities. The dolime was then milled, along with ferrosilicon, thoroughly mixed, and briquetted. The briquettes were heated at 1125°C--1150°C and 500 Pa in a tube reactor for 10--12 hours to extract the magnesium. The ferrosilicon to dolime ratio was determined based on the chemical analyses of the two reactants, using as a guide, and Mintek's Pyrosim software package. Magnesium extraction varied with ferrosilicon addition and with the dolime used, and reach about 80% under optimal conditions. The levels of major impurities encountered in the magnesium crown were similar to those in the crude metal production.