Fractional Sieve Size and Specific Gravity Analysis of Dadin Kowa Zircon Sand for Effective Beneficiation Process

Zircon sand, also known as zirconium silicate, is used in the foundry industry for casting and refractory applications, as well as in refractory paints and washes. The study was conducted on 10 kg of zircon sand from Dadinkowa deposit in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State. The sourced crude sample was finely ground using the Denver ball mill, model: Denver D-12 using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (ED-XRFS). The liberation size of Dadin Kowa zircon sand was investigated, concentration test using spiral concentrator for five different sieve fraction (2 sieves above the liberation size, liberation and two sieves below liberation size) and the specific gravity test of all resulting products (concentrate and tailings). The ED-XRFS results showed 53.7% SiO2, 0.37% TiO2, and 32.92% ZrO2 with other minerals in trace quantities. The theoretical and actual liberation sizes were found to be -250+180 µm and -125+90 µm, respectively. Best grade of zircon sand was achieved at -125+90 µm assaying 61.87%. The specific gravity of the mineral of interest was computed to be 5.26 at -125+90um alongside a tailing having specific gravity of 2.10. Thus, the processing of Dadinkowa zircon sand is recommended at the sieve size of -125+90 µm, to obtain a zircon-rich product while the tailing obtained can be utilized for other purposes such as land reclamations.