Question

Explain Gravity separation process or Hydraulic washing process? 

[OR] 

How will you concentrate oxide ores? 

[OR] 

Explain the suitable method to concentrate hematite and tinstone ores.

Answer 1

In this method, the ore having high specific gravity is separated from the gangue that has low specific gravity by simply washing with running water. Ore is crushed to a finely powdered form and treated with rapidly flowing current of water. During this process the lighter gangue particles are washed away by the running water. This method is generally applied to concentrate the native ore such as gold and oxide ores such as hematite (Fe₂O₃), tin stone (SnO₂) etc.