Microstructural characterization of low-grade raw materials for chromium-manganese ligaturesmelting

Abstract

This article examines the mineralogical and structural features of chromite ore from the Kempirsai deposit and iron-manganese ore from the Kerege-Tas deposit. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to assess the suitability of these complex, multicomponent ores for metallurgical processing. The aim of the research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the morphology, mineral phases, and elemental composition of the ore samples using modern methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to characterize the surface structure of the samples, while energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to determine the distribution and relative concentrations of elements. The results revealed the predominance of chromite in the chromite ore andMn and Fe minerals in the iron-manganese ore, as well as their close association with silicate and oxide phases. The findings are fully consistent with the results of chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies previously performed by the authors. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive characterization of the morphological and phase features of the ores, while the practical significance is in substantiating their suitability as an effective raw material for the production of Cr-Mnligature.