The thermal decomposition kinetics of carbonaceous and ferruginous manganese ores in atmospheric conditions

Authors

  • Lina Hockaday Curtin University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of carbonate minerals as pre-treatment before smelting reduces the energy requirement for smelting. Thermal decomposition can also avoid the combustion of fossil fuels for heating. Thermal decomposition may become important in reducing greenhouse gas emissions when producing ferromanganese alloys while simultaneously reducing electric energy demand during smelting. A kinetic reaction rate model for the thermal decomposition of manganese ores is presented based on the adaptation of published reaction rate kinetics for the decomposition of manganese oxides and calcium carbonate. The model was validated against thermogravimetric data for two carbonaceous manganese ore samples and one ferruginous manganese ore sample. The reaction rate model shows that carbonate minerals in the manganese ores are decomposed at temperatures above 900 °C while pyrolusite is decomposed at temperatures from 450 °C to 500 °C. Mn2O3 decomposes rapidly at 550 °C. Braunite decomposition at temperatures below 1000 °C was negligible. The presence of organic carbon in the samples led to further reduction of the samples during thermal treatment.

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Author Biography

  • Lina Hockaday, Curtin University
    Senior Engineer | WASM Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering

Published

2026-04-15

Issue

Section

Energy Edition 2023