Method for producing mineral ore agglomerates using a hemicellulose binder and associated products

Abstract

A method of preparing agglomerates of a mineral ore comprising mixing mineral ore particles and a binder to produce the agglomerates. The binder comprises hemicellulose in an amount effective to enhance the cohesiveness of the mineral ore particles. The agglomerates can be heated to produce pellets that are useful intermediates for refining products produced by the mining industry. Also provided are the mineral ore agglomerates produced in accordance with the method of the present invention.

1 . A method of preparing agglomerates of a mineral ore comprising mixing mineral ore particles and a binder and subsequently forming agglomerates from the particles and binder; wherein the binder comprises hemicellulose in an amount effective to provide cohesiveness.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mineral ore comprises an iron oxide.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , said agglomerates comprising green balls of iron oxide ore, said method further comprising heating the green balls in a manner effective to produce taconite pellets.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the hemicellulose is produced from alkali-extruded corn hulls.  
     
     
         5 . Agglomerates comprising mineral ore particles and a binder; wherein the binder comprises hemicellulose in an amount effective to provide cohesiveness.  
     
     
         6 . The agglomerates of  claim 5  wherein the mineral ore comprises an iron oxide, said agglomerates comprising green balls.  
     
     
         7 . Taconite pellets prepared by heating the green balls prepared in accordance with  claim 6 .  
     
     
         8 . A method for providing taconite pellets comprising heating green balls until taconite pellets are formed, said green balls including an iron oxide and binder, said binder comprising a hemicellulose.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , said hemicellulose comprising corn hull hemicellulose.