en.Wedoany.com Reported - Brazilian mining company Cedro has increased its monthly iron ore concentrate production from 59,201 tons to 65,190 tons by introducing dewatering screens, adding sampling points, and optimizing equipment interlock logic in the magnetic separation process, resulting in a monthly revenue increase of 1,386,995 Brazilian reais.

In iron ore mining, as ore grades continue to decline, the mass recovery rate in the magnetic separation stage has decreased. Cedro analyzed this issue and found abnormal circuit performance and a lack of equipment suitable for low-grade raw materials, leading to metal recovery rates falling short of expectations. In response, the company implemented several improvement measures, including incorporating new equipment into the preventive maintenance plan, installing sampling points for hydrocyclone underflow and overflow, and instrumenting equipment groups for real-time measurement of flow, pressure, and density. Operating procedures were also updated, and all operational teams received training. Additionally, by adjusting preventive maintenance routes, the company identified the need to modify equipment interlock logic, linking the plant feed to the new magnetic drum.

To improve dewatering efficiency of concentrated fines, Cedro developed a dewatering screen with a 0.1 mm aperture, reducing the screening area to more effectively retain ultrafine materials. To prevent screen overflow due to reduced throughput, the company added a moisture absorbent to the hydrocyclone underflow of the magnetic separator recovery slurry, increasing the solids percentage and reducing the moisture content of the screen feed, thereby enhancing capacity.

After the improvements, monthly production increased from an average of 59,201 tons of concentrate to 65,190 tons, achieving the monthly production target. The quality of concentrate output increased by approximately 9%, and the iron grade of fines improved by 2%. The study was based on monthly analysis data of magnetic separator recovery rates in 2025. Cedro stated that the results not only increased sales volume but also enhanced the economic viability of low-grade ores, strengthening the sustainability of mining operations.