Maximizing Mineral Recovery with Magnetic + Gravity Processing
In modern mineral processing, the combined use of magnetic separators and gravity separation equipment—such as jig machines, shaking tables, and centrifugal concentrators—has proven to be an efficient, cost-effective, and flexible solution. By integrating different separation principles, this hybrid process significantly improves recovery rates and concentrate grades, especially for iron, manganese, chromite, tin, tungsten, gold, and titanium ores.
Why Combine Magnetic Separation and Gravity Separation?
Using only one separation method often leads to limitations when dealing with complex or polymetallic ores.
Magnetic separators target magnetic or weakly magnetic minerals through magnetic field forces.
Gravity separators (jig, shaking table, centrifugal concentrator) separate heavy minerals based on density differences.
A two-stage magnetic–gravity process enables both pre-enrichment and fine cleaning: magnetic separation removes impurities and concentrates magnetic minerals, while gravity separation upgrades the final concentrate and maximizes overall recovery.
Advantages of Magnetic Separator + Jig Machine Combination
Simple process and high efficiency
The magnetic separator removes magnetic impurities at the roughing stage, while the jig machine performs gravity concentration for higher recovery at low energy cost.
Ideal for low-grade ores
Especially effective for low-grade iron, manganese, and chromite ores, recovering valuable heavy minerals from tailings.
Stable operation and easy maintenance
Both machines are mature technologies with low maintenance requirements and long service life.
Advantages of Magnetic Separator + Shaking Table Combination
Higher concentrate grade and purity
The shaking table further refines magnetic concentrates by removing fine impurities, producing cleaner, high-grade products.
Excellent for fine-grained minerals
Shaking tables are very effective for particle sizes between 0.1–2 mm.
Widely used in ilmenite, tungsten, and tin ore processing
Ideal for separating weakly magnetic minerals with significant density differences.
Advantages of Magnetic Separator + Centrifugal Concentrator Combination
High recovery and high grade
Centrifugal concentrators create strong centrifugal fields that efficiently recover fine gold, platinum, and tin minerals from magnetic separation tailings.
Excellent for fine and ultra-fine particles
Particularly suitable for particles smaller than 0.074 mm, where traditional jigs or shaking tables lose efficiency.
Continuous operation and easy automation
Perfect for industrial production lines, ensuring consistent performance and reduced labor input.
Typical Combined Process Example
For a gold-bearing iron ore:
Roughing stage – The magnetic separator removes strong magnetic iron minerals, upgrading the gold ore.
Concentration stage – The jig machine or centrifugal concentrator extracts free gold and heavy minerals.
Cleaning stage – The shaking table treats the remaining tailings for secondary gold recovery.
This combined process can improve overall recovery by 10–20%, while reducing tailings losses and processing costs.
Conclusion
The combined application of magnetic separators and gravity separation equipment offers a proven path toward higher recovery, better concentrate quality, and lower operating costs.
For small and medium-scale mineral processing plants, this flexible, energy-efficient, and scalable process can greatly enhance competitiveness and resource utilization, making it one of the most practical mineral processing solutions today.