Magnesium Oxide Production from Dolomite Ore

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Iranian Mineral Processing Research Center (IMPRC).

10.22059/ijmge.2025.395582.595254

Abstract

In this study, the production of magnesium oxide (MgO) from dolomite ore (CaMg(CO₃) ₂) sourced from a mine in the southern region of the country was investigated.  Following sample collection, dolomite was transported to the Iranian Mineral Processing Research Center for XRF, ICP, XRD, and TGA-DTA analyses. The results of mineralogical and chemical analyses indicated that dolomite and calcite were predominant minerals, both critical for magnesium production. The calcination process at a particle size of 3 mm and a temperature of 800°C converted dolomite into an oxide phase. Magnesium oxide was subsequently produced through acid leaching using 2M HCl at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 5:15 at 70°C for 3 hours. The precipitation process using NaOH at a pH of 8–9 resulted in the formation of magnesium hydroxide, which was further heated at 600°C to convert it into magnesium oxide (MgO).The results demonstrated that the complete production of magnesium oxide is feasible at the Iranian Mineral Processing Research Center. This study highlights the high potential of the dolomite mine in the southern region as a source of raw material for MgO production and emphasizes the need to develop industrial infrastructure to complete the value chain of this strategic material.

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References

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International Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering
Volume 59, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 171-174

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