Identifying garnet bearing rocks suitable for mining and processing of manufactured garnet sand

Abstract

Garnet sand has a wide range of applications in mineral industry, mainly abrasive. The demand for as an garnet sand has been increasing rapidly during recent past. Industrial quality garnet can be recovered from beach sand deposits and crushing and processing of garnet rich rocks. In Sri Lanka, there are several garnet rich beach sand deposits. However, due to negative environmental effects, mining has not been carried out for recovery of garnet from such deposits. In this study, the objective being to identify suitable garnet rich rocks to recover manufactured garnet sand, geological map of the country was studied in detail. Out of several locations, Thanikotuwa village in Dewaladeniya GS division in Lakgala - Pallegama divisional secretariat of Matale district was selected. Detailed work was carried out in this location having 30.39% garnet recovery whereas. Garnet cut-off grade of only 15.68% is expected for a project for obtaining manufactured garnet sand only. Also in the processing stage, remaining crushed rock material can be used directly as fine aggregates in the construction industry. Economic feasibility studies show commencement of a manufactured garnet sand project including IML - A grade quarry, crushing and processing plant in this location is economically viable.