Limonite Iron Ore

Limonite Iron Ore from Pakistan

Limonite is a naturally occurring hydrated iron oxide formed by the weathering and oxidation of primary iron minerals such as magnetite, pyrite, and siderite. It is not a single mineral but a mixture of hydrated iron oxides, predominantly goethite (FeOOH). Limonite is characterized by its earthy, rusty brown to yellowish-brown color, porous structure, and relatively high combined water content. Pakistan has extensive surface and near-surface limonite deposits where iron-bearing geological formations have been exposed to tropical and semi-arid weathering over millions of years.

Available Forms

• Run-of-mine (ROM) lumps: 10-250 mm

• Crushed lumps: 0-50 mm, 0-25 mm

• Screened fines: 0-10 mm

• Custom sizing available

Industrial Uses

• Sintering plant feed: Limonite fines are blended with higher-grade hematite and magnetite fines at sinter plants to produce a composite sinter for blast furnace charge. The combined water in limonite creates porosity during sintering, improving sinter reducibility

• Blast furnace charge (blending): Limonite lumps are blended with hematite and magnetite lumps as part of the iron burden. The higher combined water content aids burden permeability and gas flow

• Cement manufacturing: Limonite fines are used as an iron-corrective raw material in cement raw mix to supply Fe₂O₃ for clinker mineralogy (C₄AF phase formation)

• Pigments and coatings: Natural limonite is a source of yellow and brown iron oxide pigments (yellow ochre, raw sienna, burnt sienna, raw umber) used in paints, stains, ceramics, and construction materials

• Water treatment: Limonite’s porous, high-surface-area structure makes it an effective natural adsorbent for removing arsenic, phosphate, and heavy metals from water

• Soil amendment: Ground limonite is used as a natural iron supplement in agricultural soils deficient in iron, and as a pH buffer

• Nickel and cobalt recovery: Lateritic limonite ores containing nickel and cobalt are processed through high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) for nickel extraction (where applicable)

• Weighting agent: Ground limonite is used as a weighting material in drilling muds for oil and gas exploration

Quality Assurance

Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis reporting Fe (total), SiO₂, Al₂O₃, P, S, TiO₂, MnO, CaO, MgO, combined water, LOI, moisture, and size distribution. Pre-shipment samples are provided for buyer approval. Third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek, or equivalent) can be arranged on request.