Study on Microwave-assisted Reduction of Pyrolusite

Manganese is a vital metal resource, and increased consumption of manganese is leading to the shortage of high-grade manganese ore resources. However, a large number of low-grade manganese ore resources ((Mn<30%) accounts for about 60% of the total manganese resources) have not been effectively utilized because of the lack of efficient industrial utilization methods. Researching new technologies for reducing low-grade pyrolusite is an urgent problem to be solved. Microwave is an effective and environmentally friendly heat source widely used in mining, metallurgy, and chemistry. Different substances have different dielectric constants. The difference in dielectric constant affects the absorption rate of substances, resulting in different heating rates for different substances when heated by microwaves. Microwave is widely used in the metal smelting process because of its unique heating method. So far, few works have been done to verify that microwave heating can effectively promote the reduction of pyrolusite. This article summarizes some current methods of reducing low-grade pyrolusite and compares them with the method of reducing pyrolusite by microwave heating. In addition, this article introduces the principle of microwave-enhanced reduction of pyrolusite and discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by microwave heating technology in its subsequent development. The aim is to analyze and study the promoting effect of microwave heating technology on the reduction of pyrolusite, further improve the utilization of low-grade pyrolusite, and provide new methods and approaches for the comprehensive utilization of mineral resources and provide assistance in industrial production.