Dodola Iron Ore as Sustainable Iron Source for Clinker Production: Quantitative Analysis of Quality, Reactivity, and Environmental Benefits in Ethiopia

The rapid industrialization of Ethiopia, catalyzed by major infrastructure projects like the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Koysha Hydroelectric Dam, Road and Railway Expansion, and Industrial Parks has necessitated a strategic shift toward domestic raw material sourcing for cement production. This study evaluates the technical and mineralogical viability of Dodola iron ore, hosted within the Precambrian meta-gabbro suites of the Bale Administrative Region, as a sustainable iron corrective for Portland cement clinker. Quantitative geochemical analysis reveals a distinctive composition characterized by an average total iron (Fesub2/subOsub3/sub) content of 45.6% and a significant titanium dioxide (TiOsub2/sub) concentration of 11.12%. While standard industrial thresholds typically limit TiOsub2/sub to less than 1.0%, this research demonstrates that at controlled concentrations, the titanium acts as a potent mineralizer that reduces the clinker melt viscosity and lowers the liquid phase formation temperature by 50°C to 100°C. This soft burning effect optimizes kiln efficiency, facilitates a potential 6.44% increase in alite content, and reduces the carbon footprint associated with high-heat calcination and long-range logistics. The integration of Dodola iron ore into a recalibrated raw mix offers a dual benefit of improving clinker reactivity while aligning the Ethiopian cement sector with national Green Growth and circular economy objectives.