Rare earth roll magnetic separators (RERMS) and induced roll magnetic separators (IRMS) are the simple and efficient dry high-intensity magnetic separators used for upgrading different paramagnetic minerals. These are the most popularly adopted units for separation of mineral sands, but its application for processing of other minerals is scanty. In the present investigation, an effort has been made to understand the role of different process variables of RERMS and IRMS to separate the hematite fines from a low-grade ore. Before magnetic separation studies, detailed characterisation of the material was carried out regarding physical, chemical, mineralogical and magnetic properties which are discussed critically from the magnetic separation point of view. Based on the findings of the characterisation, magnetic separation was conducted using RERMS and IRMS by varying some of the relevant process variables. Further, the effects of each variable on hematite segregation in these units were discussed, and optimum process conditions were derived for the efficient recovery of hematite fines from the low-grade ore. The separation efficiency of these separators is compared with liberation data obtained from QEMSCAN. Finally, the paper concludes stating that RERMS and IRMS can be utilized as a pre-concentrator/ scavenger unit to discard a maximum amount of gangue in a single stage of dry operation which will save energy regarding the fine grinding of the ore for liberation. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.