Mineral Composition Research Articles

Machine learning and computer vision technology to analyze and discriminate soil samples

Soil texture is one of the most important elements to consider before planting and tillage. These features affect the product selection and regulate its water permeability. Discrimination of soils by determining soil texture features requires an intense workload and is time-consuming. Therefore, having a powerful tool and knowledge for texture-based soil discrimination could enable rapid and accurate discrimination of soils. This study focuses on presenting new models for 6 different soil sample groups (Soil_1 to Soil_6) based on 12 different machine learning algorithms that can be utilized for various problems. As a result, overall accuracy values were determined as greater than 99.2% (Trilayered Neural Network). The greatest accuracy value was found in Bayes Net (99.83%) and followed by Subspace Discriminant (99.80%). In the Bayes Net algorithm, MCC (Matthews Correlation Coefficient) and F-measure values were obtained as 0.994 and 0.995 for Soil_4 and Soil_6 sample groups while these values were 1.000 for other soil groups. Soil types can visually vary based on their texture, mineral composition, and moisture levels. The variability of this can be influenced by fertilization, precipitation levels, and soil cultivation. It is important to capture the images in soil conditions that are more stable. In conclusion, the present study has proven the feasibility of rapid, non-destructive, and accurate discrimination of soils by image processing-based machine learning.

Influence of Steel Slag as a Partial Replacement of Aggregate on Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beam

Amidst the global pursuit of sustainable alternatives in concrete production, this study explores the viability of incorporating by-products or waste materials as aggregates to support the concrete construction industry, with a specific emphasis on steel slag. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of steel slag as a partial replacement for fine and coarse aggregates in concrete production. The experiment involved casting 30 cubes and 10 beams, replacing fine aggregate from 0 to 60%. Flexural and compressive strength tests at 7 and 28 days followed the ACI method. Results revealed that a 30% replacement of fine aggregate with steel slag led to higher compressive strength at both 7 and 28 days, while a 45% replacement showed superior flexural strength at 28 days. Further chemical analysis and optimization are recommended for deeper insights. The study concludes with marginal improvements in compressive and flexural strength with steel slag partial replacement, identifying 30% for fine aggregate and 45% for coarse aggregate as optimal replacements. In addition, the mineral composition of steel slag exhibits significant variability, with compounds, including silicon dioxide (SiO2), iron oxide (Fe2O3), manganese oxide (MnO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and calcium oxide (CaO). Chemical analysis indicates high silicate content and minimal alkali content, contributing to enhanced strength during concreting. Higher steel slag replacement reduces workability, confirmed by slump tests. However, all mixes maintain a true slump, and unit weight increases with steel slag aggregate replacement. Compressive strength improves incrementally with higher steel slag content, echoing prior research. In addition, flexural strength rises with steel slag replacing both coarse and fine aggregates, suggesting enhanced performance in reinforced concrete structures. These findings highlight steel slag’s potential as a sustainable alternative in concrete production, aiming to advance its application in the construction industry, promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability.

Nutritional Composition and Fungi Isolates Associated with Moringa Oleifera Leaves and Seeds

Moringa oleifera (miracle tree) as it is popularly called, has been found useful both medicinally and economically. Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species of the monogeneric family, the Moringaceae, which is indigenous to South Asia. This fast-growing plant is a highly valued and cultivated one in the tropics and sub-tropics. With its high nutritive values, every part of the tree is suitable for either nutritional or commercial purposes. The leaves of this tree are worthy of special attention. The leaves are rich in minerals, vitamins, and other essential phytochemicals. This research is aimed at determining the nutritional composition and fungi isolates associated with Moringa oleifera. The Sabaraud Dextrose Agar was used to culture for pure growth and three microorganisms were isolated which consisted of Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. The nutritional analysis of Moringa oleifera was carried out and its composition includes; crude lipids, crude fiber, moisture, ash, protein, and carbohydrates. They aid in treating digestive problems, reduce cholesterol and immunomodulation benefits, proper growth of the sperm cells, synthesis of DNA and RNA and they help to lower blood pressure. The mineral composition analyzed in Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds constituted zinc, copper, silver, and manganese. The microorganisms isolated produce toxins that cause harm and damage to humans. These toxins can be controlled if post-harvest interventions that reduce aflatoxin include rapid and proper drying, proper transportation and packaging, sorting, cleaning, drying, smoking, post-harvest insect control, and the use of botanicals or synthetic pesticides as storage protectants. The health benefits of Moringa oleifera include, they are anti-inflammatory in nature due to the presence of isothiocyanates, having anti-oxidative properties and protecting against the damaging effects of free radicals present in the body, stabilizing blood sugar levels due to the presence of isothiocyanates. They support brain health and work as neuro-enhancers, they are natural cleansers and help to detoxify the system. They are used as supplements in food to improve the nutritional composition that is lacking in the body.

Evaluating the dynamics of physical, proximate, mineral and antioxidant compositions during dragon fruit development

Evaluating the dynamics of physical, proximate, mineral and antioxidant compositions during dragon fruit development

Effect of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) Fortification on Physicochemical, Nutritional, Bioactive, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Vegan Basil Pesto.

The high protein content of several microalgae species makes them an excellent addition to various food products, increasing their nutritional value. In this study, vegan basil pesto was designed and enriched with 1% and 2% Arthrospira platensis (spirulina). The pesto obtained was characterized by increased protein content (up to 40% more) and had a rich mineral composition, including up to three times more iron and 25% more calcium, among others. The increase of spirulina addition in the pesto also increased the content of polyphenols (up to 50% more) and flavonoids (up to 39% more). The fortified products had higher antioxidant activity against ABTS (up to 484.56 ± 2.16 μM Trolox/g) and DPPH (up to 392.41 ± 13.58 μM Trolox/g). The addition of spirulina will affect the hardness of the sauce, while in the other texture parameters (adhesiveness, springiness, and cohesion), there were no significant differences between the control and spirulina-fortified pesto. Although the pesto with spirulina was significantly darker in color (ΔE 8.83 and 12.05), consumers still rated it highly. All quality parameters of pesto with a 1% spirulina addition were rated the highest, contributing to the highest overall rating of the product (4.56). An increase in spirulina addition to 2% resulted in a decrease in the overall pesto rating (4.01), but still remains a good result compared to the control (4.22).

Analysis of the effect of aggregate type on the dynamic behaviour of concrete

This paper focuses on how different aggregate types affect the dynamic response of concrete. While Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) is commonly used to assess dynamic behaviour through the dynamic increase factor (DIF), the specific influence of aggregate type, a major component of concrete, remains unclear. This influence is investigated using fast Fourier transform analysis of strain signals. Two different types of aggregates, sandstone and schist, with distinct geological origins and mineral compositions, are used to examine this effect. Energy analysis is performed to understand how aggregate type affects energy absorption. The fineness modulus of fractured specimens is also determined which allow the comparison of post-fracture grain sizes. A crucial link between aggregate type and dynamic response of concrete is observed. Stiffer aggregates lead to stiffer concrete, which influence the frequency of energy responsible for damage initiation. At lower strain rates, concrete with stiffer aggregates absorbs lower-frequency energy. However, as strain rate increases, the frequency of absorbed energy becomes more dependent on the extent of damage within the aggregates themselves. The type of aggregate also significantly affects the size distribution of the fractured material. To analyse the stress distribution under dynamic loading, numerical simulations are carried out. These simulations showed that the maximum stress in concrete is related to the stiffness of the aggregate.

Effect of silicon carbide powder on asphalt material properties and microwave-induced self-healing

Silicon carbide (SiC) powder, an excellent microwave-absorbing material, can serve as a filler in asphalt mixtures. This study compares the particle size distribution, phase composition, pore structure, specific surface area, and electromagnetic properties of SiC powder and limestone powder. Asphalt mastic and mixtures were prepared with SiC powder replacing mineral powder at ratios ranging from 0 % to 60 %. The study examines how differences in particle size gradation, mineral composition, pore structure, and specific surface area contribute to deformation resistance and improve mechanical properties through micro-level interlocking and cementation. Electromagnetic parameter variations affect microwave heating performance, with uniform distribution of absorbing fillers ensuring heating homogenization. SiC powder also enhances the self-healing index, reaching 74.4 %, and maintaining a maximum healing index of 68.1 % after four damage-healing cycles. These findings support the practical application of SiC powder in asphalt concrete, enhancing maintenance efficiency and advancing microwave heating for self-healing and hot recycling.

Effect of the Association of Levels of Potassium and Nitrogen from Coated Urea on the Forage Potential of Cactus Pear in Brazilian Savannah Soil

ABSTRACT The development of methods that aim to increase the water use efficiency in agricultural systems should be part of the objectives of research, and the cultivation of plants of lower water requirements, such as cactus pear, can be a good option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the association of potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) levels from coated urea, in two harvest years, on the agronomic characteristics and nutritive value of Nopalea cochenillifera cv Doce. A randomized block design in a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was adopted. The factors corresponded to two levels of K (40 kg and 60 kg ha−1 year−1), four levels of N (0, 60, 120, and 240 kg ha−1 year−1) and two harvest years (Years I and II). The plants were evaluated for growth, yield, chemical, and mineral composition, and nutritive value. The levels of K affected only plant height and K content in the plant. The agronomic variables and contents of ether extract and crude protein (CP) linearly increased along with the levels of N from the coated urea. There was a significant effect of interaction between N levels and harvest year on the contents of NDF, NDFap, NFC, fraction A+B1, Ca, and Mg. The level of 40 kg K ha−1 year−1 associated with 240 kg N ha−1 year−1 from coated urea provided the best results for the characteristics of growth, yield, and nutritive value of the cactus pear.

Wide & deep learning for predicting relative mineral compositions of sediment cores solely based on XRF scans, a case study from Pleistocene Paleolake Olduvai, Tanzania

This study develops a method to use deep learning models to predict the mineral assemblages and their relative abundances in paleolake cores using high-resolution XRF core scan elemental data and X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineralogical results from the same core taken at coarser resolution. It uses the XRF core scan data along with published mineralogical information from the Olduvai Gorge Coring Project (OGCP) 2014 sediment cores 1A, 2A, and 3A from Paleolake Olduvai, Tanzania. Both regression and classification models were developed using a Keras deep learning framework to assess the predictability of mineral assemblages with their relative abundances (in regression models) or at least the mineral assemblages (in classification models) using XRF core scan data. Models were created using the Sequential class and Functional API with different model architectures. The correlation matrix of element ratios calculated from XRF element intensity records from the cores and XRD-derived mineralogical information was used to select the most useful features to train the models. 1057 training data records were used for the models. Lithological classes were also used for some models using Wide & Deep neural networks since those combine the benefits of memorization and generalization for mineral prediction. The results were validated using 265 validation data records unseen by the model and discuss the accuracy of models using six test records. The optimized Deep Neural Network (DNN) classification model achieved over 86% binary accuracy while the regression models were also able to predict the relative mineral abundances of samples with high accuracies. Overall, the study shows the efficacy of a carefully crafted Deep Learning (DL) model for predicting mineral assemblages and abundances using high-resolution XRF core scan data.

Nutritional and phytochemical profile of a traditional beverage made from roasted roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds

The consumption of locally available and affordable food with high nutritional properties is a recommended solution to prevalent undernutrition in low-income countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional and phytochemical profile of a traditional beverage made from roasted green or red roselle seeds. Proximate composition was determined using AOAC standard methods. Minerals and phytochemicals were quantified by atomic and molecular absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. The bioavailability of iron, zinc, and calcium was estimated using phytates/mineral molar ratios. A sensory analysis was conducted to evaluate the acceptability of the studied beverages, and their contribution to the Recommended Daily Intake of proteins, energy, iron, zinc, and calcium was also assessed. The beverage made from roasted green roselle seeds presented the highest content of proteins, fats, total fibres and energy, while the beverage made from roasted red roselle seeds was more concentrated in carbohydrates. Both beverages had similar contents of total phenols, oxalates, ascorbic acid but exhibited different phytates and carotenoids contents that were higher in the beverage made from roasted red roselle seeds. The mineral composition revealed higher contents of sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper in the beverage made from roasted red roselle seeds, while iron and manganese were more concentrated in the beverage made from roasted green roselle seeds. A good bioavailability was observed for iron and zinc in the beverage made from roasted red roselle and green roselle seeds, respectively. An unfavourable calcium bioavailability was exhibited by both beverages. The consumption of 500 mL of the studied beverages, which were positively appreciated by the sensory test panel, could cover more than 100% of the Recommended Daily Intake of proteins, energy, zinc, and more than 50% of that of iron, for children up to 3 years old. The consumption of beverages made from roasted roselle seeds could be an efficient and affordable solution to undernutrition in low-income countries.

Co-incineration of multiple inorganic solid wastes towards clean disposal: Heat and mass transfer modeling, pollutant generation, and machine learning based proportioning

The co-disposal of solid waste by industrial kilns is presently attracting increasing attention. In this study, we investigate the co-disposal of solid waste, i.e. converter ash (CA), sintered ash (SA), blast furnace bag ash (BA), and municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA), under simulated blast furnace ironmaking conditions. The results show that it is feasible to use blast furnace to treat MSWIFA, but the stability of temperature field should be controlled in the process of co-disposal. With the increase of temperature, the conversion rate of NO decreased to 16.4%, and ZnFe2O4 became the main mineral composition, accounting for 75.53%. Corresponding to the flue gas corrosion condition of solid waste treatment, it is found that the corrosion resistance of the furnace material TH347H is better than 20G. Finally, based on the experimental data, the nested optimization algorithm of machine learning model is established to achieve the reverse output of optimal conditions. Overall, the study provides theoretical support and methodology guidance for the co-disposal of solid waste in blast furnaces in providing support for the further development of co-disposal of solid waste in industrial kilns.

Fault rock properties and conditions produce variance in slip during earthquake rupture propagation at the Nankai Trough

Although drilled samples of fault rocks have yielded information on frictional features of shallow subduction zones, the relationship of rupture propagation to the levels of friction and pore-fluid pressure remains uncertain. To investigate this topic, we performed dynamic rupture simulations along the megasplay fault that slipped during the 1944 Mw 8.0 Tonankai earthquake in the Nankai Trough. We used actual data from friction experiments on rocks from the fault segment and pre-existing pore pressures deduced from geophysical surveys for the shallow portion of 0–10 km depth along the fault. Simulations of low friction (friction coefficient ca. 0.04) produced large slip (about 30 m), whereas simulations using higher friction (friction coefficient ca. 0.2) suppressed the rupture. In simulations with low friction in which the pore-fluid pressure was nearly equal to the lithostatic stress, the slip decreased to about 25 m. However, when the simulations included slip-strengthening at shallow depth and higher friction, the slip still reached roughly 20 m. Such variability in slip during rupture propagation is caused by differences in the friction features and fluid pressure conditions of fault rocks, in which the friction features might be related to the mineral composition. Spatiotemporal heterogeneity in fault-rock type and their physical and hydraulic properties may fundamentally produce the complexity and variability of earthquake rupture propagation along the Nankai plate-subduction boundary.

Elemental Geochemistry and Pb Isotopic Compositions of the Thick No. 7 Coal Seam in the Datun Mining Area, China

Thick coal seams recorded abundant petrological, geochemical, and mineralogical information regarding their formation, which in turn can reflect the characteristics of the coal-forming environments, provenance attributes, paleoclimate, and so on. In order to explore the geochemical and lead isotope characteristics of thick coal seams, the No. 7 coal seam in the Datun mining area, Jiangsu Province of China, was selected as the research object. In this work, 29 samples (including coal, roof, and floor rock samples) were collected from three coal mines in the Datun mining area. Through an analysis of the mineral composition and element geochemical characteristics in the coal samples, the enrichment degree of trace elements and modes of rare earth elements were determined. The genetic mechanism of abnormal enrichment of enriched elements is discussed, especially the modes of occurrence and isotope characteristics of Pb. The results showed the following: (1) The main minerals in the coal samples include quartz, potassium feldspar, plagioclase, calcite, dolomite, pyrite, gypsum, and clay minerals, with clay minerals, calcite, quartz, and dolomite being the most common. (2) The major element oxides in coal mainly include SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, TiO2, P2O5, and FeO. In the vertical direction, the variation of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, K2O, and FeO in coal samples from the three coal mines is consistent. The average value of Al2O3/TiO2 in the samples of Kongzhuang, Longdong, and Yaoqiao coal mines is 28.09–50.52, which basically locates the samples in the felsic source area, such that the sediment source is considered to be felsic source rock. (3) Elements U, La, Pb, and other elements are more enriched in Kongzhuang coal mine samples; elements Th, U, La, Pb, and other elements are more enriched in the Longdong coal mine samples; and elements Th, U, La, Pb, and other elements are more enriched in the Yaoqiao coal mine samples. Furthermore, W is enriched in Yaoqiao mine samples and is highly enriched in Longdong mine samples. The mining area is generally rich in the elements U, La, and Pb. The distribution curves of rare earth elements in the three mines are inclined to the right, with negative Eu anomalies. The enrichment is of the light rare earth enrichment type. (4) Pb isotope data show that the samples from the three mines are mainly distributed in the orogenic belt and the subduction zone lead source areas, where the upper crust and the mantle are mixed, with individual sample points distributed in the mantle and upper crust lead source areas.

Geological, physiochemical, mineralogical, and rheological characterizations of clay deposits in Northeast Libya

ABSTRACT This study was conducted on bentonite deposits in Um Al Rozm and Ain Al Ghazala areas that lie between Latitudes º32 “00 ‘30 and º32 “33 ‘30 N and Longitudes º23 “00 ‘30 and º23 “20 ‘30 E in Northeast Libya. The objective of this study is the assessment of geological, physiochemical, mineralogical, and rheological properties and the potentiality of utilizing these rocks as drilling fluids for oil and gas wells. Chemical and mineralogical analyses were performed by XRF and XRD, respectively. Rheological properties are investigated before and after the treatment process by adding additive materials such as Na2CO3 and CMC. The chemical analysis results of bentonite showed a discrepancy in the proportions of the major components. The results after the treatment process for bentonite in Um Al Rozm exhibit rheological properties consistent with those stipulated by API and other standard bentonites, but for Ain Al Ghazala, the results are unsatisfactory. Mineral analysis of bentonite from the two areas revealed a difference in the mineral composition. The bentonite of the Um Al Rozm area is Na-bentonite, while the bentonite of the Ain Al Ghazala area is Ca-bentonite, whose rheological properties aren’t acceptable as drilling fluid properties stipulated by API.

Acacia seeds: compositional variation based on species, growing locations and harvest years

SummaryThree different Acacia seeds (A. retinodes, A. provincialis and A. tenuissima) harvested from different locations and in different years were analysed for their variations in proximate and mineral composition. Results showed no one species had the highest content across all proximate and mineral analyses, for example, A. retinodes Harmans 2020 had the highest ash (3.7%), A. retinodes Harmans 2022 had the highest protein content (31.3%), A. tenuissima Hindmarsh 2020 had the highest fat content (18.5%) and A. provincialis Tarrington 2022 had the highest magnesium content (469 mg/100 g). Principle component analysis was carried out to determine the effect of species, harvest locations and years on the chemical composition. A biplot of the first two principal components with a total of 60.5% variation showed clustering based on harvest years. The compositions of the Acacia seeds were determined to be affected by species, harvest location and year differences. However, a complete gene–environment interaction study is needed to validate this.

Comparative study of dietary selenium sources on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata): Growth, nutrient utilization, stress response and final product quality

Selenium (Se) is a crucial trace mineral in human nutrition, known for its various health benefits, including the enhancement of antioxidant defenses. Enrichment of fish fillets with Se is seen as an interesting strategy to reduce the risk of Se deficiency in human diets. While inorganic sources have been traditionally used to supplement Se in fish diets, organic Se forms have demonstrated superior bioavailability and efficacy in managing oxidative stress and tissue retention rates compared to their inorganic counterparts.The main objective of this study was to assess the performance, stress resistance, and product quality of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in response to diets supplemented with 0.2 mg kg−1 of Na2SeO3 (CTRL), Zn-L-SeMet (AVSe) or OH-Se-Met (ORGSe), complying therefore with the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) maximum allowed supplementation of organic Se (0.2 mg kg−1). Diets were formulated to be similar in their protein (48% DM) and lipid content (17% DM), and hand-fed to apparent satiety to quadruplicate groups of 20 fish (initial body weight ∼ 75 g) gilthead seabream juveniles for 137 days. Fish were kept in a recirculating saltwater system (salinity 35‰, 22 ± 1 °C) until they reached commercial size (>250 g). At the end of the growth trial, all fish were individually weighed and measured, with 4 fish per tank sampled for whole-body composition analysis. Fillet yield, muscle lipid and mineral composition, and hepatic oxidative stress indicators were assessed (n = 12). Lipid peroxidation, muscle pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), color, and texture were evaluated on days 7 and 14 (n = 8), while sensory analysis was conducted on 20 fish. Additionally, 12 fish per treatment were subjected to overcrowding (100 kg m−3) for 5 min and air exposure for 1 min. After a 1-h recovery period, plasma and liver samples were collected from these fish, and results were compared to those of the non-stress group. All diets yielded equivalent growth performance, ensuring low feed conversion ratio. Fish fed the AVSe diet exhibited higher whole-body protein content compared to those fed the CTRL diet. Regarding mineral utilization, increased Se retention and gain in fish fed AVSe and ORGSe diets led to higher Se content in these fish compared to the CTRL. Additionally, the AVSe diet has also resulted in significantly increased Se deposition in the muscle compared to the other tested Se sources, contributing with 34% of the Se Daily Recommended Intake (DRI). The assessed flesh quality parameters and overall consumer acceptance did not reveal significant differences among the groups. Exposure to an acute stress was found to decrease the activities of Glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, which in turn has increased the level of oxidized glutathione, particularly in the AVSe group. Compared to OH-Se-Met and Na2SeO3, Zn-L-SeMet was more effective in promoting response to stress and nutritional value of gilthead seabream as an important source of protein and Se in human diet.

Study on the deterioration of mortar by enteromorpha-diatoms during green tide

Similar to the deterioration of construction materials by airborne algae, hydrophytic algae can deteriorate cementitious materials and change the performance of structures, thereby reducing the safety and economics of marine facilities. Frequent outbreaks of green tides have occurred in recent years, and algae have been shown to deteriorate calcium substances in cementitious materials. Therefore, the pattern of deterioration of cement by algae as a result of green tide outbreaks is important for extending the durability of marine installations. For this reason, the dominant species of the green tide outbreak, Enteromorpha, and the marine primary producer, diatoms, were selected to simulate the green tide outbreak in this paper. Then, in the paper, the colonization law of Enteromorpha and diatom and the calcium loss law in mortar are discussed. Results showed four stages of Enteromorpha-diatoms colonization on the mortar surface (diatoms colonization within 15 days, release of spores from Enteromorpha, germination of spores from Enteromorpha within 60 days, and transformation of the relationship between the colonization of Enteromorpha and diatoms). Three channels for the loss of calcium on the surface of the mortar include the uptake and transformation, the complexation of biofilm, and the dissolution and deposition. Additionally, Enteromorpha-diatoms can deteriorate the mortar surface, mineral composition, and microstructure.

Influence of inherent mineral matrix on the geochemical reactions and pore structure evolution from shale oxidative dissolution

Oxidant stimulation presents a promising avenue for enhancing fluid mobility in shale reservoirs with ultra-low permeability and porosity. However, the effect of diverse minerals, major components of shale, on geochemical reactions and associated microstructures still warrants further exploration. In this study, we employed acid demineralization followed by oxidant stimulation to explore the impact of carbonate and silicate minerals on shale oxidative dissolution, considering both geochemical reactions and pore structures. Combined with artificial neural network (ANN) modeling, the dominance of shale composition on pore structures variation was further elucidated. Results demonstrated effective removal of carbonate and silicates minerals following treatment with HCl and HF acids. Interestingly, while silicate minerals exhibited greater mass loss in response to all oxidant stimulations, carbonate minerals only contributed to mass loss induced by Na2S2O8. Integration of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water chemistry and total organic content analysis revealed mineral- and oxidant-dependent geochemical reactions within the stimulation process. These included preferential dissolution of K-feldspar, dedolomitization accompanied by different precipitates, and transformation from quartz to albite, among other conventional reactions. The alteration in mineral and organic matter composition also induced variation in shale nanopores structures, resulting in increased specific surface area, nanopore volume, and average pore diameter induced by acid treatment, while the effects of oxidants varied. To better understand the relationship between shale composition and micropore structure, an ANN model was established to quantify this underlying connection, emphasizing the significant role of carbonate, chlorite, pyrite, and organic matter in shale oxidative dissolution. Our study provides further evidence for the influence of minerals on shale oxidative dissolution, offering insights for the engineering application of oxidant stimulation in shale gas extraction.

Influence of grading in compacted tailings behaviour: towards resilient design

The inherent variability of tailings is the main challenge in compacted filtered tailings stacks (CFTS) operation. Despite the advances in dewatering technologies, the filtration efficiency depends on the tailings’ gradation and mineralogy. A usual process is filtering materials separately, which can later be mixed and compacted. This paper studies two iron ore tailings (flotation and slime) from a unique mine and three mixtures (80/20, 70/30 and 60/40) produced from them to investigate the influence of grading on tailings’ compressibility, strength, stiffness, and state measures. The materials were thoroughly characterised and submitted to triaxial tests under low (50 kPa) and high (1,000 kPa) confinement levels and different moulding conditions (loose and dense). The results showed that the behaviour of the range of gradings investigated was similar in terms of compressibility, strength mobilisation (peak and M value), dilatancy and stiffness for similar compaction efforts. The packings produced seem to be affected mainly by the mineral composition and grading, while the mechanical procedures only change the magnitude of the state achieved, maintaining the proportion between them. Understanding how grading and mineralogy affect different geomechanical aspects of tailings is the first step towards resilient projects, which are essential to the mining industry’s future.

Geospatial Mapping and Detection of Ferrous, Iron Oxides, and Clay Minerals in District Mohmand, Pakistan

The study focuses on the utilization of remote sensing techniques to effectively identify and detect ferrous,iron oxides, and clay minerals in Mohmand district, Pakistan, using LANDSAT 8 multispectral images. This studyfocuses on the increasing demand and importance of these minerals in mining and commercial activities. Mineralexploration in Mohmand district, utilizing remote sensing technology to identify mineral compositions using the bandratio is done. This technique allows for a more focused and precise approach to exploration and extraction techniques.Cloud-free LANDSAT 8 images with minimal vegetation cover were utilized for the analysis. The band ratio approachwas utilized to identify areas exhibiting diverse mineral compositions. The study highlights the effectiveness of thesuggested methodology in mapping and detecting ferrous, iron oxides, and clay minerals, indicating the significantpotential of remote sensing for mineral exploration. The results highlight the importance of developing distributionmaps to support more efficient methods for mining and mineral exploration. The study contributes to a more focusedand efficient assessment of mineral resources and extraction techniques in the Mohmand district and similar geologicalterrains, offering stakeholders a valuable tool for informed decision-making in mineral exploration and exploitationefforts.