Ore Concentration Research Articles

Mining prospectivity modeling for copper-molybdenum deposits in the duobaoshan ore concentration area of Heilongjiang Province, leveraging advanced machine learning techniques

The Duobaoshan ore concentration area is located in the northern part of Heilongjiang Province, China, and stands as the largest polymetallic mining area in Northeast China. Currently, deposits such as porphyritic copper (molybdenum) deposits, epithermal gold deposits, and skarn-type iron-copper deposits have been discovered in this region, indicating significant metallogenic potential. The combination of machine learning techniques and multivariate geoscience data for quantitative metallogenic prediction has been a focal point of research in geology and resource exploration in recent years. Taking the Duobaoshan mining area as an example, this article constructs a mineral prediction process based on machine learning methods: (1) Establish a metallogenic model and identify ore-controlling factors through thorough research on the metallogenic system in this area; (2) Develop a prospecting model grounded in comprehensive ore-controlling factors and prospecting indicators to provide pertinent exploration data for evaluation and prediction; (3) Informatize the prospecting model and establish a prediction model, extracting seven layers of prediction factors in total; (4) Utilize three distinct machine learning methods to quantitatively predict the prospect areas for copper-molybdenum mineralization in the study area. The prediction results indicate that the Duobaoshan mining area holds promising prospecting potential, with two Grade I target areas and two Grade II target areas delineated, thus providing a scientific basis for further exploration and prospecting endeavors.

Unveiling the depression role of quercetin in selective flotation separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite at low alkalinity

In flotation, the separation and concentration of copper-iron sulfide ores are usually carried out at high alkalinity to depress pyrite, and plenty of lime could block the flotation pipeline and affect the recovery of precious metals during practical operation. Herein, the current research hotspot to achieve the separation of copper-iron sulfide ores under low alkalinity. This paper presented an eco-friendly reagent, quercetin, for the flotation separation of chalcopyrite and pyrite, and investigated the effect on the flotation performance of the two minerals. The interaction mechanism of quercetin with mineral was demonstrated using zeta potential measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface adsorption measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The flotation results showed that the depressive effect of quercetin on pyrite was more pronounced in comparison to its impact on chalcopyrite at pH 8.0, and the chalcopyrite recovery reached 90 %, whereas that of pyrite was under 10 %. The surface analysis revealed quercetin chemisorption on the mineral surface through interaction with metal sites. In the presence of quercetin, the quercetin significantly diminished the ability of pyrite to adsorb xanthan but had minor effects on the adsorption of chalcopyrite.

Intensification of gravity concentration of refractory gold-bearing ores

Intensification of gravity concentration of refractory gold-bearing ores

Genesis of Hongqiling Sn-W polymetallic deposit in Dongpo ore concentration field, southern Hunan: Evidences from U-Pb chronology and trace element geochemistry of cassiterite

Hongqiling deposit is one of the most typical hydrothermal vein type Sn-W polymetallic deposits in the Dongpo ore field, southern Hunan. It is an ideal object to study the Sn-W mineralization in the Nanling metallogenic belt and even in the whole South China Block, and to reveal the regional metallogenetic regularity. Based on the detailed investigation of the deposit geology, this paper discusses the mineralization age and processes of the Hongqiling hydrothermal vein type Sn-W polymetallic deposit by LA-MC-ICP-MS in-situ U-Pb dating and trace element geochemistry of cassiterite from the quartz vein type Sn-W ore body. Cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging shows that cassiterite in Hongqiling deposit can be divided into two generations.primary cassiterite (Cst-I) and altered cassiterite (Cst-II). The LA-MC-ICP-MS in-situ U-Pb age of the two groups of Cst-I samples are 158.9 ± 0.7 Ma and 158.4 ± 0.8 Ma, respectively, which are well consistent with the mineralization ages of most Sn-W deposits in the Nanling metallogenic belt, and are also consistent with the ages of middle to late Jurassic magmatic activity represented by the Qianlishan intrusion. This indicates that the Hongqiling deposit, like many Sn-W deposits in the Nanling metallogenic belt, is genetically related to the regional Middle to Late Jurassic granitic magmatic activities. LA-ICP-MS trace element analysis shows that trace elements such as Na and Cs are mainly distributed in fluid inclusions in cassiterite, while the major elements such as Mg, Al, and Si are mainly distributed in the mineral inclusions, and other elements such as W, U, Zr, Hf and Ti are mainly distributed in the cassiterite by isomorphic substitution. The high Fe and W contents in both primary and altered cassiterite indicate that the ore-forming fluid of Hongqiling deposit is mainly derived from granitic magma. The fluctuating variation of Fe, V, Sc, Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb and Ta in the primary cassiterite with the crystalline bands indicates that there are two large-scale pulses of magmatic hydrothermal fluid during the mineralization process, while the altered cassiterite is relatively depleted of Ti, Sc, Zr and U elements, and enriched in Pb which may represent the compositional characteristics of the late-stage fluid. In summary, the Hongqiling hydrothermal vein type Sn-W polymetallic deposit was formed by the pulsating exsolution of magmatic hydrothermal fluid of late Jurassic granitic magmatism. The trace elemental compositions of primary cassiterite are generally controlled by the compositions of ore-forming fluid and the rate of crystallization.

Three-Dimensional Electrical Structure and Metallogenic Background of the Southeastern Hubei Ore Concentration Area

The Southeastern Hubei Ore Concentration Area (SHOCA) is located in the west section of the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt in China, and it is a significant copper and iron mining region in China. Here, 117 pieces of magnetotelluric array data were used to obtain a three-dimensional resistivity model of the SHOCA and to investigate the relationship between the deep electrical features and the genesis of mineral deposits. The model shows that the Qinling-Dabie Orogenic Belt exhibits high-resistivity characteristics, representing Mesozoic granites and high-pressure to ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks. There are several low-resistivity anomalies in the upper crust of the SHOCA, which are connected to the widespread low-resistivity anomaly in the middle-lower crust. Near the Yangxin-Changzhou Fault, there is evidence of an electrical gradient zone. The Xiangfan-Guangji Fault, located at the south margin of the Qinling-Dabie Orogenic Belt, also exhibits distinct high- and low-resistivity boundaries at the upper crust. However, the Yangtze Fault and the Tancheng-Lujiang Fault manifest as resistivity gradient zones at the lithospheric scale. These faults are connected the low-resistivity anomaly in the middle to lower crust, possibly serving as upwelling channels of deep thermal fluids, exerting control over shallow diagenesis and mineralization processes. The low-resistivity anomaly in the middle to lower crust of the SHOCA is explained as partial melting resulting from the mixing of crustal and mantle materials. These low-resistivity anomalies play a role as source components in the mineralization system, where mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids migrate upward along intra-basin faults, exerting control over the distribution of shallow mineral deposits.

Cold plasma treatment: An innovative approach to reduce the moisture and the water reabsorption in iron ore concentrate

Wet beneficiation is a primary process employed by mining companies for iron ore concentration. The moisture content in the ore is a result of this beneficiation process, in addition to inherent moisture within the mineral composition. The moisture content of iron ore is a crucial parameter that requires effective control to ensure safe handling and transportation operations. Surface plasma treatment of iron ore has been investigated as a method to enhance the hydrophobicity of ore particles, thereby reducing residual moisture and water reabsorption by the particles. The samples underwent treatment using argon plasma and cold hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) plasma, leading to the formation of a thin, silicon-rich surface layer. The treatments were applied to both polished ore samples and fine powder samples. The plasma treatment resulted in a reduction in moisture content and water absorption. The reabsorption of water decreased to approximately 35% of the pretreatment values. Contact angle measurements demonstrated that all HMDSO-treated samples exhibited hydrophobic behavior, with contact angles ranging from 110° to 120°, while the untreated samples exhibited angles close to 0°. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographic imaging revealed a granular structure in the thin films.

Two periods of magmatism in the Weishancheng ore concentration area, Henan Province: Evidences from zircon U‐Pb chronology, Hf isotopes and petrogeochemistry

The Weishancheng area of Tongbai County, Henan Province, is an important Au‐Ag polymetallic ore concentration area in China, characterized by a widespread distribution of plutons and frequent magmatic activities. To investigate the genetic relationship between magmatism and the mineralization of gold and silver polymetallic deposits in the area, this study focuses on the porphyritic monzogranite of the Liangwan pluton and the biotite granite of the Taoyuan pluton in detail. The zircon U‐Pb age of the Liangwan pluton is 128.5 ± 0.7 Ma, placing its intrusion age in the Early Cretaceous. Similarly, the zircon U‐Pb age of the Taoyuan pluton is 431.3 ± 2.7 Ma, indicating an intrusion age in the Early Silurian. Petrogeochemical analysis reveals that both the Liangwan and Taoyuan plutons exhibit high SiO2, Na2O and Al2O3 contents, along with low MgO, Fe2O3 and CaO contents, indicating a (high‐K) calc‐alkaline series, and have the properties of peraluminous I‐type granite. The total rare earth elements (REE) concentrations are low, with noticeable fractionation between light and heavy REE, and a negative Eu anomaly. High‐field‐strength elements (such as Nb, Ta, P, Ti) are depleted, while the large‐ion lithophile elements (such as Rb, K, Pb) are enriched. The εHf(t) values of the Liangwan and Taoyuan plutons range from −16.1 to −18.8 and from 11.0 to 14.6, respectively. The mean values of Hf two‐stage model ages (TDM2) are 603 Ma and 2230 Ma, respectively. These results suggest that the Liangwan pluton may have formed through partial melting of ancient crustal materials in the Palaeoproterozoic, during extensional tectonic events following the subduction of Izanagi Plate. It appears closely linked to Au‐Ag mineralization in the ore concentration area. The Taoyuan pluton likely originated from the depleted mantle and experienced some degree of crustal contamination. However, it is unrelated to regional mineralization.

Research on Hyperspectral Surface Reflectance Dataset of Typical Ore Concentration Area in Hami Remote Sensing Test Field

Abstract. Surface reflectance data is the basic data source for the hyperspectral parametric remote sensing products and remote sensing quantitative application, which is widely used in various application fields such as natural resources and ecological environment monitoring. At present, multispectral data takes the leading role among the common land surface reflectance datasets and the reflectance data mainly involves the types of ground objects such as farmland, forest land, water body, soil, etc., while the datasets relatively less targets the types of rock and mineral surface objects, yet especially the reflectance datasets with the combination of time series and multi-scale satellite-earth are even more scarce. In order to better promote the application of hyperspectral surface reflectance and explore the advantages of joint application of satellite-earth multi-scale reflectance data, on the basis of field-measured rock and mineral target spectral, a comprehensive surface reflectance dataset was generated by using domestically produced hyperspectral satellite data as the data source in this study, mainly focusing on the typical ore concentration area in the Hami Remote Sensing test field in Xinjiang. The dataset includes multi-period hyperspectral satellite surface reflectance images, field measured rock and mineral spectral data, and multi-period sub-pixel spectral data collected based on ground spectral measured points, which can provide significant support for the research and development and accuracy verification as well as performance evaluation of algorithms such as surface reflectance inversion, mineral identification and ground object classification.

Assessment of the Spraying System Impact at the Preparation Stage of Iron Ore Concentrate Products

Introduction. Harmful components of ore dust, formed during the unloading of products in the preparation of iron ore concentrate (PPIOC) at the mixing stage, cause damage to both workers and equipment. To address this issue, liquid aerosol spraying using nozzles with large diameters (>20 μm) is used. However, this method proves ineffective in capturing fine-dust particles. Therefore, enhancing the efficiency of the dust deposition method through PPIOC dust spraying becomes a pressing challenge. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the Dry Fog technology, generating liquid droplets up to 20 μm in size, during the unloading stage of PPIOC at a mining and metallurgical enterprise in the precipitation of suspended fine-dust particles. The primary goal of this research was to assess the effectiveness and potential advantages of applying the Dry Fog technology for dust spraying with subsequent precipitation, as this technology has not been previously applied to PPIOC dust.Materials and Methods. The experiment on the PPIOC dust deposition was conducted in a specially designed laboratory setup. Through physical modeling in the laboratory setup, parameters of the precipitation process were obtained. Subsequently, the results were analyzed to understand the dependence of dust precipitation over time, taking into account the influence of the Dry Fog technology. An experiment program was developed for physical modeling. According to the devised program, dust was uniformly loaded into the interior of the laboratory setup (from the top), distributed in the air stream throughout the volume of the setup by a fan, and an instrument located at the bottom recorded changes in concentration over time. Experiments on dust precipitation were then conducted using liquid spraying (filtered water as the liquid) introduced into the setup through nozzles generating droplets with sizes of 10 and 15 μm, concurrently with the loading of dust into the laboratory setup. The effectiveness of the Dry Fog technology in the deposition of PPIOC dust was determined visually and further analyzed based on a comparison of graphs. The dynamics of changes in the average dust concentrations depending on time was studied both during precipitation without spraying and using the Dry Fog technology. During the experiment, the characteristics of the microclimate inside the laboratory setup (humidity, temperature and air velocity) and the parameters of two nozzles — their operating pressure and the supplied liquid spraying time — were recorded.Results. The comparison of the results showed a reduction in the dust precipitation time by 40 % and 75 % when using nozzles with sizes of 10 μm and 15 μm, respectively.Discussion and Conclusion. The experiment results confirm the effectiveness of the Dry Fog technology for PPIOC dust precipitation during unloading at the mixing stage. Fundamental findings have been obtained, providing a basis for further assessment of the efficiency of dust precipitation with the additional application of pulsating ventilation. In such a combination, an additional 20–25 % increase in precipitation efficiency is anticipated compared to the results presented in this article. The obtained results will support the justification of rational parameters and the implementation of the described method in production to enhance dust precipitation efficiency. Additionally, they will aid in developing a methodology to accelerate the PPIOC dust precipitation using the pulsating ventilation method.

Oblique distribution patterns and the underlying mechanical model of orebody groups controlled by structures at different scales

The oblique distribution of orebodies is a basic feature of the spatial distribution of orebody groups in hydrothermal deposits, and it is closely related to the shearing effect. However, the oblique distribution patterns of orebody groups controlled by ore-controlling/ore-forming structures at different scales (orebody, ore deposit and ore field scales) and the underlying formation mechanism are unclear but could be used to directly constrain mineral exploration and prospecting breakthroughs in the deep and peripheral areas of ore deposits. This paper uses the northeastern Yunnan Ge-rich Pb–Zn ore concentration area in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou metallogenic area as an example to analyse and demonstrate the oblique distribution patterns of orebodies (orebody groups) controlled by ore-forming/ore-controlling structures at different scales and the underlying mechanical model based on the Theory and Methods of Ore field Geomechanics. The results indicate that in 3D space, the oblique distributions of orebodies (veins), orebody groups and ore deposits are controlled by the mechanical properties, kinematic characteristics, and tectonic stress fields of ore-forming/ore-controlling fault structures of different sequences during the mineralization period. This study has an important guiding role for ore field-scale exploration deployment, evaluation of deep and peripheral prospecting, and exploration project arrangement, with the aim of helping mining companies increase resource reserves and production.

A Study on the Long-Term Exposure of a Tailings Dump, a Product of Processing Sn-Fe-Cu Skarn Ores: Mineralogical Transformations and Impact on Natural Water

In the mining industry, one of the principal issues is the management of the waste generated during ore concentration, which represents a potential source of environmental pollution. The most acute issue originates from the mining heritage in the form of dumps formed of mining tailings that were created before the introduction of waste storage standards and may be located in urban areas. This research investigated this problem using the example of the tailings dump “Krasnaya Glinka”, located in a residential area of Pitkäranta (Karelia, Russia) in close proximity to the shoreline of Lake Ladoga. A complex approach, including the investigation of the natural water of the study area and tailings material and an experiment simulating the interaction of this material with atmospheric precipitation, allowed us to obtain the first data on the current status of the tailings dump and its surroundings and to identify environmental pollutants. This research used XRF, XRD, and EPMA analytical methods for assaying the tailings materials obtained from the dump and ion chromatography, potentiometric titration, ICP-MS, and AES for the water samples. The results show the influence of the tailings dump’s materials on the formation of the environmental impact—in the water from the area of the tailings dump, increased concentrations of chalcophilic elements are observed, for example, Zn up to 5028 µg/L. Based on this study of the tailings dump’s materials and the conducted experiment, an attempt is made to connect the chemical compositions shown in the natural water data with the specific mineral phases and processes occurring during supergene transformations in the tailings storage. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that despite more than 100 years of exposure of the tailings materials under natural factors, mostly atmospheric precipitation, equilibrium with the environment has not come. The processes of extracting toxic elements and carcinogenic mineral phases into the environment are continuing. In the process of studying the tailings materials, it was found that they are probably of economic interest as a technogenic source of W and Sn due to the contents of these components exceeding industrially significant values in the exploited fields.

Smelting a Zn – Pb Sulfide Ore with Magnetite and Carbon for the Production of a Silicon Alloy and Extraction of Zinc and Lead into Sublimates

The article presents the results of thermodynamic prediction and electric smelting of Shalkiya sulfide zinc-lead-bearing ore in the presence of magnetite and coke. Using the HSC-6.0 software package, it was found that under equilibrium conditions in the presence of Fe3O4 and carbon, the reduction and formation of gaseous zinc from ZnS (according to ∆G° = 0) occurs at a temperature of 1205.7 °C, and the formation of ferroalloy at the interaction of the sulfide ore with magnetite and carbon begins at 1200 °C. About 58% of silicon is extracted into the ferroalloy at 1800–1900 °C; almost all zinc and 83–88% of lead turns into a gaseous state. Electric smelting of the sulfide ore in the presence of magnetite concentrate and coke makes it possible to obtain the FS45 grade ferrosilicon (42–43% of Si); the silicon extraction degree was 84–88%. At the same time, 97.3% of lead and 99.2% of zinc are extracted into the sublimates. The developed method for processing zinc sulfide ores allows us to increase the degree of raw materials' comprehensive use due to the extraction of not only zinc and lead, but also silicon. The technology can be used to process raw materials containing zinc, lead and silica, such as zinc ore concentration tailings.

Recycling Blast Furnace Dust as Raw Material in Iron-Making

A large amount of dust is formed as one of the primary by-products during the blast furnace ironmaking process. Iron and carbon are mainly compositions in the dust. Blast furnace dust (BFD) is cycled to protect the environment and recover valuable components. In this study, BFD is used pelletization process with iron ore concentration for raw materials charging to the iron-making furnace. The mixture of BFD and iron ore (30; 40; 50 by mass %) with 2 % bentonite as a binder was used for making pellets. The produced pellets were tested drop strength and fired at 1200 °C for 30 minutes in the atmosphere environment. Fired pellets were examined compressive strength and reduced at 900; 1000; 1100 °C in 30 minutes. Mechanical, porosity and reduction degree properties of reduced pellets were analysed. The results show that green strength and compressive strength are acceptable values. Good porosity is observed when using a high amount of BFD so that it gives a high degree of reduction. XRD, SEM were used for characterization. Iron whiskers were observed in the sample, which was reduced at 1000 °C. It is clearly shown that the pellets using BFD are appropriated for charging to blast furnace as raw materials.

Heavy Metal Pollution in Sediments of the Yu River in a Polymetallic Ore Concentration Area: Temporal–Spatial Variation, Risk Assessment, and Sources Apportionment

In a polymetallic ore concentration area, large-scale mining activities can dramatically increase heavy metal concentrations in river sediments, and their temporal–spatial variation and source apportionment are significant for understanding heavy metal migration in rivers and formulating management strategies for environmental protection and the mining industry. Sediment samples were collected along the Yu River, which flows through the Luanchan polymetallic ore concentration area in China, during high-water period (HWP), low-water period (LWP) and flat-water period (FWP) to assess the pollution level and identify the sources of Mo, Cr, W, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb and Hg in the sediments. The findings revealed that Mo, Cd, W, Zn, Pb and Cu were the main pollutants, and Hg was extremely high at some specific locations. Sediments in the upstream region of the Yu River were more severely polluted by heavy metals and had greater ecological risk due to stronger mine exploration. Furthermore, consistent distribution patterns of various heavy metals during different seasons were not found. Some sharp decreases in heavy metal concentrations between adjacent sediments were observed; moreover, at some sites, heavy metal concentrations during LWP and FWP were lower than those during HWP. The results indicated that heavy metals in the Yu River mainly migrated in dissolved form. Mo, Cu, Pb and As for HWP, Mo and As for LWP and Mo, Cr and W for FWP mainly originated from Mo/W mines. Pb/Zn mines contributed to the amounts of W, Zn and Cd during HWP, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb during LWP and Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb during FWP. Hg was mainly attributed to Au mines, and Cr was the geogenic element. The results could contribute to the sustainability of the mining industry and the formulation of science-based remediation and protection strategies for the rivers near mining areas.

Staged magnetic concentration of complex rare earth ores containing niobium and zirconium

ABSTRACT The Balzhe rare earth deposit, located in Inner Mongolia, China, is a complex deposit that also contains niobium and zirconium. However, it remains undeveloped. One notable challenge is the low grades of the main valuable minerals, including xinganite, zircon, niobite, ilmenorutile, pyrochlorite, eschynite, monazite, and bastnaesite. These minerals are either weakly magnetic or associated with ilmenite, a paramagnetic mineral. To overcome this, a high-intensity magnetic method can be employed to separate these valuable minerals from the gangue minerals, thereby generating enriched products to lower the cost of the following flotation. In this study, the first step involved utilizing a high-intensity magnetic separation to enrich particles in different size fractions. It was observed that the size fraction of −0.5 + 0.02 mm was particularly suitable for effective separation. Subsequently, staged magnetic pre-concentration was conducted to obtain products with varying specific magnetization coefficients. To optimize the applied magnetic field intensity, a combination of a high-intensity magnetic separator and a superconducting magnetic separator was employed at different magnetic induction intensities. This proposed technique not only reduces reagent costs but also enhances the operational efficiency of subsequent flotation processes. By implementing this approach, it is anticipated that the Balzhe rare earth deposit can be effectively processed, overcoming the challenge of low-grade valuable minerals. This would contribute to improved economic viability and operational efficiency in the extraction of rare earth elements, niobium, and zirconium from the deposit.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCREASING OF ORE ENRICHMENT WASTES’ PROCESSING BY ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE METHOD

A promising and accessible raw material, comparable in terms of gold and silver content to natural ore deposits, is the lying tailings of ore flotation. Currently, billions of tons of ore tailings have been accumulated, the content of valuable components in which sometimes exceeds those in natural deposits. The processing of ore tailings from tailings for the extraction of non-ferrous metals in most cases requires complex beneficiation schemes, and in terms of technical and economic indicators and the quality of concentrates, they are uncompetitive compared to products of natural raw materials. An electric discharge method of disintegration of ore beneficiation waste to increase the number of available target components, based on the rational organization of crushing and grinding processes in relation to beneficiation tasks, was experimentally investigated. The pressure values of the compression waves generated by the electric discharge were determined to calculate the radius of effective selective influence on the studied waste samples of flotation beneficiation of copper-zinc ores. The necessary conditions for the effective operation of the technological part of the equipment are established: in the volume of the disintegrator, the pressure, created by the electric discharge, should not be less than the tensile strength of the processed material and at the same time should not exceed the strength of the disintegrator’s material. The use of the electric discharge method ensures the selectivity of disintegration of the material along the interphase boundary "dead rock - mineral inclusion", this circumstance allows to achieve a significant increase in the amount of mined valuable metals and simultaneously reduction of energy consumption by 2 - 4 times. Increasing energy efficiency is considered by the way of example with copper-zinc ore concentration’s waste. The increase in the number of target metals available in wastes of flotation concentration of copper-zinc ore after their electric discharge treatment is shown. The increase in the amount of copper extracted from copper-zinc ore enrichment waste was from 40 to 93% by mass, extracted zinc - from 39 to 94% by mass, silver extracted - from 16 to 50% by mass.

Genesis of Pb-Zn deposits in northwestern Guizhou province of China: Constraints from the in situ analyses of fluid inclusions and sulfur isotopes

The northwestern Guizhou ore concentration area on the southwest margin of the Yangtze Block is an important part of the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Pb-Zn metallogenic province. Several large Pb-Zn deposits (e.g., Shanshulin, Shaojiwan, Yadu, and Tianqiao) are found in the area with similar mineral assemblages, ore-controlling structures, ore-hosting rocks, and genetic types. In this study, fluid inclusion microthermometry and in situ geochemical analysis were employed to determine the nature and compositions of the fluid inclusions trapped in calcite and sphalerite and the sulfur isotopic compositions of sphalerite and pyrite. Microthermometric results show that the ore-forming fluids are moderate to low temperature and salinity. The fluid inclusions in calcite and sphalerite share similar homogeneous temperatures (120 to 200 °C) and salinities (7–14 wt% NaCl equiv.). The in situ LA-ICP-MS analyses reveal that the fluid inclusions have high concentrations of elements such as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Rb, Sr, Ba, Cs, and Li. The ratios of K/Na, Rb/Na, Cs/Na, Ca/Na, and Ba/Na could be comparable to the basinal brines. The trend towards metamorphic water is possibly attributed to the involvement of basement-derived fluids. The in situ δ34S values of sphalerite and pyrite range from 11.3 to 20.2 ‰ and 12.0 to 18.9 ‰, respectively, which indicate that the reduced sulfur is most likely related to the thermochemical reduction of sulfate with multiple sources either from the ore-hosting strata or from Precambrian-Cambrian basement rocks which have high sulfur isotopic compositions. We propose that the fluid mixing is the main mechanism for the formation of Pb-Zn deposits in NW Guizhou.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Titanosilicates Using a Precursor Produced from Titanium Ore Concentrate

Titanosilicates comprise a broad class of materials with promising technological applications. The typical obstacle that restricts their industrial applicability is the high manufacturing cost due to the use of specific organotitanium precursors. We herein report a new approach to the synthesis of titanosilicates using an inexpensive inorganic precursor, ammonium titanyl sulfate (ATS or STA), (NH4)2TiO(SO4)2∙H2O. The latter is an intermediate in the processing of titanium-bearing concentrates produced from apatite-nepheline ores. In this paper, the new synthetic approach is exemplified by the microwave-assisted synthesis of IONSIVE-911, one of the most effective Cs-ion scavengers. The method can be modified to synthesize various titanosilicate compounds.

The Matupiri amazon fish Tetragonopterus chalceus as a bioindicator of pollution

Oxidative stress is a biological condition in which imbalance occurs between the production of reactive oxygen species. The present study aimed to evaluate the hemoglobin (Hb), methaemoglobin (mHb) and Glutathione (GSH) contents as indicators of oxidative stress in Matupiri Tetragonopterus chalceus. Fish were collected in the port area of ​​Santana, AP and others in extensive aquaculture area in Amapá, AP, Brazil. Blood samples were collected, the samples were diluted in phosphate buffer and analyzed in a spectrophotometer. When evaluating Hb, mHb and GSH, significant increases of these components were observed in fish blood (P <0.05). This suggests that the analyzed port site presents an environmental imbalance due to the exposure of the organisms to high concentrations of ores, provoking possible oxidative stress which may compromise the site for fishing and aquaculture purposes.

Geological characteristics and genetic types of antimony deposits in the Weishan Yongping ore concentration area of Yunnan Province

The Weishan Yongping ore concentration area is located at the southern end of the "Jubao Basin" in the Lanping Basin, and is part of the Lanping-Simao mineralization belt. It is an important antimony ore belt in Yunnan Province. This article analyzes the geological characteristics of antimony deposits in the ore concentration area from the perspectives of regional geology and typical deposit characteristics, explores their genetic types, and provides a basis for the exploration and development of antimony resources in the area.