Mineral Raw Materials Research Articles

REMOVAL OF CADMIUM IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING BURNT ROCK

Adsorption treatment of industrial wastewater and reservoir water from toxic metals can reduce the anthropogenic load on water bodies. The efficiency of using an adsorbent obtained on the basis of local mineral raw material, namely burnt rock from the Erunakovskoe coal deposit in the Kemerovo Region, to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions is shown. The kinetics of cadmium ion extraction from aqueous solutions, the adsorption models of Freundlich, Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich, and their significance for the description of heavy metal ion recovery from aqueous solutions using burnt rock were studied. The dependence of adsorption on the acidity (pH) of the medium has been established. A maximum adsorption capacity of 30 to 40 mg/g was achieved at pH 12.0. Chemical modification with alkali (NaOH) at pH 12 leads to an increase in the degree of cadmium ions extraction. Within the studied concentration range, the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms are more consistent with the experimental data on the equilibrium adsorption of metal ions on burnt rock, compared to the Dubinin-Radushkevich model.

Specific features of preparation of natural and technogenic mineral raw materials for the manufacture of photocatalytic composite materials

Specific features of preparation of natural and technogenic mineral raw materials for the manufacture of photocatalytic composite materials

Integrated methodology to link geochemical and geophysical-lab data in a geophysical investigation of a slag heap for resource quantification

The increasing need to find alternative stocks of critical raw materials drives to revisit the residues generated during the former production of mineral and metallic raw materials. Geophysical methods contribute to the sustainable characterization of metallurgical residues inferring on their composition, zonation and volume(s) estimation. Nevertheless, more quantitative approaches are needed to link geochemical or mineralogical analyses with the geophysical data. In this contribution, we describe a methodology that integrates geochemical and geophysical laboratory measurements to interpret geophysical field data solving a classification problem. The final aim is to estimate volume(s) of different types of materials to assess the potential resource recovery. We illustrate this methodology with a slag heap composed of residues from a former iron and steel factory. First, we carried out a 3D field acquisition using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and induced polarization (IP), based on which, a sampling survey was designed. We conducted laboratory measurements of ERT, IP, spectral induced polarization (SIP), and X-ray fluorescence analysis, based on which, 4 groups of different chemical composition were identified. Then we carried out a 3D probabilistic classification of the field data, based on 2D kernel density estimators (for each group) fitted to the inverted data collocated with the samples. The estimated volumes based on the classification model were: 4.17 × 103 m3 ± 12 %, 1.888 × 105 m3 ± 12 %, 59.4 × 103 m3 ± 19 %, and 2.30 × 104 m3 ± 21% for the groups ordered with an increasing metallic content. The uncertainty ranges were derived from comparing the volumes with and without considering the probabilities associated to the classification. We found that a representative sampling and the definition of the KDE bandwidths are defining elements in the classification and ultimately the estimation of volumes. This methodology is suitable to quantitatively interpret geophysical data in terms of the geochemical composition of the materials, integrating uncertainties both in the classification and the estimation of volumes. Furthermore, several crucial elements in the investigation of metallurgical residues could be applied in a real case study, e.g., geophysical field acquisition, sampling and lab measurements.

Saturation Influence on Reduction of Compressive Strength for Carbonate Dimension Stone in Croatia

Dimension stone is a valuable mineral raw material whose importance is increasing worldwide. According to its mineralogical and petrographical composition, Croatian dimension stone belongs to the carbonates, primarily limestones. As saturation influences the reduction of compressive strength, in this study, the relationship between the uniaxial compressive strength in the dry and saturated states is shown, which has a coefficient of determination of 0.9605. Models were created to estimate the compressive strength based on the values of water absorption, total porosity, and real density of the material from 26 sites, all determined according to the European standards EN 1936:2006 and EN 13755:2008. Thirty varieties of dimension stones were tested, and 150 values were collected from different tests. A dependence between the uniaxial compressive strength in the saturated state was established, including the explanation in which cases the correlation can be used to estimate the uniaxial compressive strength of carbonate dimension stones with a remarkably high degree of confidence (0.994 and 0.9374). In addition, the limitations of geomechanical estimation of the uniaxial compressive strength of rock material and its unsuitability for estimating of dimension stones construction are described.

Effects of Mineral Raw Materials on Melting and Crystalline Properties of Mold Flux and Mineralogical Structures of Flux Film for Casting Peritectic Steel Slab

Effects of Mineral Raw Materials on Melting and Crystalline Properties of Mold Flux and Mineralogical Structures of Flux Film for Casting Peritectic Steel Slab

Metal Deportment in Complex Secondary Raw Materials: The Case of Vanadium in Basic Oxygen Furnace Slags

With the increasing demand for metalliferous and mineral raw materials and the consequent depletion of the global natural resource base, the possible utilization of secondary raw material sources is receiving more and more attention. In the present study, we present results from a detailed vanadium deportment study of three basic oxygen furnace slag (BOS) samples known to containing elevated bulk concentrations of vanadium. Complementary analytical methods that were used to quantify the abundance and composition of V-containing phases include SEM-based automated mineralogy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction as well as electron probe microanalysis. The vanadium deportment was quantified using Monte-Carlo simulations of the data obtained from automated mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis. The total V concentrations identified by XRF are between 1.7 and 2.2 wt.% V. The most important hosts of vanadium are larnite-, brownmillerite- and portlandite-solid solutions. In two samples Ca carbonates also significantly contribute to the V deportment, while wuestite, lime, and native iron do not contribute significantly to the vanadium deportment. A thorough consistency check identifies considerable uncertainties in the density of the V-bearing phases as the most likely reason to explain remaining discrepancies between measured and calculated V values.

Research and development of gold ore processing technology

This paper presents the results of technological studies of two samples of gold-bearing ore from the gold-bearing deposit of Kazakhstan deposits 1 and 2. A comprehensive analysis of ore samples by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray phase, chemical, and mineralogical methods was carried out. The calculated initial gold content was determined, and X-ray fluorescence analysis showed that the main elements that make up the ore are oxygen up to 51% and silicon up to 33%. X-ray phase analysis showed the presence of more than 95% quartz and muscovite in the samples. The form of finding gold in the ore, according to the results of mineralogical analysis, is defined as free gold and gold in iron hydroxide. Silver is present in the studied samples in the form of various types of halides. An ore beneficiation scheme has been developed and presented, including gravity and flotation. Gravity enrichment was carried out in two stages, with the production of concentrate and tailings, with the maximum recovery of gold in concentrate up to 91%, flotation enrichment using butyl xanthate reagents and a blowing agent, was carried out in two stages with the production of main and control concentrates and final flotation tailings. The subsequent hydrometallurgical study of the ore was carried out to assess the effect of sodium cyanide on the extraction of gold, tests were performed on the leaching of the initial samples of the ore and the obtained flotation and gravity concentrates in the agitation mode, it was found that cyanide leaching is an effective method for processing the mineral raw materials of the gold-bearing deposit of Kazakhstan, and the obtained flotation concentrates, with the recovery of gold into solution under optimal conditions up to 98%. The results obtained make it possible to predict the effectiveness of the main technological stages in the ore processing scheme, technology optimization, and maximum gold recovery.

Mineral and Raw-Material Potential of Strategic Critical Mineral Raw Material for Development of the High-Tech Industry of the Russian Federation

The present paper briefly characterizes the state system of a regional geological study of subsoil implemented by Rosnedra and the Karpinsky All-Russian Research Geological Institute (VSEGEI) and provides an assessment of the mineral and raw material potential of the Russian Federation for strategic types of minerals. In 2022, the VSEGEI completed compiling of a set of 1 : 2 500 000 digital monometal maps of patterns of distribution and prediction of strategic and critical types of minerals of the Russian Federation in GIS-format. The reserves of these types of minerals were estimated according to the data of the state accounting system and expert reassessment of forecast resources was performed. As a result, regional prognostic criteria for localization of areas promising for searching deposits were developed. Recommendations on setting GDP-200/2 and/or GMK-200 on specific nomenclature sheets that are promising for realization of prospecting stage exploration for strategic types of mineral raw materials are given.

Physicochemical, Structural, and Surface Properties of Silicon Dioxide Produced from Mineral Raw Materials

Physicochemical, Structural, and Surface Properties of Silicon Dioxide Produced from Mineral Raw Materials

The problem of rational use of mineral resources and mining waste in the context of sustainable development of regions

Efficient use and protection of the subsoil is a part of rational nature management in the mineral base of Ukrainian regions and Ukraine as a whole. The components for the rational use of the subsoil include a comprehensive development of mineral deposits, a comprehensive use of mineral raw materials and mining waste, optimization of the structure of mining production and mineral raw materials consumption. The rational use of mineral resources in the modern interpretation of this issue extends to all stages of their development, including the issue of waste disposal. A huge amount of mining waste has been accumulated in administrative regions of Ukraine, and the issue of their disposal has gone beyond just an economic and ecological problem and has acquired a significant socio-demographic significance. Environmental problems have become particularly acute due to the accumulation of toxic waste, among which the most dangerous are heavy metals, petroleum products and acid tars. For the sustainable development of Ukraine, it is necessary not only to develop new reserves of natural raw materials, but also technogenic minerals accumulated in more than 1,600 man-made deposits and objects. The further development of the mineral base requires, at the state level, an urgent solution to problems that hinder the development and ecological rehabilitation on the ground of rational use.

Selective Extraction of Lithium from Mineral, Hydromineral, and Secondary Raw Materials

Selective Extraction of Lithium from Mineral, Hydromineral, and Secondary Raw Materials

Innovative Environmentally Safe Processes for the Extraction of Rare and Rare-Earth Elements from Complex Ores of Perplexed Material Composition

Domestic and world tendencies of involvement in the processing of ores of rare metals (RMs) and rare-earth metals (REMs) are shown. It is shown that the main direction of innovative activity is the development and application of modern breakthrough technologies for complex processing of mineral raw materials with the production of high-quality products while minimizing environmental damage. The main deposits of rare and rare-earth metals are systematized from the standpoint of the content of the main components, concentrator minerals and the main enrichment methods. The main principal technological schemes of processing of some deposits of RMs and REMs in Russia (Lovozer, Tomtor, and Afrikand deposits) are given. Options for involving technogenic and off-balance raw materials in the processing in order to extract strategic metals are considered. It is substantiated that innovative environmentally friendly processes for the extraction of rare and rare-earth metals from complex ores of complex material composition are being actively developed in Russia at present.

Decomposition of Mineral Raw Materials Using a Mixture of Ammonium Hydrodifluoride and Sulfate

Decomposition of Mineral Raw Materials Using a Mixture of Ammonium Hydrodifluoride and Sulfate

Interaction of Tungsten-Containing Mineral Raw Materials with a Mixture of Ammonium Bifluoride and Sulfate

Interaction of Tungsten-Containing Mineral Raw Materials with a Mixture of Ammonium Bifluoride and Sulfate

Scientific and technical problems of transition from open pit to combined technologies for raw materials mining

In Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin, long-term and intensive mining of deposits applying open pit methods have resulted in significant areas disturbed by open pits, dumps and tailings storage facilities. Hundreds of thousands of hectares of fertile arable land are already unsuitable for agriculture and sometimes for living. Thousands of tonnes of dust from dumps and tailing ponds deteriorate the surrounding nature every year and pollute the atmosphere in mining basins. Industrial ore breaking in open pits using bulk blasting causes emissions of a significant amount of harmful dust and carcinogenic substances. The environmental situation in open pit mining areas is often close to critical. In addition, bulk blasting forms a seismic wave, which in some cases destruct civil buildings and industrial facilities. The article proposes ways of gradual transition from mining mineral deposits by open pit methods to environmentally friendly technologies of open pit-underground and underground mining. It is established that such transition is a forced and at the same time choiceless way of developing mining areas, in particular Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin. The paper notes that the main problems of this transition include geomechanical stabilization of the rock massif during construction of underground mines in areas of possible impacts of open pit fields. The paper develops the fundamental study of the problems of controlling the stress-strain state of the massif during transition from the open pit to combined technology of deposit mining. Technologies of combined mining that involve formation of a transition belt with backfilling the worked-out space with compound mixtures are studied as well. It is proved that development of theoretical foundations for controlling the stress-strain state of the massif during transition from the open-pit to combined technology of deposit mining, study and design of technological solutions that contribute to transition to open pit-underground and underground mining, is an urgent scientific, technical and practical problem of great importance.

Specifics of Asbestos Utilization in the Second Half of the 4th Millenium Bc in the Eastern Fennoscandia (on the materials of lithic workshop Fofanovo XIII)

The authors analys the cultural phenomenon of asbestos ware in the forest zone of North-eastern Europe in the second half of the 4th millennium BC. The dynamic of this phenomenon is studied on the materials of the site Fofanovo XIII, which combines characteristics of metatuff adze and axe workshop, asbestos ware workshop, and interregional center for social communication. Typological and spatial analysis of the ware collections allows us to distinguish two periods of asbestos ware distribution in the late Neolithic-Eneolithic. During the first period (3500–3300 BC), asbestos ware (type Voinavolok) had high social status and was distributed far from the zone of natural deposits of this mineral. Distribution of asbestos ware at this stage fits the model of prestige economy. During the second period (3300–3100 BC), asbestos ware (type Orovnavolok) lost its interregional status. The distribution zone of the asbestos ware had decreased and took its place in linear economic connections. Statistical comparison of the metric parameters of pieces of asbestos collected on the site, as well as phase and chemical analysis show that changes in the social role of asbestos correlated with the downgrade of the mineral raw material quality, and increase of its variability. The authors suggest that this dynamic could be explained in the context of the change in the role of the social centers on the western shore of lake Onega, presented by site Fofanovo XIII.

Исследования флотационной активности синтезированных собирателей на основе фторсодержащих и ацетиленовых спиртов

Introduction. The article describes the problem of low quality mineral raw materials used for gold mining and considers the possibilities of increasing the efficiency of the technological process of beneficiation of refractory ores. As a result of the study, studies were carried out to study the flotation activity of new collecting reagents and their effect on the surface of sulfide gold-bearing minerals was studied. Research methods and materials. The methods used in the work were NMR, atomic absorption and ultraviolet spectroscopy, electron microscopy, laser diffraction, ore preparation, flotation, and electrophoretic light scattering. To determine the assessment of flotation activity as heteropolar collectors for the flotation of sulfide minerals, a number of synthesized compounds were used: 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol, 5-dimethyl-4-methylidene-1,3-oxathiolane-2-thione and 2. 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyl sodium xanthate. Sulfide ore was used to conduct laboratory flotation studies; the monomineral pyrite was used to study the sorption of the reagent and determine the zeta potential of the surface. The following reagents were also used in the experiment: activator – copper sulfate; heteropolar collectors – potassium butylxanthate (BCX), sodium dialkyldithiophosphate (BTF-1552); organic carbon depressor – beta-sulfonaphthalene formaldehyde sodium salt (oroflos D); blowing agent – methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC). Research results and discussion. The synthesis of collecting reagents based on various chemical reactions was carried out and their flotation activity was studied. Several promising compounds have been obtained that have shown results when used as heteropolar collectors for the flotation of sulfide minerals. The research results showed that one of the synthesized reagents, 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol, has a positive effect on gold recovery during flotation. This reagent increases recovery by 0.18% and 1.46% when used together with other reagents. It also increases recovery by 1.81% when used alone. This suggests that 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol can be used as a replacement for one of the main heteropolar collectors. Determination of UV spectra showed the sorption of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol on the surface of pyrite with an amount of up to 2.388·10-5 mol/m2 depending on the initial concentration of the reagent. The results of determining the zeta potential showed that the reagents significantly reduce this indicator, indicating electrostatic interaction and adsorption of the reagents on the pyrite surface. Conclusion. Overall, this paper describes the development of new harvesting reagents and their effects on the surface of sulfide gold-bearing minerals. The results of the study suggest the possibility of using 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol as a replacement for one of the main collectors in flotation. Resume. The article presents the results of studies assessing the flotation activity of a number of synthesized compounds: 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol, 5-dimethyl-4-methylidene-1,3-oxathiolan-2-thione and 2,2,3,3 ,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyl sodium xanthate. The best technological performance during laboratory flotation was found for the reagent 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol; the extraction of gold into the concentrate was 84.68%, the content was 10.2%. For this compound, its amount adsorbed on the surface of pyrite was determined to be up to 2.388·10-5 mol/m2 in experiments. A low negative charge on the surface of pyrite was revealed after mixing it with reagent solutions when determining the zeta potential. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The results of the work can be recommended for further pilot tests with the subsequent development of technology for the industrial production of these reagents in the case of improved technological indicators of flotation gold extraction.

About Siderite Manifestations of the Sharyk Riphean Formation of the Kokshetau Arrays

Mineralization of various metals (Au, Ag, U, Ba, Mo, PB, Zn) and others are known in the Kokshetau Sredinny massif in the deposits of the Sharyk suite of the Riphean. Along with them, iron ore in the form of siderite ores is noted in a number of ore occurrences of the region. Siderites are confined to various deposits of the Sharyk Formation. The morphology of siderite ores varies from lenticular to bedded. Rich ores are noted at contact with intrusive formations. The genesis is sedimentary, contact-metamorphic, hypergene. The geology, genesis and prospects of siderite ores are substantiated, which can replenish the reserves of ferrous metals with the complex extraction of mineral raw materials in the region.

Технологическая эффективность методов модифицирования свойств ферросилиция и водных систем в процессах тяжелосредной сепарации труднообогатимого алмазосодержащего материала

Introduction. Taking into account the results of experimental bench studies previously carried out at ICEMR RAS on the effectiveness of the use of physical, physico-chemical and electrochemical influences to increase the corrosion resistance of ferrosilicon in the technology of DMS of diamond-containing raw materials of weakly altered kimberlites of the primary deposits of the Mirny ore field, at this stage, their pilot industrial testing was carried out under processing conditions intensively altered ores of deep horizons with the involvement of alluvial and technogenic deposits in the processing of diamond-containing raw materials. Research methods. In accordance with the testing methodology, the tests were carried out in two directions, the ultimate task of which was to create process conditions that ensure the protection of ferrosilicon granules from corrosion destruction caused by their oxidation upon contact with corrosive aqueous systems: 1. Modification of the properties of the liquid phase of the ferrosilicon suspension to values that reduce its corrosiveness towards the surface of ferrosilicon granules (variable factor – properties of the aqueous process medium). 2. Modification of the surface properties of ferrosilicon granules by creating a protective shell on it, preventing their oxidation during contact with corrosive aqueous systems (the variable factor is the surface of the ferrosilicon used: original and coated). Research results. The article presents the results of pilot industrial tests of technical solutions, the implementation of which made it possible to reduce the consumption of ferrosilicon in the dense medium separation cycle of diamondcontaining material using the above methods for modifying the properties of the aqueous medium and ferrosilicon used for the preparation of the ferrosilicon suspension, by increasing the corrosion resistance of the components of the ferrosilicon suspension. Discussion of research results. A comparative assessment of the technological efficiency of the applied methods for modifying the properties of the aqueous phase and ferrosilicon under experimental test conditions was carried out with the determination of ferrosilicon losses in the regeneration cycle of the ferrosilicon suspension and its content in the volume of the ferrosilicon suspension. The use of electrochemically treated water as a reagent for modifying the properties of the components of a ferrosilicon suspension provides a reduction in ferrosilicon consumption by 1.9 times, but is limited by the fairly high power consumption required for processing large volumes of water in the DMS process. The use of inert nitrogen gas as a bubbling agent instead of oxygen-containing air in the ferrosilicon suspension preparation cycle reduces ferrosilicon consumption by 2.5 times while increasing its service life by 1.5 times. However, the use of this method is limited to use only in part of the DMS process – the cycle for preparing a ferrosilicon suspension. The use of the method of nitriding ferrosilicon granules ensures a reduction in ferrosilicon losses by 2.7 times while increasing its service life by 2.2 times. At the same time, the entire volume of ferrosilicon in the process retains its anticorrosion properties in relation to the corrosive components of the surrounding water system. Conclusion on the article. A comparative analysis of the results obtained using mathematical processing methods has established the maximum technological efficiency of using the method of nitriding the surface of ferrosilicon, which causes the creation of a protective nitride layer on it, ensuring high corrosion resistance of ferrosilicon granules under the conditions of active processes of dense medium separation of diamond-containing raw materials of the material composition under consideration. Nitrided ferrosilicon has parameters that make it possible to increase its service life by no less than 2.2 times while reducing losses in the regeneration cycle by 2.7 times. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The experimentally established advantages of the technological efficiency of using nitrided ferrosilicon in DMS processes of diamond-containing raw materials are recommended for industrial implementation in the conditions of ALROSA’s processing plants and can be used in similar schemes for dense medium separation of mineral raw materials of various compositions. Tests are planned under industrial conditions at one of the processing plants of PJSC ALROSA.

Model studies to identify input parameters of an algorithm controlling electric supply/consumption process by underground iron ore enterprises

Purpose is the development of the research format of a mathematical model to select and assess input parameters of an algorithm controlling distribution of electric energy flows in the monitoring structure of electricity supply/consumption by using equipment of mining enterprises engaged in underground iron ore raw materials extraction. Methods. The analytical research involved a theory of random processes adapted to the real conditions. For the purpose, results of experimental measurements have been applied obtained under the conditions of active iron ore enterprises using underground procedures of the raw materials mining. Methods of random functions (i.e. elements of correlation theory) have helped identify the basic input and output parameters characterizing rather completely electric supply consumption as a stochastic process to develop a control algorithm for the process. Findings. A mathematical model of an electric supply/consumption complex as a stochastic process has been developed to assess its features as well as its levels of influence on the economic operational indices of electric power system of under-ground mining enterprises. Formation of the algorithm to control distribution of electric power flows among consumers of the analyzed types of iron ore enterprises took into consideration stochastic nature of the mentioned complex activity. Originality. The procedure of electric supply/consumption by underground iron ore enterprises has been analyzed in the format of process of a stochastic process of their operation. For the first time, the synthesized mathematical model has been built; both average and disperse stochastic characteristics of electric consumption capacity have been identified; average period of electric energy consumption as a stationary random function during the specified time has been determined; and average number of electric consumption peaks for the interval has been defined as well as average duration of their surges. Analysis of the electric supply/consumption process as a stochastic process has helped solve a problem of the peak influence on the modes of electric energy consumption by receivers of the enterprises, i.e. the random function crossing the specified electric consumption level. Practical implications. According to the available computing formats, a calculation procedure of the operation parameters of electric supply/consumption is of insufficient accuracy since average values are applied and stochastic nature of the process is ignored, which is typical for the analyzed mining enterprises. The abovementioned restricts the possibility to develop adequate system to control the electric power process in terms of the types of mining enterprises and specificity of their operational technology. The developed methods of electric supply/consumption functioning dynamics as a stochastic process help expand its use while forming and making efficient managerial decisions in the context of the analyzed process.