Mineral Raw Materials Research Articles

Wpływ właściwości dielektrycznych na ogrzewanie rud siarczkowych w polu elektromagnetycznym

Microwave heating is a form of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. The heating of primary and secondary mineral raw materials in the microwave field depends primarily on their dielectric and thermal properties. The condition is the absorption of microwave radiation. Dielectric heating of materials occurs immediately after placing them in an electric high-frequency field. Knowledge of the dielectric characteristics of mineral raw materials is an important assumption for the use of electromagnetic radiation at the intensification of technological treatment methods. Most mined minerals consist of several mineral components that have different dielectric properties. Most sulphides are well heated in a microwave field. Conversely, tailings components of ores, such as quartz, are transmission materials. The study of dielectric properties involves measurements of the complex relative permittivity ε*, which consists of a real and an imaginary part. The imaginary part of permittivity “loss factor” represents the measure of dielectric losses in the material. Microwave heating of sulphide ores and concentrates such are chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite, galena depends on their chemical composition and content of impurities. The article describes the influence of dielectric properties on heating of chalcopyrite in microwave field. SEM analyses of studied samples are presented.

ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL AND ASSOCIATED TECHNOGENIC ORE DEPOSITS USING THE EXAMPLE OF THE DZHIDA TUNGSTEN-MOLYBDENUM PLANT, REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA

Based on the collection and analysis of data from predecessors and our own geoecological research in the area of the Dzhida tungsten-molybdenum plant (Zakamensk) in the Republic of Buryatia, an approximate quantitative assessment of environmental and associated economic damage to the main components of the environment and the population in this territory was made. The possibility of reducing it and improving the environmental situation in this area based on the integrated use of mineral raw materials and expanding environmental protection measures in the future is shown.

A Novel Hybrid Fuzzy Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Model for the Selection of the Most Suitable Land Reclamation Variant at Open-Pit Coal Mines

The expansion of the open-pit exploitation of mineral raw materials, and especially the energy resources of fossil fuels, makes open-pit coal mines spatially dominant objects of large mining basins. Exploitation activities are accompanied by negative ecological impacts on the environment, which requires the integral planning, revitalization, reclamation, and rehabilitation of the disturbed area for human use in the post-exploitation period. The post-exploitation remediation and rehabilitation of open-pit mining areas and disposal sites, i.e., space disturbed by mining activities and accompanying facilities, are complex synthetic multidisciplinary multiphase engineering project tasks. In this paper, a hybrid fuzzy MCDM model (Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making) was developed for the selection of a reclamation solution for the Tamnava-West Field open-pit mine. IMF SWARA (Improved Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) was applied to define the weights of 12 criteria of different structures used in the evaluation of reclamation solutions. The Fuzzy ROV (Range of Value) method was applied to select the reclamation solution from a total of 11 solutions previously obtained using a process approach. The results of the hybrid IMF SWARA—Fuzzy ROV model show that forestry is the best solution for the Tamnava-West Field open-pit mine. After the results had been obtained, verification analyses of the proposed model were performed and the best stable proposed reclamation solution was determined.

Studying the Process of Phosphogypsum Recycling into a Calcium Sulphide-Based Luminophor.

Currently, one of the most important problems of environmental protection is the deep and complex processing of mineral raw materials. This problem is especially relevant when processing substandard ores and production waste, one of which is phosphogypsum. This study examines the process of CaSO4/CaS composite material formation during the reduction of phosphogypsum with citric acid. The composite structure formation mechanism is proposed. The resulting materials are characterized using various methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, the Scherrer method, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The reduced sample emits orange radiation in the range of 500-750 nm with a quantum yield of 0.17. Experimental results showed that the sample decomposition process in the solid state consisted of two components with a predominant contribution from the long-lived component (~46 ns). The optimal conditions for producing luminescent materials by reducing phosphogypsum with citric acid were determined: a heat treatment temperature of 1073 K, a holding time of 60 min, and a reducing agent mole fraction of 37%. It was found that an increase in temperature with a simultaneous decrease in heat treatment time, as well as a decrease in temperature with a simultaneous increase in heat treatment time, led to a decrease in the luminescent properties of the synthesized material compared to optimal values. The results can be used to develop technology for recycling large-tonnage waste from the chemical industry into luminescent materials.

Trade-offs of wind power production: A study on the environmental implications of raw materials mining in the life cycle of wind turbines

The energy demand in Sweden is increasing due to the growing electrification, and to meet this need, the generation must be expanded. Wind power generation is a very attractive renewable power production alternative for Sweden because of the favorable weather conditions.Research looks at how much wind energy may be deemed sustainable. Increased energy demand puts pressure on the government and industry to build more wind farms and, as a result, produce more wind turbines. Raw materials are necessary for wind turbines to provide a secure transition to green energy technologies. To meet these demands, the materials from various countries should efficiently contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper gathers information about raw resources from diverse nations worldwide. All materials are mapped to the country where they are produced using social science criteria. A few nations are chosen based on a sample approach for further analysis, and the implications of mining operations are investigated. Finally, the direct and indirect effects of the SDGs are considered.Based on the data gathered, recommendations and considerations are given to avoid or mitigate the repercussions of raw materials mining and make wind power generation more socially and environmentally sustainable.

PIGMENTS AS A MASS MATERIAL: DISCUSSION OF THE METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH IN RESEARCH

Archaeological and natural science studies of Paleolithic paint pigments (ocher) date back more than 100 years. However, until recently, the vast majority of studies were focused on the study of individual samples, not the whole corpus of this category of materials - mineral paint raw materials (in the broad sense of the term). The description of the theoretical approach and the available results obtained in the course of testing the method of the fixation of field data and laboratory processing of ocher samples, which come in different shapes, sizes and differ in consistency, clearly demonstrate that it is fundamentally important to conduct an archaeological study of colorful pigments as a mass material prior to the natural science stage of the study. In the opposite case even goal-setting for subsequent interdisciplinary research will be virtually impossible, and its results will be extremely limited. A multifactorial study of paint materials can demonstrate a great variety of sample characteristics, both among different layers of archaeological material and artifacts from the same site, and among different sites. When approaching pigments as a mass material, statistical processing of the findings is necessary to form meaningful conclusions about the use of pigments on sites. The afore-said methodological approach reveals systemic differences, which opens up opportunities for comparison based on the methods of mathematical statistics. To obtain relevant data, such an approach requires the accumulation of a statistically significant number of pigment samples, suitable from the point of view of field algorithms. Consequently, it is only the study of a maximum available array of specimens (including a maximum of small grains) of ocher from different artifacts of the cultural layer, individual layers and different sites that makes it possible to obtain information about the cultural similarities and differences in this part of the life strategies of Upper Paleolithic groups, including the identification of the main stages of production chain. The proposed approach to the study of ocher as a mass material, if complying with the methodology of field work, is relevant for all types of archaeological sites of the Stone Age.

Natural mineral raw materials as granular filtering materials in industrial and waste water treatment

Analysis of currently existing methods of natural and waste water treatment from heavy metals has shown that one of the most promising is the sorption method using natural inorganic materials as sorbents: zeolite, diatomite, and vermiculite. The relevance of the topic is dictated by the need to develop an original technology of wastewater treatment and water treatment, which allows constant monitoring of the level of pollution of natural waters by industrial wastewater from metallurgical enterprises. The proposed methods of sorbent modification create a basis for studying the structure, porosity, and sorption capabilities of the mentioned natural materials. All three minerals: zeolite, diatomite, and vermiculite belong to highly porous, structured materials, promising for use as stable sorption systems in water treatment and water purification. The influence of physical and chemical characteristics of natural sorbents and the application of new promising environmentally safe materials and reagents for water treatment are considered. The sorption of copper ions on natural zeolite material before and after its modification by hydrothermal method was investigated. The activity of sorbents was estimated by the value of sorption capacity, i.e. the amount of heavy metal ions absorbed by a unit mass of sorbent based on zeolite and its modified form.

Prospects for using screens with double vibration-impact excitation for size separation and dewatering of wet mineral raw materials that are difficult to classify

One of the most labor-intensive and energy-consuming processes is the process of particle size separation and removal of moisture from products of wide particle size classes with a high content of small classes less than 0.2 mm in size. Such raw materials are dehydrated by traditional methods to 18-22% and are practically not classified. A review of methods for intensifying these processes showed the promise of vibration impact, which can be applied to both the sieving surface and the processed raw materials. The designs of screens with double vibration-impact excitation for particle size separation and dewatering of wet mineral raw materials are considered. The influence of operating parameters and screening time on the technological performance of these processes was experimentally studied. It was established that the use of a disintegrator simultaneously with an activator and disintegrating elements made it possible, without the use of additional power, to reduce the moisture content of the over-grid product to 4-5% while extracting the -0.1+0 mm class into the under-grid product to 83-85%. The results obtained confirmed the prospects of using screens with double vibration-impact excitation for size separation and dehydration of wet mineral raw materials that are difficult to classify.

PREPARATION OF CONCRETE MATERIALS BASED ON HIGHLY DISPERSED MINERAL FILLERS AND RESEARCH OF THEIR PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

The article presents the results of experiments on taking concrete samples and studying their physical and mechanical properties by using wollastonite and vermiculite minerals, which are highly dispersed mineral raw materials, in 2 different ways. According to the obtained results, the strength of the concrete samples was increased by using samples of these minerals in different sizes as fillers and in the composition of the coating.

Wirkung staatlicher Maßnahmen zur Sicherung der Rohstoffversorgung

Abstract This paper underscores the importance of securing strategic mineral raw materials for economic competitiveness, particularly in Germany. It highlights the dependency on imports, leading to reliance on resource-rich countries. The paper discusses the risks of this dependency, including supply disruptions from exogenous shocks. It explores national economic policies to increase supply security and presents a quantitative analysis showing that active resource policy can significantly reduce supply risk for national companies.

Preparation, properties and formation mechanism of transparent anorthite-based glass-ceramic glaze with high hardness

The transparent anorthite-based glass-ceramic glaze was prepared at 1200 °C by mineral raw materials. The effect of ZnO content on the structures and properties of the anorthite glass-ceramic glaze was studied by XRD, SEM-EDS, HR-TEM, high temperature microscope, micro-Vickers hardness tester and comprehensive thermal analyzer. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of anorthite was investigated systematically. The results reveal that the introduction of ZnO results in the decrease of melting temperature, elimination of the diopside, reduction of the thermal expansion coefficient, and improvement of the mechanical properties of the glazes markedly. The major crystalline phases of glazes change from the coexistence of anorthite and diopside to single anorthite with the increase of ZnO content from 0 wt% to 6.45 wt%, and the relative anorthite content increases from 26.87 wt% to 49.83 wt%. Both the size and number of anorthite grains with a distribution of the card structure gradually increases as increasing the ZnO content. The increase of anorthite improves the scattering ability of visible light and then reduces the transparency of the glaze. The Vickers hardness and flexural strength of glazes improve from 5.26 GPa and 45.95 MPa to 7.20 GPa and 72.79 MPa, respectively. The thermal expansion coefficient decreases from 6.328 × 10−6/°C to 5.781 × 10−6/°C (600 °C). Anorthite crystal generates from the reaction of genhlenite, SiO2 and Al2O3 at 1100 °C, and the gehlenite forms through the reaction of metakaolin and CaO. The study shows that the plate-like anorthite crystallizes when the content of ZnO is 3.33 wt%, the Vickers hardness of glass-ceramic glaze is 6.56 GPa with a great transparency.

Preparation of complex titanium-containing coagulants from large-scale mineral concentrates and their use in wastewater treatment

Relevance. Development of new, highly effective reagents for treatment of wastewater of various origins is a complex and extremely important task. An equally pressing issue remains the development of technologies for processing large-scale mineral products, which currently have not found an economically feasible technology for their processing and have received the status of “waste”. The development of a technology for producing reagents using waste as a raw material will not only have an economic effect but will also significantly minimize the level of negative impact on the environment and take a step towards the implementation of the Zero Waste concept. Aim. Development of technology for processing large-scale titanium-containing raw materials to obtain complex titanium-containing reagents and study of their effectiveness in wastewater treatment from various industries. Methods. To study the phase composition of the samples, the X-ray diffraction method was used, and the determination of metal content in acidic solutions and wastewater was carried out by atomic emission spectroscopy. Results and conclusions. The authors have proposed the technology for production of complex titanium-containing coagulants, which includes hydrometallurgical technology for sulfuric acid processing of large-capacity mineral raw materials – titanite. Aluminum hydroxide was introduced into the resulting solutions to adjust the chemical composition and neutralize free sulfuric acid. The resulting aluminum sulfate transforms into the most stable form of 18-aqueous crystalline hydrate, absorbing moisture from the solution, realizing chemical dehydration. The study of the composition of solid samples of coagulants showed that the predominant phase in the composition of the complex coagulant is aluminum sulfate, and the content of titanium compounds ranges from 1 to 14 wt %. It was established that by varying the ratio of mineral raw materials:sulfuric acid it is possible to vary the amount of modifying additive titanium compounds in the complex reagent. It was proven that the use of complex titanium-containing coagulants in wastewater treatment allows reducing the consumption of coagulants by 25–35%, increasing the efficiency of water purification, minimizing residual concentrations of pollutants, and also significantly increasing the rate of sedimentation of coagulation sludge in comparison with traditional sulfate aluminum.

Identification of Aggregates Quarries via Computer Vision Analysis as a Tool for Sustainable Aggregates Management and Land Planning

The mineral raw materials industry is crucial for European industry, with the European Economic and Social Committee estimating that 70% of the industry relies directly or indirectly on its supply. In the context of a decarbonized and digitalized economy, the new European industrial model requires carbon-neutral raw materials and production processes. The crucial role of aggregates mining, as the primary construction material, emerges as a key supplier in this paradigm. Aggregates are the main component of the built environment and are a social and economic engine in most countries. Quarries of this type include a wide range of sizes and exploitation methods and use characteristic mining and processing equipment. Quarries are commonly close to their processing plants, which transform natural rock into crushed and ground materials with different grain sizes depending on the future uses. The quarry itself and the presence of certain equipment and facilities help distinguish it from mining sites that exploit other materials. Effective management of aggregates quarries is important in promoting circular economy practices, ensuring efficient management, reuse, and recycling of diverse wastes, including the recovery of high-value components and the production of recycled aggregates, and addressing construction and demolition waste (DCW) management. As aggregates become a progressively scarcer resource due to the increasing demand from developing countries, it is essential to provide reliable and comprehensive information on their potential to the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote their use. This study focuses on employing artificial intelligence and computer vision analysis to automatically identify aggregates quarries from satellite images within continental Spain. A model has been trained to detect aggregates quarries from satellite images by computer vision. The model permits the detection of mining exploitation and the objects located at the interior, which permits determination of the type of mine and the activity status of it. The findings highlight the ability of artificial vision to discern quarries and distinguish whether the observed feature is an aggregates quarry. Additionally, the technology allows for the determination of the quarry’s operational status, distinguishing between active and abandoned quarries. The ability to detect the locations of quarries and assess their activity statuses is of significant value for resource exploration initiatives and location-allocation assessments. It can be a valuable tool for authorities involved in land planning, activities monitoring, and early detection of potential illegal mining activities. This analytical approach demonstrates substantial potential for various stakeholders, including mining companies, mining authorities, policymakers, and land use planners in both the private and public sectors.

Investigation of old waste dump composition of lean gold-bearing ores from the Golden Pride Project (GPP) mining operation in Nzega district, Tanzania

The search for alternative sources of useful minerals is a pressing issue. One such possible source is the processing of lean gold-bearing ores, which previously did not seem feasible to exploit for subsoil users, leading to their disposal in off-balance ore dumps. Processing these resources becomes economically viable as gold prices rise and processing technologies improve over time. This paper presents the elemental and mineralogical composition of lean gold-bearing ore dumps from the Golden Pride Project (GPP) mining operation in Tanzania’s Lihendo district. This area contains an old dump of lean gold-bearing ores, weighing approximately 1.4 million tons. Extracting valuable components from lean mineral raw materials is a current priority. Sampling was conducted to study the dumps. Boreholes were drilled to a depth of 1 m, covering a total sampling area of 20 ha; 18 samples, each averaging 3 kg in weight, were collected. The results of X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) indicated the presence of Fe, S, Si, Ca, Ca, Mn, Cu, Al, Cr, Ti, As, and Ag in the collected samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the main minerals in the dumps are muscovite, kaolinite, quartz, montimorillonite, and goethite. The average gold grade in the selected samples is 0.72 g/t. Studies of the grain-size distribution and gold distribution by grain-size classes after ore grinding demonstrated that the majority of gold (74%) is in the −75 μm class. In the initial mineral material of the dumps, the share of the +30-50 mm grain-size class is 81%. The paper proposes potential methods for processing lean dumps of gold-bearing ores. One such methods involves crushing the dump material, separating the −75 μm class, and subjecting it to direct leaching or leaching using “carbon-in-pulp” technique. Heap leaching appears to be the most promising method for extracting gold from such dumps in terms of technical and economic feasibility. Positive experience has been reported in applying this process to ores of similar mineralogical type.

Mine Fires, Experiences in Extinguishing Large Underground Mine Fires

Mine fires are common the underground exploitation of mineral raw materials. With the development of mining science and practice, the methods of extinguishing mine fires using new methods and materials were also developed. Today, in mining practice, direct fire extinguishing with water or fire extinguishers, isolation of oxidation zones with insulating walls, installation of torket concrete on the walls of the pit room or use of special foams are most often used. Methods based on ventilation methods or the use of inert gases can also be encountered. All these methods are used to extinguish local oxidation processes, fires are localized in a part of the pit, ventilation department or goafs. This paper presents methods of extinguishing a mine fire where the fire zone covered a larger area and it was not possible to localize it in one part of the underground mine, the pit is completely closed and isolated until the oxidation process subsides due to lack of oxygen. At the time of the complete closure and isolation of the pit, several gas detectors remained in operation in the pit, through which the change in the composition of the pit air could be monitored during the still active pit fire. At the same time, samples of the pit atmosphere behind the isolation walls were regularly taken, their analysis was performed and they were compared with the data obtained using active gas detectors. The key question was when to reopen the pit, conduct an inspection and try to reactivate the pit operations. Although it is an underground brown coal mine, some experiences and knowledge can be applied and used in underground mines of other mineral resources threatened by pit fires. Experiences can also be applied in case of fire, where it is possible to control the fire zone only through insulating walls. It was established that changes in the activity of the pit fire were manifested both on the insulation walls and on the active gas detectors.

The use of mud in cellulite reduction. Case report

Mud is a natural, organic and mineral raw material used in the cosmetic industry, rehabilitation and wellness. In cosmetology, it is mainly used in the prevention of cellulite and stretch marks, and in skin care. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mud and caffeine treatments on cellulite reduction. A 49-year-old woman with confirmed cellulite on the back of her thighs underwent a series of ten mud treatments. The first effects were observed after just five treatments. The results of the study confirm that the mud, in combination with caffeine, has a beneficial effect on reducing visible bumps on the skin. The disadvantage of the treatment may be the unpleasant smell.

Thermodynamics of cordierite formation during firing of water-permeable ceramics

The analysis of the influence of an increase in firing temperature on the thermodynamic possibilities of solid-phase chemical reactions in the MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 system in the direction of cordierite formation has been conducted. The thermodynamic direction of solid-phase reactions in the MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 system allows determining rational firing temperatures of materials containing cordierite for the manufacture of products for various purposes. During low-temperature firing (up to 1200 K) of finely dispersed masses based on talc-clay-alumina compositions, materials with high open porosity but low strength characteristics can be obtained. This is because the reactive sintering mainly occurs due to reactions forming intermediates for cordierite synthesis and incomplete processes of destruction in natural mineral raw materials. In the firing temperature range of 1200–1500 K, the thermodynamic probability of reactions immediately via several cordierite formation mechanisms increases, which should limit the growth of individual crystals while increasing their quantity. This should positively affect the strength and heat resistance of materials due to low values of the thermal coefficient of linear expansion. Firing temperatures of 1500–1659 K correspond to the limits for cordierite formation and contribute to the consolidation of the material with a change in the nature of porosity from open to closed. Exceeding firing temperatures above 1659 K results in the thermodynamic instability of the cordierite-corundum phase combination and can lead to the formation of defects due to the appearance of a significant amount of melt in the phase composition of the material.

Исследование гранулометрического состава измельченного продукта, полученого при измельчении доломита в центробежной мельнице вертикального типа

Introduction. Modern medium (10–200 microns) and fine (0.1–10.0 microns) powders have a high cost, which limits the scale of their production and use. This assumes the implementation the latest achievements in the field of creating new equipment that is not inferior in its technical characteristics to the best foreign models into industry. The use centrifugal mills of vertical type for grinding various raw materials has shown their high efficiency in obtaining materials in the range – 0.2–0.01 mm. Studies of these mills operation under various operating conditions made it possible to create a large data set on the dependence of the crushed material granulo-metric composition on the design features of the mills and technological parameters of the grinding process. The results of a previously study of the granulo-metric composition a finely dispersed crushed product integral distribution according to particle size classes less than 80 microns were presented. They were obtained in a Brookhaven BI-XDC X-ray analytical centrifuge by measuring particle sizes in natural sedimentation mode, when the centrifuge disk was stationary during the experiment. The studies of the particle size differential distribution of a finely dispersed crushed product according to particle size classes less than 80 microns, which have not been carried out to date are of particular interest. Purpose of the study. The differential distribution study of the finely dispersed granulo-metric product composition obtained by grinding lump dolomite in a centrifugal mills of vertical type under different operating modes. Materials and methods. To solve this problem, samples of crushed material were taken from grinding dolomite from the Bosninsky deposit (RNO-Alania) in a centrifugal mill of the vertical type MV-0.3 with a 300 mm rotor diameter with following technological modes of the grinding process: mill rotor speed n = 310; 360 min–1, height of the material column above the rotating rotor H = 180; 270 mm, test time – 6 hours. Selected samples with a size class of –0.08 mm were analyzed in an X-ray analytical centrifuge Brookhaven BI-XDC, designed to determine the particle size distribution in the range from 0.01 to 100 microns. The measurements were performed on a suspension prepared from a mixture of 0.5 g of the selected sample with a 20% solution of sucrose and distilled water. Samples with a size class of 0.08 mm were weighed on laboratory scales LV SP.005.048 RE. The resulting suspension was dispersed in an ultrasonic bath for 3–5 minutes. After dispersion, the suspension was poured into the analyzer disk. While stirring, the lower absorption baseline line of a homogeneous particle suspension was measured. The obtained data from the analysis of the fine fractions size of were processed by the centrifuge computer software and graphs of the differential distribution of particles were constructed for various technological modes of grinding dolomite in a centrifugal mill. During the processing of the experiments, minor bursts in the concentration of the crushed product were not taken into account. The results and discussion. For the first time, a differential analysis of the granulo-metric composition of finely dispersed material with a particle size of –0.08 mm, obtained by grinding lump dolomite in a centrifugal mill of the vertical type under different mill operating modes, was carried out. Under all investigated operating modes of the centrifugal mill, the main part of the fine fraction in the mill outlet was in the range from 1.197 to 4.643 μm, and in steady-state operation it varied from 1.310 to 4.601 μm. The range of fine particle sizes has maximum values when the height of the column of crushed material above the rotating mill rotor and the rotation speed of the mill rotor decrease, and minimum values are observed when the height of the column of crushed material above the rotating mill rotor increases and the rotation speed of the mill rotor increases. Resume. 1. The article presents the results of the granulo-metric composition differential distribution study of a finely dispersed product obtained by grinding lump dolomite in a centrifugal mill of the vertical type. 2. The conducted studies have shown that, despite the positive results in obtaining fine particles with a size of 0.001 microns (nanoparticles) by mechanical means, the industrial production of nano-materials when grinding lump mineral raw materials in a vertical centrifugal mill is not economically profitable due to the low specific productivity and high energy intensity of the grinding process. 3. The obtained research results can be useful in the design of centrifugal mills.

Комплексные решения по управлению хвостовым хозяйством на Усольском калийном комбинате

Introduction. At enterprises engaged in the extraction and processing of mineral raw materials, the volume of production waste is usually much higher than the volume of a commercial product. At the same time, there is a tendency to decrease the metal content in ores while increasing the volume of waste rock extracted when accessing ores. According to various estimates, the annual volume of waste from mining enterprises is 7 billion tons per year. The proportion of waste (tailings) in some copper-containing ores can reach 98 % or higher. Gold mining enterprises process ores in which tailings amount to 99.9 % and which contain only a few grams of gold. This trend will continue, as the enterprises of the mineral processing industry have to increase the volume of processed products. Materials and methods. Tailings processing technology solutions include equipment and services that can be used in almost any tailings farm, while tailings thickening and paste thickening can be used. Just as in the case of surface tailings management solutions, the development of solutions for underground workings begins with consideration of the available storage space underground. Post and dry storage technologies combined with closed water circuits represent the best options available for saving water in processing plants. In traditional tailings systems, the source of process water is natural sources or groundwater from mine drainage. Results. The use of sludge dewatering technology has significant advantages in handling excess brines, because it allows you to separate the mother liquor, return it to the technology and thereby prevent discharge to the sludge storage. To enhance the effect of sludge dewatering, it is necessary to limit the supply of fresh water to the technological process beyond the level of irretrievable losses (for example, evaporation into the atmosphere) by using a mother liquor or recycled brine instead of water. Discussion. liquid phase entering the sludge storage, increase the efficiency of hydraulic transport, and increase the service life of tailings facilities. Scientific works confirm the possibility of using filtered sludge from potash factories as a meliorant for agriculture and restoration of forest soils after fires. When implementing integrated tailings management, it is necessary to take into account the existing conditions and limitations of the site, the requirements of the technological process of a particular enterprise. Conclusion. The article presents the results of research on the dehydration of sludge of potassium salts. It has been established that the sludge dewatering technology significantly reduces the volume of sludge entering the sludge storage, which will increase the efficiency of hydraulic transport, increase the service life of tailings facilities. Resume. The use of sludge dewatering technology can significantly improve the efficiency of the processing plant. The development of sludge dewatering technology will require a number of research projects on transportation, storage and logistics of meliorant.

Organization of processes for complex mining and processing of mineral raw materials from coal mines in the context of the concept of sustainable development

Purpose. The research purpose is to form the principles and procedures for developing an organizational concept of complex mining of minerals from coal mines using the example of a promising model of transition of the PJSC “DTEK Pavlohradvuhillia” mines to multi-product production of clean drinking water, utilization of methane, secondary coal from rock dumps and slurry reservoirs, low-grade thermal energy of mine groundwater and associated raw materials from desalination waste. Methods. The instrumental basis of the research is the methodology of the process approach to organizing multi-product activities of an enterprise. In addition, an integrated approach is used, including an analysis of existing experience and available complex coal mining and processing technologies. Findings. The paper presents the research results of the prerequisites for the development of innovative technological solutions related to the integrated use of mineral raw materials formed in the process of coal mining and processing. It has been revealed that at the present stage the technological, environmental and economic aspects of such innovations have been sufficiently developed, while the organizational issues regarding the balanced interaction of multi-product production units have poorly been studied. The necessity has been substantiated, as well as the content and sequence of actions have been determined for the development of an organizational concept of complex mining and processing of mineral raw materials in the conditions of PJSC “DTEK Pavlohradvuhillia”. Originality. The principles and procedures for developing an organizational concept of a multi-product enterprise, formed in the research process, provide further development of a methodological basis for searching and substantiating innovative solutions for complex mining of mineral resources from coal mines. They can be used to assess the efficiency and identify weaknesses in current processes for mining and utilization of coal, thermal energy, methane gas, groundwater, dry residue chemicals from desalination and coal mining waste, and to analyse and make changes to improve performance and reduce costs. Practical implications. The proposed complex of organizational solutions based on the process approach tools to ensure the effective implementation of a promising production model for mining and processing of mineral resources in PJSC “DTEK Pavlohradvuhillia” coal mines provides an opportunity to predict the results and develop development strategies based on various scenarios, analyze the interaction of various factors and their influence on the results of the production complex functioning, while reducing costs for experiments and testing of various production technologies.