Mineral Mining Research Articles

Business on Nickel Downstreaming with China and European Union Lawsuits

That the downstream nickel business between Indonesia and China aims to obtain maximum profits for the welfare of the Indonesian people, which is based on legal regulations issued by the Indonesian government. As Chinese companies are building purification and processing plants or nickel smelters in Indonesia with a large investment value, the Indonesian government obtains a substantial advantage from the export through the export of domestically processed nickel. Also, Indonesian and Chinese companies both benefit from having a nickel smelter or refining and processing factory in Indonesia. These advantages encompass Chinese investment in Indonesia, job creation in Indonesia, and increased export outcomes. However, this development has raised concerns in the European Union, primarily because Indonesia recently banned the export of nickel ore. Instead, Indonesia has encouraged the domestic processing of nickel ore to add value to nickel products. Indonesia as one of the world’s largest nickel producers has regulations in terms of nickel exports. This is stated in the Regulation of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 11 of 2019 concerning the Second Amendment to the Regulation of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 25 of 2018 concerning the Business of Mineral and Coal Mining. In this regulation, Indonesia imposes a ban on the export of nickel ore. Related to this ban, the European Union also reacted by filing a lawsuit filed at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Based on the Constitution, the welfare of the Indonesian people is the main goal through the management of natural resources, so outside parties or other countries cannot intervene.

Visualisasi Sebaran Wilayah Usaha Izin Pertambangan Aktif Mineral Bukan Logam di Provinsi Sumatera Barat Berbasis WebGIS

West Sumatra Province is an area that has vast and very rich mining potential. However, focusing on the field, of course there are still many mining obstacles that need to be fixed. An example of the problem is, the ESDM Service has a central information system in the form of spatial data and others, the existing system was previously built for the company as a self-service. The regional ESDM does not have access to manage and register licensed companies to the Center system. This study aims to implement visualization of the distribution of active non-metallic mineral mining permit business areas in West Sumatra Province based on WebGIS. This type of research uses the Research and Development method. This method is used to produce certain products after analyzing the needs and testing the effectiveness of the product to see if the product works. The data used for visualization is the Mining Business Permit Area (WIUP) data for West Sumatra Province. The data analysis technique uses the waterfall technique and functionality testing of the product. The results of this study are to produce a digital product in the form of WebGIS distribution of active non-metallic mineral mining permit business areas in West Sumatra Province. The conclusion in this study is the implementation of WebGIS for the distribution of active mining permit business areas in West Sumatra Province and has proven to work well as evidenced by the functionality accuracy test.

Critical minerals and rare earth elements in a planetary just transition: An interdisciplinary perspective

While vital for the development of ‘clean’ energy technologies, the extraction and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements entail a range of overlapping social and environmental harms in local communities across the world. The transition to low-carbon economies invokes a host of multiscalar dilemmas, injustices and trade-offs, notably between the global imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the local consequences of mineral mining. There are profound barriers to delivering a just energy transition at a planetary scale given the reliance of green technologies upon socio-environmentally harmful extractive practices across critical mineral supply chains. Adopting an interdisciplinary lens and drawing from a set of international case studies, we critically examine the intersection of critical minerals with just transition governance and explore possibilities for more plural, holistic and integrated just energy transition pathways. In this introduction article, we detail the ways in which the production of low-carbon technologies is bound up with global inequalities and ongoing coloniality. We then demonstrate the importance of adopting a global, inclusive outlook on just energy transitions. Drawing from the concept of planetary just transition, we provide an overview of the key debates around the role of critical minerals in a just energy transition.

Uncertainty Quantification in Mineral Resource Estimation

AbstractMineral resources are estimated to establish potential orebody with acceptable quality (grade) and quantity (tonnage) to validate investment. Estimating mineral resources is associated with uncertainty from sampling, geological heterogeneity, shortage of knowledge and application of mathematical models at sampled and unsampled locations. The uncertainty causes overestimation or underestimation of mineral deposit quality and/or quantity, affecting the anticipated value of a mining project. Therefore, uncertainty is assessed to avoid any likely risks, establish areas more prone to uncertainty and allocate resources to scale down potential consequences. Kriging, probabilistic, geostatistical simulation and machine learning methods are used to estimate mineral resources and assess uncertainty, and their applicability depends on deposit characteristics, amount of data available and expertise of technical personnel. These methods are scattered in the literature making them challenging to access when needed for uncertainty quantification. Therefore, this review aims to compile information about uncertainties in mineral resource estimation scatted in the literature and develop a knowledge base of methodologies for uncertainty quantification. In addition, mineral resource estimation comprises different interdependent steps, in and through which uncertainty accumulates and propagates toward the final estimate. Hence, this review demonstrates stepwise uncertainty propagation and assessment through various phases of the estimation process. This can broaden knowledge about mineral resource estimation and uncertainty assessment in each step and increase the accuracy of mineral resource estimates and mining project viability.

Optimizing microseismic monitoring: a fusion of Gaussian–Cauchy and adaptive weight strategies

Abstract In mining mineral resources, it is vital to monitor the stability of the rock body in real time, reasonably regulate the area of ground pressure concentration, and guarantee the safety of personnel and equipment. The microseismic signals generated by monitoring the rupture of the rock body can effectively predict the rock body disaster, but the current microseismic monitoring technology is not ideal. In order to address the issue of microseismic monitoring in deep wells, this research suggests a machine learning-based model for predicting microseismic phenomena. First, this work presents the random spare, double adaptive weight, and Gaussian–Cauchy fusion strategies as additions to the multi-verse optimizer (MVO) and suggests an enhanced MVO algorithm (RDGMVO). Subsequently, the RDGMVO-Fuzzy K-Nearest Neighbours (RDGMVO-FKNN) microseismic prediction model is presented by combining it with the FKNN classifier. The experimental section compares 12 traditional and recently enhanced algorithms with RDGMVO, demonstrating the latter’s excellent benchmark optimization performance and remarkable improvement effect. Next, the FKNN comparison experiment, the classical classifier experiment, and the microseismic dataset feature selection experiment confirm the precision and stability of the RDGMVO-FKNN model for the microseismic prediction problem. According to the results, the RDGMVO-FKNN model has an accuracy above 89%, indicating that it is a reliable and accurate method for classifying and predicting microseismic occurrences. Code has been available at https://github.com/GuaipiXiao/RDGMVO.

“Monitoring, Impact Assessment, and Management of Meio and Macrofauna: A Case Study on Mineral Mining in the Coastal Environment of Kerala, India”

“Monitoring, Impact Assessment, and Management of Meio and Macrofauna: A Case Study on Mineral Mining in the Coastal Environment of Kerala, India”

Maximising the value of hyperspectral drill core scanning through real-time processing and analysis

Hyperspectral imaging is gaining widespread use in the resource sector, with applications in mineral exploration, geometallurgy and mine mapping. However, the sheer size of many hyperspectral datasets (>1 Tb) and associated correction, visualisation and analysis challenges can limit the integration of this technique into time-critical exploration and mining workflows. In this contribution, we propose and demonstrate a novel open-source workflow for rapidly processing hyperspectral data acquired on exploration drillcores. The resulting products are adaptable to the varied needs of geologists, geophysicists and geological engineers, facilitating better integration of hyperspectral data during decision making. These tools are applied to process hyperspectral data of 6.4 km of exploration drill cores from Stonepark (Ireland), Collinstown (Ireland) and Spremberg (Germany). The results are presented via an open-source web-viewing platform that we have developed to facilitate easy on and off-site access to hyperspectral data and its derivatives. We suggest that maximum value can be extracted from hyperspectral data if it is acquired shortly after drilling and processed on-site in real time, so that results can be quickly validated and used to inform time-critical decisions on sample selection, geological interpretation (logging) and drillhole continuation or termination. This timeliness and accessibility is key to ensure rapid data availability for decision makers during mineral exploration and exploitation. Finally, we discuss several remaining challenges that limit the real-time integration of hyperspectral drill core scanning data, and explore some opportunities that may arise as these rich datasets become more widely collected.

Penegakan Hukum dalam Penanggulangan Kejahatan Pertambahan Pasir Ilegal

The crime of illegal sand mining is a problem that requires the attention of various parties. The current phenomenon is that illegal mining is rampant among individuals and companies. Based on data from the Central Lampung Police, illegal mining crimes occur every year, while data from Walhi Lampung and the Environmental Service shows that there are still very few mining activities that have IUPs. This shows that illegal mining crime is a problem that must be handled by various elements. The research method used is a Normative Juridical and Empirical Juridical approach. Sources and types of data in research were obtained from field studies with interviews and literature studies. This research was conducted at the Central Lampung Police, lecturers at the Faculty of Law, Unila University, Walhi Lampung, and the Environmental Service. The results of this research describe that the police do not only focus on law enforcement, but also focus on preventative efforts to tackle illegal mining crimes. Even though Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining, the Police does not contain the authority of the Police in mining crimes. However, the police as the front guard of law enforcement officials must make countermeasures. This includes pre-emptive efforts to identify potential risks that cause illegal mining to occur. Monitoring efforts are carried out actively and periodically and are routinely used as an effort to detect potential crimes before they develop into real crimes. The preventive approach involves outreach and education activities in areas where there is potential for mining to increase public awareness about the negative impacts of illegal mining crimes. Then the last one is repressive efforts as a form of providing legal certainty

Analysis of coastal tourists' environmental attitudes and potential as education for sustainable development

Indonesia has abundant natural resources, including tropical rainforests, biodiversity, mineral mines, waters, and coastal areas. Utilization of these resources must be carried out wisely and sustainably to ensure the welfare of future generations. This research aims to evaluate people's attitudes and behavior towards the environment, especially in river and coastal areas in Central Java, Indonesia. The research methods used are surveys, observations and interviews. The survey was carried out by distributing a questionnaire consisting of 30 questions. This statement includes awareness of protecting the coastal and river environment and real actions or behaviors that care about the surrounding environment. Data collected from the survey was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis techniques to identify general patterns of respondents' attitudes and behavior. The research results show that people's attitudes toward environmental care are in the high category for 49% of respondents and very high for 51% of respondents. These results do not reflect some of the real actions taken by the community, especially in coastal areas. Several factors influencing environmental awareness were analyzed, including age, gender and education level. Researchers found that educational factors significantly affect attitudes towards environmental care. The results of this analysis can be used to support Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in increasing pro-environmental awareness and action and supporting sustainable development goals.

Work drains them, family heals them: How and when interpersonal conflicts at work drive unsafe behavior in the high-risk industry?

Unsafe behaviors in high-risk industries are widely recognized as a major hazard, however, limited attention has been given to how and when interpersonal dynamics within organizations lead to the emergence of unsafe behavior by workers. Drawing from the theory of conservation of resources, this study examines the relationship between interpersonal conflict (between supervisors and coworkers) and unsafe behavior. A comprehensive theoretical framework is developed that demonstrates the mediating role of emotional exhaustion and the moderating role of family–work enrichment in the relationship between interpersonal conflict at work and unsafe behavior. Through an analysis of multi-wave data from 249 frontline miners in Chinese coal mines, a direct positive relationship is found between interpersonal conflicts with one’s supervisor and employees’ unsafe behavior. Emotional exhaustion was also found to play a mediating role in the relationship between interpersonal conflict with supervisors and coworkers and unsafe behavior. Meanwhile, family–work enrichment was found to buffer the positive relationship between interpersonal conflict and emotional exhaustion. These results support the existence of moderated mediation effects, with interpersonal conflict having an indirect effect on unsafe behavior through emotional exhaustion being present only in employees with a low level of family–work enrichment. The theoretical model demonstrates how and when interpersonal conflict drives unsafe behavior and provides guidance and practical implications for high-risk industries.

Harnessing phosphate limestone waste as a cost-effective solution for acid mine drainage treatment

Mining mineral ores like pyrrhotite often generates positive and negative outcomes for the community. On the one hand these valuable minerals are explored to provide economic opportunities. On the other, mining pyrrhotite presents adverse environmental and health effects that relates to acid mine drainage (AMD) formation in abandoned mines. This suggest that the sustainable mining of valuable minerals in Pyrrhotite requires cost and environmentally friendly approaches. In this research, we simulate in-situ neutralisation effect of phosphate limestone waste (PLW) on AMD from two mining sites in Morocco under continuous oxic conditions. To this end, we conducted batch tests to assess the effectiveness of PLW in mitigating AMD and releasing contaminants. These tests involved reacting limestone particles (at two sizes: <2 cm and < 4 cm) with AMD leachates over a five-day period The results indicated that the AMD is characterised by a pH of 2.5 and an electrical conductivity of 11.8 mS/cm. The inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analyses showed a high sulfate concentration of 3668.83 mg/L and the presence of some metals, notably copper, aluminium, and iron. The neutralisation process of the AMD using PLW under oxic conditions was highlighted by the variation in pH while the water was in contact with the PLW. The pH rose from 2.5 to 5.25 while the electrical conductivity decreased from 11.8 to 7.03 mS/cm. During the treatment of the AMD with PLW, the percentage of sulfate removal from the effluent was 35 %. In addition, iron and aluminium were significantly removed from the AMD with a percentage of 99 % in the leachate. Therefore, these results indicate that neutralising AMD using this passive treatment approach is effective and may serve as a cost-effective mitigation for AMD, since no excessive grinding is required for the PLW.

Effectiveness of regional government authority regarding mining business permits post presidential decree number 55 of 2022 concerning mineral and coal mining management

Effectiveness of regional government authority regarding mining business permits post presidential decree number 55 of 2022 concerning mineral and coal mining management

Urgensi Pemberian Izin Pengelolaan Tambang bagi Organisasi Kemasyarakatan "Keagamaan" di Indonesia: Analisis Regulasi dalam PP Nomor 25 Tahun 2024

Government Regulation No. 25/2024 on the Amendment to Government Regulation No. 96/2021 on the Implementation of Mineral and Coal Mining Business Activities has sparked heated debate in Indonesia. One of the controversial points is the provision that allows religious community organizations to obtain mining business licenses, which is contrary to Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining. The writing of this research uses normative legal research methods that emphasize in-depth study of laws and regulations that exist in society. This research was conducted to find out how the form of decisions on mass organizations that apply for licenses in PP No. 25 of 2024 and how efforts to apply for WIUPK by mass organizations according to PP No. 25 of 2024 and Law No. 3 of 2020. The research that will be outlined in the form of this article is entitled "The Urgency of Granting Mining Management Permits for "Religious" Mass Organizations in Indonesia: Regulatory Analysis in Government Regulation Number 25 of 2024" aims to examine these provisions in depth. This journal will analyze the urgency of granting mining permits for religious mass organizations, with an emphasis on the regulatory aspects contained in PP No. 25 of 2024.

Litho-structural interpretation of aeromagnetic anomalies reveals potential for mineral exploration in Tizi n'Test Region, Western High Atlas, Morocco

This study interprets aeromagnetic data from the Tizi n'Test area in the High Atlas massif of Morocco, aiming to gain insights into its litho-structural architecture and implications for mineral exploration and mining. We employed six different analytical techniques to the residual magnetic field data, including reduction to the pole (RTP), upward continuation, total horizontal derivative, Tilt angle, Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) analysis, and Euler deconvolution. Our analyses differentiated the study area into three magnetic domains: the eastern Ouzellarh block, characterized by positive anomalies, a central domain characterized by a negative magnetic signature demarcating the transitional zone between the Anti-Atlas and the High Atlas separated by the Ouchden fault: and the western domain, represented by the Tichka massif. The application of total horizontal derivative, tilt angle, and a combination of filters in ternary image formats (Tilt angle, upward continuation 1000 + Tilt angle and upward continuation 3000 + Tilt angle) revealed both known and previously unidentified geological lineaments, mapping structural complexity across various orientations (NE–SW, NNE–SSE, E–W, NW–SE, and N–S). The CET grid analysis method unveiled the structural complexity, highlighting the geodynamic evolution of the region. Particularly, the Ouchden fault delineates a magnetic domain divide between the ancient High Atlas and the Ouzellarh block (Anti-Atlas). Furthermore, Euler deconvolution indicated magnetic source depths ranging from 52 m in the western domain of the Tichka massif to 6560 m in the Ouzellarh block. A comprehensive structural scheme, classified by C-A fractal analysis, identified zones favourable for exploration and mining, particularly along the Ouchden fault, Tizi n'Test, NE-SW trending lineaments in the northwestern domain, as well as along the Tichka granite’s margin.

Analysis of the Effect of Coal and Mineral Mining Safety Management System (SMKP Minerba) Implementation on the Mineral Exploration Drilling Company’s Safety Mining Performance at PT.

Background: In Indonesia, mining companies such as PT X, which has an IUJP for mineral exploration drilling, must implement SMKP Minerba. This system, which is aligned with government guidelines, includes seven elements such as Policy, Planning, Organization, Implementation, Evaluation, Documentation, and Review. Research purposes: The objective is to analyse the effect of implementing the Mineral and Coal Mining Safety Management System (SMKP Minerba) on the work safety performance of Mineral Exploration Drilling Company at PT X. Research methods: This study used a descriptive quantitative method and a case study approach, to analyse SMKP Minerba documents, including Mining Safety Performance records. Descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and Pearson Correlation assessed variable impacts and relationships. From 144 engineers, the Slovin formula required a minimum sample of 98. Research result: The study reported that the Internal Audit of the Mineral and Coal Mining Safety Management System (SMKP Minerba) achieved a score of 84.1%. Mining safety performance was evaluated across four key indicators. Worker Participation, Leadership Responsibility, Incident Analysis and Statistics, Occupational Diseases and Incidents, and Risk Control Efforts, yielding an overall score of 0.78 out of 1, placing it in the "Planned" category. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive association between Position, Tenure, and SMKP Audit Scores with Mining Safety Performance. ANOVA demonstrated a significant impact of Position and Tenure on Mining Safety Performance. Conclusion: The study found that employees holding higher positions, possessing longer tenure, and achieving higher SMKP audit scores exhibited superior mining safety performance. The application of SMKP Minerba positively influences the safety performance in mining operations at PT X, contributing to the sustainable enhancement of mining safety practices in Indonesia.

Study of geodynamic processes in mineral mining using quasi-geoid based on wavelet analysis

Study of geodynamic processes in mineral mining using quasi-geoid based on wavelet analysis

Patterns of development of geomechanical processes during hybrid open pit/underground mineral mining

Patterns of development of geomechanical processes during hybrid open pit/underground mineral mining

Supergene Oxidized Gold-Silver Deposits in the Americas: Guides for Geologists

Editor’s note: The aim of the Geology and Mining series is to introduce early career professionals and students to various aspects of mineral exploration, development, and mining in order to share the experiences and insight of each author on the myriad of topics involved with the mineral industry and the ways in which geoscientists contribute to each. Abstract Supergene oxidation is a process that has created some of the largest gold and silver orebodies in the Americas, including the Carlin-type (sediment-hosted) gold deposits and Round Mountain in Nevada; Yanacocha and many similar deposits in Peru; Cerro Rico, Bolivia; and Pueblo Viejo, Dominican Republic. Oxidation can make sulfide-bearing gold-silver deposits economic by converting refractory gold-silver–bearing sulfide minerals to minerals that can be leached by dilute cyanide solutions. The use of cyanide heap leaching or tank leaching enabled open-pit mining of low-grade oxidized gold deposits starting in the 1960s. This revolutionized gold mining which, combined with the end of the dollar gold standard in 1971, led to a huge increase in gold production, particularly in the Americas where the technology has been widely applied. During weathering and oxidation of sulfide minerals, particularly pyrite, associated gold and silver form supergene minerals in the oxidation zone but are only transported over short distances (centimeters to meters) due to low solubility of the metals, so they do not form enrichment zones. Gold forms Au0 grains of 1 to 25 µm size and high fineness, as well as invisible gold associated with jarosite and iron oxyhydroxides by sorption or substitution. Silver forms halides and native silver, which may be accompanied by metastable hypogene acanthite. Silver in jarosite, alunite, and Mn oxides is refractory. The economic advantages of near-surface oxidized deposits are that they can be mined by open pit with low costs, commonly not requiring stripping or blasting. Run-of-mine ore is sent directly to leach pads, although some ores may require prior crushing and grinding with agglomeration of fine material such as clays. Oxidized ore is processed by heap leaching using dilute sodium cyanide solution and gold and silver recovered by zinc cementation or on activated carbon. Some ores require grinding and are processed by tank leaching. The hypogene sulfide minerals below the oxidized zone are typically refractory and require at least ultrafine grinding for leaching to be effective, or high-cost oxidation technology for roasting, autoclaving, or bio-oxidation. The sulfide-rich portions of deposits are often not exploited for many decades after discovery, if at all. To explore for supergene oxidized deposits, the exploration geologist requires knowledge of geology, oxide mineralogy, geomorphology, hydrogeology, and the (paleo)-climate, as well as open-pit mining, hydrometallurgy, cyanide leaching, and carbon technology, topics that are introduced here with case studies.

Occupational health risk recognition, evaluation, and management of radiation workers in Gansu province, China

ObjectiveIn order to protect the health of radiation workers, scientific management of radiation workplace protection is implemented, and occupational health risks of radiation workplaces in Gansu Province, China are identified and evaluated through monitoring. MethodsThe basic situation of occupational health management of radiological workers in 1366 radiological diagnosis and treatment institutions was investigated, and 596 monitoring hospitals were selected for occupational health monitoring. Using a 2-IN∗2-in NaI (Tl) scintillation spectrometer and its supporting software, internal thyroid irradiation monitoring was performed. Fifty-one underground workers in a deep mine iron mine were selected to monitor the effect of high radon exposure. Results11 (6%) monitored hospital interventional radiology staff detected lead outside the aprons between 5 mSv and 20 mSv during a single monitoring period; In nuclear medicine, radiation monitoring in the thyroid detected 3(15%) people with doses between 5 mSv and 20msv.The chromosome aberration rate and Detection rate of posterior pole subcapsular opacification of interventional radiation group and nuclear medicine group was higher than that of conventional radiation group, and the difference between interventional radiation group and conventional medicine group was statistically significant. Abnormal detection of tumor markers in serum after sustained radon exposure accounted for 39.2% of NSE(neuron-specific enolase), 22.5% of SCC(squamous cell carcinoma associated antigen), and 5.9% of CyFRA21-1(cytokeratin 19 fragment), respectively, chest low-dose CT showed plaque and stripe shadow in 21 cases (41.2%) and nodules in 16 cases (31.4%). ConclusionIndividual dose monitoring found that radiation workers engaged in interventional radiology were exposed to higher doses and had higher occupational risks. The results of occupational health examination show that there is a certain degree of radiation injury in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine workers. Nuclear medicine radiation monitoring results show that some workplaces have radioactive contamination. The radon exposure of deep mine miners has a higher occupational risk of lung cancer caused by high radon.The analysis of chromosome aberration is an important index of occupational health monitoring of radiation workers.

Radiation Techniques for Tracking the Progress of the Hydrometallurgical Leaching Process: A Case Study of Mn and Zn

With advancements in hardware and software, non-destructive radiometric analytical methods have become popular in a wide range of applications. A typical case is the study of the leaching process of metals from mineral ores and mine tailings. The objective of the current study was to develop a radiometric method based on neutron activation analysis (NAA), in particular, delayed gamma neutron activation analysis (DGNAA), to monitor the process of Mn and Zn leaching from Ti ore, Cu mine tailings, and Zn-Pb mine tailings. The DGNAA method was performed using a neutron source: a deuterium-tritium (D-T) neutron generator for Mn and a MARIA research nuclear reactor for Zn. Laboratory-scale Mn leaching from Ti ores, Cu tailings, and Zn-Pb tailings was investigated using delayed gamma-rays of 56Mn (half-life of 2.6 h). The dissolution efficiencies of Mn were found to increase with interaction time and HCl concentration (1 to 5 M) and to vary with the leaching temperature (22.5 to 110 °C). Such results were found to agree with those obtained by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry for the same samples. 65Zn (half-life of 244 days) was chosen to investigate real-time/online leaching of Zn in Ti ore, Cu tailings, and Zn-Pb tailings. During online monitoring, Zn recovery was also reported to increase with increased leaching time. After approximately 300 min of leaching, 80%, 79%, and 53% recovery of Zn in Zn-Pb tailings, Ti ore, and Cu tailings, respectively, were reported. Theoretically, developed mathematical prediction models for 65Zn radiotracer analysis showed that the spherical diffusion model requires much less time to attain saturation compared to the linear diffusion model. The results of NAA for Zn were compared with those obtained by handheld X-ray fluorescence (handheld-XRF) and TXRF analysis. The analyzed samples encompassed leached Ti ore, Cu tailings, and Zn-Pb tailings which were subjected to different conditions of leaching time, temperature, and HCl concentrations. The XRF analysis confirmed that the leaching efficiencies of Zn rise with the increase in leaching time and HCl concentration and fluctuate with leaching temperature. The developed approach is important and can be applied in laboratories and industrial setups for online monitoring of the recovery of any element whose isotopes can be activated using neutrons. The efficiency of the metal-recovery process has a direct impact on the normal operation and economic advantages of hydrometallurgy.