Ore Processing Research Articles

New complete genome insights into Enterobacter roggenkampii FACU2: a potential player in cadmium bio-removal.

Industrial workplaces, particularly those involved in ore processing or smelting, pose a high risk of exposure to cadmium, a highly toxic metal. This study isolated and identified eight cadmium-resistant strains from industrial wastewater for their ability to resist cadmium. Enterobacter roggenkampii FACU2 demonstrated exceptional cadmium removal capabilities during our analysis, successfully eliminating 62% of the cadmium. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized to examine the morphological change between the most and least efficient strains that responded to cadmium stress at the cellular level. Compared to the control bacteria, the treated bacteria exhibited notably higher levels of cadmium adsorption and accumulation within their cells. A complete genome analysis revealed that E. roggenkampii FACU2 has one chromosome and one plasmid with a size of 4,856,454bp and 80,926bp, respectively, in addition to harboring numerous heavy metal-resistant genes related to cadmium and other heavy metals. Moreover, the gene expression of four cadmium-resistant genes (czcA, cadA, czcC and czcD) showed that the high cadmium concentration led to a significant increase in czcA and cadA mRNA levels, thus indicating the activation of cadmium-resistant genes in the E. roggenkampii FACU2 compared to Enterobacter sp. strain FACU. Due to its ability to remove cadmium and other heavy metals, this strain holds promise as a source of genes for biological treatment methods. This application could contribute to environmental purification, ultimately benefiting human health.

Modified sorbents based on natural mineral and its mechanical properties

The use of modified sorbents based on natural minerals, widely distributed in Kazakhstan, is a promising direction. This direction is related to the development of domestic ion-exchange materials. The republic lacks its own production of synthetic sorbents. The environmental situation in the regions of uranium ore mining and processing is also important. Moreover, the application of synthetic sorbents is not always justified due to their high cost, while the use of natural sorbents is limited by their low sorption capacity. The development of modified ion-exchange materials based on a combination of these is a pressing issue for various industries. Research has been conducted on the choice of modification methods for natural sorbents and the evaluation of their sorption capacity after modification. The modification of natural minerals zeolite and shungite using the "solid-phase extractants" method was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, the modification was performed with organic extractants and compositions based on them, and at the second stage with phosphoric acid in combination with polyacrylamide. The natural sorbents used were zeolite from the Kusmuryn deposit and shungite from the Koksu deposit, following preliminary flotation. The mechanical strength of sorbents modified by different methods was compared with the original ion-exchange materials. Studies of the sorption process have shown that the best results for uranium sorption were obtained with modified sorbents: zeolite modified with a mixture of extractants Di-2-Ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (Di-2-EHPA), Tributyl phosphate (TBP), kerosene, and shungite modified with phosphoric acid in the presence of Polyacrylamide (PAA).

Sustainable reprocessing of Pb–Zn mine tailings through froth flotation for resource recovery and environmental remediation in abandoned mining regions

The abandoned Touissit-Bou Beker mining district has accumulated tens of millions of tons of tailings, stored without environmental safeguards. Due to the limited ore processing method, the tailings exhibit a significant zinc (2 wt%) and lead (0.3 wt%) content, mainly buried in carbonate minerals. These tailings pose environmental concerns but also offer economic opportunities. This study investigated the feasibility of decontaminating these tailings using froth flotation to produce a clean mineral byproduct. Composite samples were collected via reverse circulation (RC) drilling, and flotation conditions were optimized. Quantitative mineralogy and environmental behavior were assessed using quantitative evaluation of materials by scanning electron microscope (QEMSCAN®) and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), respectively. Under optimal conditions — potassium amyl xanthate (KAX) 350 g/t, CuSO4 1,250 g/t, Na2S 1,250 g/t, sodium hexametaphosphate (SH) 1,750 g/t, and pH 11—Zn and Pb recoveries reached up to 94 % and 71 %, respectively. Residual Pb–Zn remained partially locked within the non-sulfide gangue minerals or present as slime particles. TCLP results indicate minimal risk, suggesting reprocessing mine tailings in abandoned mine sites in Morocco could offer economic and environmental benefits. The current study is expected to serve as a reference for decision-makers when evaluating sustainable management options for mine tailings.

Investigation of the effect of chlorine in different additives on dioxin formation during high temperature processing of iron ore

Ironmaking can have an important role in the circular economy by utilising alternative carbon bearing materials, which are otherwise of low value in use or landfilled. Biomass and plastic wastes have been proposed as alternatives for coke and coal in sintering, blast furnace ironmaking and direct iron ore reduction processes. However, introduction of the alternative carbon sources with higher chlorine contents may influence the formation of some pollutants, most notably, dioxins. This study investigated the effects of carbon bearing materials, i.e., coke, biomass and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), on formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during high temperature processing of iron ore. The effect of copper (Cu) as a known dioxin synthesis catalyst, on formation of the dioxins was also investigated. The study found an exponential increasing relationship between the chlorine content in the fuel source and the dioxin emissions. The addition of both biomass and PVC materials contributed to significantly increased dioxin formation, especially for the case of plastics. PCBs had higher concentrations than PCDD/Fs in all cases except when CuCl2 was added due to its catalytic properties to synthesise PCDD/Fs. PCDF concentrations far outweighed the PCDDs, suggesting that de novo reaction mechanism, where carbon particles are oxidised by a transition metal in presence of chlorine, dominated the formation of the dioxins in the process.

Hydrodynamics and Response Analysis of a Cutting-Edge Pulse Bed Mineral Scrubber (PBMS) Featuring U-Type Motion, Pulsation Bed, and Fluidization for Low-Grade Iron Ore Processing

ABSTRACT A novel compact and efficient pulse bed mineral scrubber (PBMS) has been designed. The scrubber has a hybrid design incorporating a U-type particle flow path, bed pulsation like a jig and fluidization. The hydrodynamic characteristics and response of this scrubber for the scrubbing of low-grade iron ore fines have been reported in this article. The response methodology with a central composite design was used to evaluate the hydrodynamics of the PBMS hutch section. The results indicate that the hydrostatic head increases with an increase in solid percentage in the hutch section and decreases with an increase in pulsation frequency. The pressure and load model prediction matched the experimental data well. The model predicts that at 54 rpm pulsation frequency and a 25% solid percentage, the pressure will be 0.0285 bar and the motor load 25.54 W. The R2 of the pressure and load model are 0.9536 and 0.9936, respectively. Scrubbing performance on −10 mm iron ore fines with 54.17% Fe, 8.15% SiO2 and 12.75% Al2O3 at 10, 15, and 20 l/min water rate has been validated with characterization of products after scrubbing. The desliming efficiency of the particle in the range of 0.045–0.3 mm is ± 88% at a water rate above 15 l/min. The best cleaning and segregation of fines are reported at a 15 l/min water rate. The Fe value of clean coarse products increases from 54% to 59%. The scrubbing improves the grade of ore, and the alumina and silica content reduction is 19% and 40%, respectively.

Characteristics and potential use of residual waste from bauxite ore processing industry in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Characteristics and potential use of residual waste from bauxite ore processing industry in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Mineral Liberation and Concentration Characteristics of Apatite Comminuted by High-Pressure GRU

Mineral liberation and concentration have always been the core issues in ore processing. The goal of multi-stage crushing and ball milling is liberation because mineral liberation is the foundation of beneficiation. High energy consumption and environmental pollution have always been unavoidable topics. We put forward the method of high-pressure gas rapid unloading (GRU). Particle size followed MR-R distribution. The scanning electron microscopy data showed that the liberation of apatite particles smaller than 4 mm was sufficient by high-pressure GRU methods, and high-grade apatite concentrated in the particle size range of 0.5 to 4 mm. The average grade of the preferred particle size interval was 3%–5% higher than the original ore. Liberation degrees of apatite less than 4 mm are above 88%, which was beneficial for mineral processing. Compared to the traditional crushing method, the GRU method had a higher liberation and concentration in the particle size range of 0.5 to 4 mm. The total energy consumption was about 1.76 kW·h/t, less than that of the traditional crushing method.

Recent Advances in Indium Recovery

Though indium has been removed from the fifth list (2023) of critical raw materials for the European Union list of critical metals, its recovery is still of paramount importance due to its wide use in a series of high-tech industries. As its recovery is closely associated with zinc mining, the recycling of In-bearing wastes is also of interest, for both profitable and environmental reasons. With unit operations (in hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy or extractive metallurgy) playing a key role in the recycling of indium, the present work reviewed the most recent innovations (2024) regarding the use of these operations in the recovery from this valuable metal from different solid or liquid wastes.

Reply to Hosseini Monjezi, B.; Lützenkirchen, J. Comment on “Zhou et al. Adsorption Behaviors of Lanthanum (III) and Yttrium (III) Ions on Gibbsite. Minerals 2023, 13, 1530”

The interaction between aluminum (hydr)oxides and inorganic substances has received widespread attention in the fields of ore deposit geochemistry, mineral processing, and environmental protection [...]

Fractal Analysis of Mining Wastewater Time Series Parameters: Balkhash Urban Region and Sayak Ore District

The population life and health quality are significantly reduced due to water resources pollution caused by heavy metals, especially in urban agglomerations located close to metal ore mining and processing facilities. The greatest environmental pollution occurs during the extraction of Cu, Zn, and Pb. In this study, a fractal R/S analysis of wastewater discharge indicators time series from a metal ore mining facility located in the Sayak ore district in the Republic of Kazakhstan (turbidity, electrical conductivity, flow magnitude, and pH level) was carried out. A sharp increase in the flow rate was recorded from 10 to 15 July 2024 and an increase in the electrical conductivity from 4 to 26 July 2024. However, the latest type of indicator assessment does not exceed the critical level for life. The presence of electrical conductivity indicators time series long-term memory and persistence was also recorded (the Hurst exponent for the electrical conductivity time series is fixed in the 0.56 to 0.59 range and does not go below the threshold value for randomness according to the Anis-Lloyd formula). Thus, the value-changing process is controlled and stable, and minor changes in turbidity indicate that these releases do not significantly harm the environment. Despite this, the results obtained do not allow for a comprehensive analysis of the state of releases as the data from all deposits is not available. Therefore, due to the time constraints of the data provided for analysis, it is difficult to fully assess the impact of specific metal ore mining facilities on the environmental safety of the Balkhash urban region. In addition, many studies indicate very high risks of chronic diseases for the population living in this region. The findings of this study enable us to conclude that the application of fractal analysis and the calculation of fractal characteristics for time series of emissions can serve as an indicator of the environmental status within the given area. This information can be used by environmental services to build reliable environmental pollution monitoring systems.

Assessment of Metal Enrichment in the Koma Bangou (Niger) Gold Panning Area Soils and Tailings

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining at Koma Bangou (Niger) has been going on since the Sahelian 1984’s drought, with introduction of ore leaching in the year 2009. The use of chemicals in the ore processing results in metal enrichment and pollution at the cyanidation sites. The aim of this work is to assess the metal enrichment of soils and tailings at Koma Bangou. Geochemical data acquired with portable XRF analyzer corrected with ICP-MS data, were used to assess the enrichment level of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in the soils and tailings samples using the enrichment factor and soil-geochemical baseline data for the Koma Bangou soils. The metallic enrichment generated by the ore processing was identified in the tailings (cyanidation and acidification waste) and the soils from the cyanidation areas. The perimeter soils (soils outside cyanidation sites) show no metal enrichment. Pb and As are extremely high to very high enriched in the cyanidation waste, with an average enrichment factor value of 44.96 and 34.96 respectively. Zn, Cu, Cr are extremely high to significant enriched in the acidification waste, with an average enrichment factor value of 793.35, 29.46 and 5.22 respectively. Mn enrichment is insignificant in all of the samples with an average enrichment factor value of 1.00 in the perimeter soils. The gold ore leaching activities generate metallic pollution of the soil, water and vegetation around the cyanidation sites.

Analysis of Efficacy of Soil Remidiation Done in Local Govrments within Zamfara State and Genral Enviromental Impact of the Lead Poisining

Between 2010 and 2013, a coordinated health and environmental response addressed an unprecedented lead poisoning epidemic in Zamfara State, northern Nigeria. The contamination, caused by gold mining, led to the deaths of over 400 children. Socioeconomic, logistical, and security issues necessitated the development of remediation and medical strategies tailored to local resources, labor practices, and cultural customs. The primary cause was unsafe mining and ore processing. The study evaluates the effectiveness of soil remediation in eight villages of Zamfara, comparing it to the USA's hazardous waste protocols. An environmental impact assessment was conducted to assess the outcomes of the remediation and to propose long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences.

The production of biogenic carbon and green hydrogen through biomethane pyrolysis: the environmental benefits for the metallurgy sector

Abstract The iron and steel industry is responsible for around 4% of androgenic CO2 emissions in Europe and 9% worldwide. This is due to the massive use of carbon coke in metallurgy, which is not only linked to energy purposes, but also to the chemical process of iron ore refining. The steel sector urgently needs to find alternative solutions to improve environmental sustainability, with the transition to a low-carbon scenario representing a major challenge. The pyrolysis of methane is gaining more and more attention for the production of hydrogen, as this alternative process to hydrogen production does not generate any CO2 emissions, but provides a solid carbon product that can be re-used in an industrial symbiosis. If biomethane is used, the pathway is even carbon-negative, and generates a net GHG reduction compliant with the EU ETS (Emission Trading Scheme). However, given the high demand for inlet streams in the EU steel sector, the biomethane currently available is not able to meet the entire hydrogen demand assuming that the steel is produced using the DRI-EAF (Direct Reduction Iron-Electric Arc Furnace) route. Only when looking at the European projections for biomethane production in 2050, it is expected that the demand for steel hydrogen can be totally met, in particular by using 48% of the available biomethane, allowing up to 6 million tons of green hydrogen to be produced, and a significant reduction in net CO2 emissions. Finally, the aim of this work is to assess the energy consumption and environmental benefits resulting from the production of green hydrogen and biogenic carbon in Europe for DRI-EAF, compared to the benchmark market (DRI-EAF fed with natural gas) and the electrolysis alternative.

Seasonal assessment of biomarkers in Channa punctata from Tampara Lake, Odisha, India and toxicity of thorium nitrate on fish

Tampara Lake, a freshwater lake in the Chatrapur beach placer deposits of Ganjam, Odisha, India is a well-known tourist attraction. Multiple factors seem to disturb the aquatic life of Tampara Lake, especially fish. Chatrapur beach placers are rich in various heavy minerals including monazite, an ore of thorium, that emits high background radiations and can affect the biota. Run-offs from the monazite mining sites on the beach placers are also presumed to be carried to the lake. Thus, tourism, local transportation, fishing activities, presence of heavy minerals and mining run-offs appear to disrupt the lake's ecosystem. The present work assessed the protein and lipid concentrations in the liver and muscle, nuclear abnormalities in the peripheral blood erythrocytes and histopathology of gills, liver, kidney, intestine and stomach of Channa punctata from Tampara Lake in summer, winter and rainy seasons. The study also documented the effects of thorium nitrate, a byproduct of monazite ore processing, on Channa punctata of non-monazite areas. Channa punctata from the Tampara lake had significantly lower protein and lipid content in the liver and muscle, nuclear deformities and micronuclei in the erythrocytes and deformities in the gill, kidney, liver, stomach and intestine relative to the fish from the non-monazite areas. Seasonal alterations were observed in the protein and lipid content of muscle and liver, gill and kidney structure. Fish from the non-monazite areas treated with sub-lethal concentrations of thorium nitrate showed a dose-dependent response in the protein and lipid content of liver and muscle, erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities and histopathological aberrations. The present study provides evidence that Channa punctata from Tampara Lake have relatively low nutritional value compared to fish from undisturbed non-monazite areas and are probably distressed by the water contamination due to the presence of heavy minerals and anthropogenic interventions.

Study on heat storage characteristics and carbon optimisation in the sintering process

In response to the phenomenon of automatic heat storage during the sintering process of iron ore, heat balance analysis concerning the main chemical reactions and physical heat carried by gas and solid materials was conducted. A unit heat storage model for the sintering process was established. Further, a mathematical model to solve the heat transfer characteristics between different sintering layer units was proposed and established based on temperature–time curves of the gas and solid phases. Using these models, the heat storage of each layer unit was calculated under the condition of uniform carbon allocation. Subsequently, the optimisation of carbon allocation at each layer unit for maximising the utilisation of heat storage was investigated. The heat required for sintering by the layer unit was taken as the constraint, and the maximum utilisation of heat stored in each layer unit was taken as the goal to optimise the carbon allocation in the height direction. The calculation results show that as the unit thickness is 100 mm and the total thickness of the layer is 600 mm, the heat transfer ratio of the upper unit to the lower unit is 34.22%, 30.29%, 14.74%, 9.49%, and 1.17%, respectively. The heat storage and available heat storage rate increase with the increase of layer height, with heat storage ranging from 0.69 × 104 to 5.14 × 104 KJ/t and heat storage rate ranging from 11.63% to 49.37%. After optimising carbon allocation, the unit achieved a maximum carbon reduction of 60.04%, resulting in an overall reduction in carbon allocation of 46.20%. This adjustment aligns more closely with the industrial processes.

The first results of the study of large diamonds from industrial deposits of Yakutia

A representative amount of diamonds larger than 10,8 carats extracted from deposits of Yakutia during the separate ore processing of each kimberlite pipe has been studied for the first time. It is shown that according to such typomorphic characteristics of a diamond as habitus, nitrogen content and aggregation, hydrogen concentration in a diamond, it is possible to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the deposit to predict the presence of large and giant diamonds. It has been established that large diamonds from the deposits of the Daldyn-Alakitsky area have a wide variations of nitrogen impurity and its aggregations in comparison with diamonds from the Malobotuobinsky, Srednemarkhinsky areas. It is determined that the content of large diamonds in the pipes of Yakutia is inversely proportional to the number of rounded dodecahedroids. The most promising deposits for finding of large diamonds are those in which the majority of diamonds belong to one population – average nitrogen low-aggregated diamonds that were formed at a temperature of ~1100оC. According to the study of geological collections of diamonds, it is shown that in kimberlite pipes with an increased nitrogen content in diamonds, a raising in the proportion of large diamonds in the deposit is noted. On the contrary, according to the aggregation of nitrogen in diamonds, as a parameter of the post-growth history, there is a negative correlation with the content of large diamonds. Increased value concentrations of hydrogen in diamonds not only negatively affect the total diamond content of the deposit, but also generally control the decrease in the content of large diamonds.

Evaluation of the Mechanical Behavior of Asphaltic Mixtures Utilizing Waste of the Processing of Iron Ore

Mineral extraction is an important operation for the economy of different countries and generates millions of tons of mining waste. In this context, and in association with the high demand for paving aggregates and the lack of raw materials for this purpose, the feasibility of using iron ore processing waste has emerged as a promising alternative. This study evaluates the physical and mechanical behavior of asphalt mixtures incorporating waste from the company Samarco S.A., collected in Mariana-MG, to replace the fine aggregate in asphalt concrete mixtures, with a view to applications in the bearing layer of local traffic roads. Two mixtures, M2 and M3, containing 20% and 17% waste, respectively, were formulated and analyzed, compared to a reference mixture, M1. Evaluations were carried out using the Marshall method parameters, mechanical tests of resilience modulus, and fatigue life under controlled tension, as well as mechanistic analysis. Brazilian mechanistic–empirical design software (MeDiNa—v 1.5.0) contributed to this analysis. This analysis revealed that, for a traffic level of N = 5 × 106 (average traffic) on a local road, pavements containing the M1 and M3 mixtures had the same layer thicknesses (6.9 cm), as well as the same fatigue class, equal to 1. The pavement with the M2 mixture had the thickest asphalt layer (8.2 cm) and a lower fatigue class equal to 0. But if compared in terms of the percentage of cracked area over 10 years, it still offers ideal performance conditions compared to the M1 and M3 mixes. Thus, it can be considered feasible to replace fine aggregate with iron ore waste in asphalt concrete for use on local roads in the region without altering the bearing capacity of the pavement.

Rational parameters of drilling and blasting works providing the least costs of ore mining and processing

Отгрузка разрушенной горной массы требуемого качества и количества на обогатительную фабрику является одной из основных задач подготовительных работ при добыче полезных ископаемых. Основным способом регулирования этого процесса является оптимизация параметров и технологий ведения буровзрывных работ. На Актогайском месторождении возникла проблема с увеличением крепости добываемой руды по мере углубления карьера, что сильно влияет на производительность обогатительной фабрики. В статье приведен опыт проведения мероприятий по оптимизации БВР для улучшения работы обогатительной фабрики, а точнее стабилизации процесса первичного дробления руды. В статье приведены методы расчета рациональных параметров и результатов БВР. Проведен расчет рациональных параметров БВР, а также расчет гранулометрического состава взорванных пород при рациональных параметрах и при предложенных для экспериментальных взрывов Қажетті сападағы және көлемдегі бұзылған тау жынысын байыту фабрикасына жөнелту пайдалы қазбаларды өндіруге дайындық жұмыстарындағы негізгі міндеттердің бірі болып табылады. Бұл процесті реттеудің негізгі әдісі бұрғылау-жару жұмыстарының параметрлері мен технологияларын оңтайландыру болып табылады. Ақтоғай кен орнында карьердің тереңдеуімен өндірілетін кеннің беріктігінің артуы проблемасы туындады, бұл байыту фабрикасының өнімділігіне айтарлықтай әсер етеді. Мақалада байыту фабрикасының жұмысын жақсарту, дәлірек айтқанда, кенді бастапқы ұсақтау процесін тұрақтандыру мақсатында бұрғылау-жару жұмыстарын оңтайландыру шараларын өткізу тәжірибесі баяндалған. Мақалада бұрғылау-жару жұмыстарының ұтымды параметрлерін есептеу әдістері және нәтижелері келтірілген. Бұдан басқа, ұтымды параметрлерге және эксперименттік жарылыстар үшін ұсынылған параметрлерге сәйкес жарылған жыныстардың гранулометриялық құрамын есептеу жүргізілді One of the main tasks of preparatory work in mineral extraction is the delivery of the required quality and quantity of broken rock mass to the processing plant. The primary method of regulating this process is optimizing the parameters and technologies of drilling and blasting operations. At the Aktogay deposit, a problem has arisen with the increasing hardness of the mined ore as the pit deepens, significantly affecting the performance of the processing plant. The article presents the experience of implementing measures to optimize drilling and blasting operations to improve the performance of the processing plant, specifically to stabilize the primary ore crushing process. The article provides methods for calculating rational parameters and results of drilling and blasting operations. Calculations were made for the rational parameters of drilling and blasting operations, as well as for the granulometric composition of blasted rock under rational parameters and those proposed for experimental blasts

Central-Eastern Europe as a centre of Middle Ages extractive metallurgy

Central-eastern to southeastern Europe, from Bohemia to Greece is home to some of the richest ore deposits on earth, with archaeological evidence suggesting a long history of metal use. However, the exact timing and extent of past metal processing activities remains unclear. The Middle Ages and Early Modern period (c. 500–1800 common era (CE)) in Europe, saw the expansion of metal use at an unprecedented scale, continent-wide. Here we analysed rates of past atmospheric lead (Pb) deposition in six peat bogs from Romania, Serbia and Greece. We show that after 1000 CE, the redevelopment of central European mining industry was synchronous with Pb pollution in southeastern Europe, with the onset of metal pollution occurring in the area prior to central Europe. Therefore, southeastern Europe may have led regional mining developments, with technological advances rapidly shifting from east to west through the Middle Ages. This indicates how southeastern Europe should be included in future discussions of Middle Age metallurgy not simply as a contributor, but at times as a leader in metal production.

Examining Complexities of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining on Buru Island, Maluku Province, Indonesia

The Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector is presently one of the largest global sources of anthropogenic mercury emissions. The risk of mercury pollution from ASGM in Indonesia challenges other important industries including fisheries and tourism. Environmental degradation and risks to food safety and human health are major concerns that have been realised at local scales, including on Buru Island, Indonesia. Since the discovery of gold on Buru Island in 2011 the community has undergone dramatic changes. Some of these, such as rapid wealth accumulation, have been of benefit to people involved in the industry, however, they have been marred by negative social and economic consequences including rapid inflation, reduced rice production, and changes to the social fabric. We explore the Buru Island example through over 12 years of research interest and using empirical material through a socio-legal lens. Various legislative changes and government interventions have occurred since 2011 and there are complex interactions between industry players. Currently, the mining is low key with ore being transported to ‘back yard’ processing operations while a permitting system is anticipated. There is a legacy of land degradation and contamination as a result of the mining and ore processing. Alternatives to mercury are being considered but are challenged by uncertainty about product effectiveness, potential toxicity, and a lack of processing knowledge.