Ore Processing Research Articles

The Future of Nickel Mining Industry – Study at PT VALE

Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of nickel. With the increasing global demand for nickel, it presents an opportunity for Indonesia to enhance its revenue potential through the export of nickel ore. Concurrently, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has implemented policies to promote the downstream processing of nickel ore, thereby creating a multiplier effect on the country’s economy. PT VALE Indonesia stands as one of the largest nickel mining companies in Indonesia. The opportunity to process nickel ore holds the potential for added value and profits for PT VALE Indonesia. However, the production and sales of nickel by the company have experienced a decline over the years. This becomes intriguing as valuing the company requires forecasting nickel prices. This research analyzes the historical performance of PT VALE Indonesia and provides insights into potential further declines in performance, offering strategic steps as preventive measures for the company’s sustainability. Utilizing nickel price projections and pro forma methods, this research represents a form of company valuation study. Additionally, it sheds light for investors that, as of December 30, 2022, the company was undervalued by the market.

Predicting gold accessibility from mineralogical characterization using machine learning algorithms

Information about accessibility is of great relevance for gold recovery studies. Obtaining these variables from machine learning models can greatly assist in quickly determining accessibility. Few studies have been published relating the mineralogy of the gold ore process and the application of artificial intelligence, mainly algorithms in predicting variables related to gold recovery and extraction. Accessibility is an important variable for understanding the ability to recover gold from a cyanide solution, which can occur through fractures or some other means that provides access to the solution and consequent leaching of the gold grain. This study aims to present a model capable of predicting the accessibility variable using a data set with 168 characterization results from different ML methods, such as Linear Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Sequential Minimum Optimization for Support Vector Machine (SMOreg) and Gaussian Processes (GP). In this context, it was possible to establish that the random forest model performed best by presenting a coefficient of determination R2 (0.77), MAE (11.76), and RMSE (14.48). It was also reported from the SHAP analysis that the Au_grade, exposed_a, and As_grade showed the highest contribution level towards the perdition process of the model.

First results of using mineral concentration methods for metal recover from technogenically contaminated soils with significant organic concentrations

The purpose of the article is to present the research results on the application of concentration methods to hazardous waste from the industrial site of the former Vostsibelement battery plant located in the town of Svirsk, Irkutsk region (Russia), which is the facility of accumulated environmental damage. The previous studies have identified significant contents of heavy metals and arsenic that exceed standard values by hundreds and thousands of times in the industrial site soils. This fact determines soil high hazard class – II and III. To reduce the hazard class and decrease the volume of hazardous waste it is proposed to use a recuperative approach, that means to recover some metals and arsenic in order to return them in economic circulation. A spiral concentrator, a shaking table and a centrifugal concentrator were used for gravity concentration of metals and arsenic. The best results were obtained using a shaking table. The latter made it possible to increase the lead content in the concentrate by 22 times as compared to the content in the original sample, arsenic content by 7.7 times, and iron content by 16.7 times. Magnetic concentration of the shaking table middlings made it possible to obtain a concentrate with a high content and recovery of iron, copper and zinc. Despite the fact that the soil waste contains a significant amount of organic matter unlike the case of ore processing, the possibility of successful metal recover and significant reduction of metal concentrations in soil is shown. The proposals for a further waste-recycling scheme are made on the basis of the data obtained.

Valorization From Waste: Combined Reduction of Chromite Ore Processing Tailing and Sub-Grade Manganese Ore to Produce 200 Series Stainless Steel Scrap

Valorization From Waste: Combined Reduction of Chromite Ore Processing Tailing and Sub-Grade Manganese Ore to Produce 200 Series Stainless Steel Scrap

Welcoming Dr (Professor) Seher Ata as the Co-Editor of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy

Welcoming Dr (Professor) Seher Ata as the Co-Editor of <i>Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy</i>

Analysis of Radionuclide Partitioning at Various Stages of Processing of Ilmenite Ore Using HPGe Gamma-Ray Spectrometry

Analysis of Radionuclide Partitioning at Various Stages of Processing of Ilmenite Ore Using HPGe Gamma-Ray Spectrometry

Prospects for refractory gold-sulfide ore processing

Cyanide-refractory ores constitute 30 % of the world’s gold mineral resource base. With the global decrease in the availability of high-grade and free-milling ores, low-quality ores, including those rich in sulfur and arsenic, are increasingly being processed. The authors have conducted an assessment of the primary factors complicating the leaching process of refractory gold. These factors include the influence of gold distribution within the ore, the presence of preg-robbing effects, and the impact of cyanicidal minerals, notably pyrrhotite, on the leaching process. Sulfide minerals significantly affect the kinetics of gold leaching and associated reagent costs. The behavior of Fe5S6 is elucidated through the concept of “chemical depression”. Under cyanide leaching conditions, pyrrhotite actively and directly reacts with NaCN/KCN, undergoing surface oxidation by dissolved oxygen in the pulp. This leads to the formation of ferrocyanide complexes and rhodanides, which are unable to leach gold. Presently, there are two approaches to enhance the process parameters of refractory ore processing technology. The first approach involves the inclusion of preparation operations for cyanidation, aimed at liberating gold from the sulfide matrix (including hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical oxidation technologies and mechanical activation). An alternative approach is to use alternative reagents as leaching agents (notably thiourea, sodium and ammonium thiosulfates, and halides). The article explores means of modifying the technological process for gold extraction when ores contain substantial amounts of pyrrhotite or concentrates.

Emergence of Bio-hydrometallurgy to Achieve Sustainable Process Development Goals in Extractive Metallurgy

The stringent environmental regulations and growing awareness of the low-carbon economy are presenting immense challenges to metallurgical operations, one of the major sectors with high emissions. Hydrometallurgy has been identified as a lower-emission technology in comparison to the high-temperature smelting and melt-refining processes. The close monitoring of traditional hydrometallurgical operations, however, does not fulfil the criteria for a sustainable, low-emission process. Recently, biotechnology has emerged as a green alternative within the hydrometallurgical domain, albeit significantly different from the basics involved in the process. Although the application of microbial activity has been successfully established in chalcopyrite leaching and bio-oxidation of gold-bearing minerals, the acceptability of bio-hydrometallurgy for other minerals and materials is still limited due to a wide research gap to connect solution chemistry, microbial activity, and extractive metallurgy. In general, a large portion of the total chemical consumption occurs in pre-treatment and/or leaching operations; hence, the primary application of microorganisms at the forefront can significantly minimize the overall consumption. Demonstrated applications in waste printed circuit boards and spent automobile catalysts have curtailed excessive acid usage, while the energy-intensive baking/roasting of monazite is successfully altered by microbial processing. Furthermore, the remarkable reduction in carbon footprints by the green biotechnology application in hydrometallurgy has been evaluated, which indicates sustainability in process metallurgy.

МІНЕРАЛЬНІ ТА ФІЗИКО-ХІМІЧНІ ЗМІНИ МАГНЕТИТОВИХ КВАРЦИТІВ ВАЛЯВКИНСЬКОГО ТА НОВОКРИВОРІЗЬКОГО РОДОВИЩ КРИВБАСУ В ПРОЦЕСАХ ЇХ ПЕРЕРОБКИ

Background. In order to study the mineral physical and chemical changes that occur with iron ore (magnetite quartzites) of the Valyavkinsky and Novokrivorizky deposits of the Kryvorizka iron ore basin during the mining and processing of ore at the mining and processing plant "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih", the entire technological chain of mining and mineral processing was analyzed: magnetite quartzite (ore) in naturaldeposits → ore after explosion → ore after crushing at crushing plants → intermediate magnetic products and tailings of all stages of beneficiation → final magnetite concentrate. Methods. Laboratory and analytical studies, which include mineragraphic, petrographic, electron microscopic studies of iron ore, X-ray fluorescence method and atomic emission spectral analysis (determination of the content of macro- and microelements in the original ore, magnetic concentrate and tailings), X-ray diffraction analysis, microprobe analysis of magnetic concentrate and tailings, thermogravimetric analysis, chromatographic method (determination of the specific surface of a substance), sedimentation analysis, measurement of magnetic characteristics, etc. were used. Results. It was established that at the first stage of mining production (drilling and blasting, ore crushing in the quarry and at the crushing plant) there are no significant changes in minerals. At the next stage of deep processing and concentration of minerals at the ore beneficiation plant, during which the ore undergoes 3 stages of crushing, classification, desliming, and wet magnetic separation, two completely new products are formed – magnetite concentrate and tailings, which are fundamentally different from the original ore – both at the rock level and at the mineral one. Сonclusions. It was substantiated that in the process of enrichment of magnetite quartzites, the structural and textural characteristics, mineral and chemical composition, state of aggregation of the iron ore, structural and crystallochemical properties of the main ore mineral magnetite change significantly.

First Approach Using Fluidic Force Microscopy (FluidFM®) to Measure Adhesion Forces between Droplets and Flat/Rough Surfaces Immersed in Water

The research program “Engineered Artificial Minerals (EnAM)” addresses the challenge of recycling valuable elements from battery waste streams. These elements, such as lithium (Li), often migrate in the slag phase, in some cases as crystals. EnAM crystals represent concentrated reservoirs of these elements, which can only be effectively recycled if they are extracted from the slag matrix and then separated. Selective wet agglomeration is a separation process based on a three-phase system and is often used in coal and ore processing. The produced agglomerates in this process can be easily separated from the remaining suspension. The precise quantification of the wetting properties and adhesion strength between suspended particles and binding liquid droplets is a scientific challenge. An accurate technique suitable for adhesion force measurements in three-phase systems with micrometer-scale particles is Fluidic Force Microscopy (FluidFM®). An experimental setup with optical control is being developed to measure adhesion forces between droplets and flat/rough surfaces. This will enable precise measurements of adhesion forces between solid EnAM crystals and binding liquid droplets. Based on these measurements, optimal agglomeration conditions can be selected in the future to improve selective wet agglomeration with respect to recycling processes.

Simulation analysis of enhanced fluidization leaching process and geothermal synergy in deep ground metal mines

Based on the mining of deep metal mineral resources and the current in-situ leaching mining process of uranium ore, combined with the technological characteristics of ?fluidized mining of metal ore? and ?deep geothermal development?, an innovative concept of strengthening the fluidized leaching process of deep metal ore - geothermal co mining is proposed, A numerical simulation method was used to analyze the turbulent flow and heat transfer characteristics of a new type of heat transfer enhancement element - a swirl plate as a support between tubes. The renormalization two equation turbulence model was used for numerical simulation, and the SIMPLEC algorithm was used for pressure and velocity coupling, and the enhanced wall treatment method was used for wall treatment. The periodic changes in the cross-sectional flow field and turbulence intensity of the unit flow channel were analyzed, as well as the synergistic relationship between the flow field and temperature field on the cross-section. The corresponding variation trends of the average Nusselt number and the average synergy angle of the cross-section were compared. The experimental results show that the 270-4.25 cyclone sheet can more fully utilize the enhanced heat transfer of the spin flow, and the overall average Nusselt number is higher than 180-2.0, which is consistent with the experimental results. That is, ?m is low where high Nub and ?m is high where low Nub is low, indicating that the changing trend of the two is fully consistent with the field synergy principle. This paper systematically analyzes the basic theoretical bottleneck, key technical problems and future development trend in the process of geothermal joint mining of deep metal mine, and aims to provide reference for the strengthening of geothermal joint mining and geothermal joint mining of deep metal ore.

ФОРМУВАННЯ ЛАНЦЮГІВ ДОДАНОЇ ВАРТОСТІ ЛІТІЙ-ІОННИХ БАТАРЕЙ: СВІТОВА ПРАКТИКА ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ ДЛЯ УКРАЇНИ

The article examines the economic and geographical aspects of the formation and the main stages of the of value-added chains for lithium-ion batteries production. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of the value-added chain development, considering the methods of lithium extraction worldwide, as well as the development of recommendations for the lithium extraction and processing deployment in Ukraine. The eight stages of lithium transformation into lithium-ion batteries were analyzed and the technological specificity of each phase was defined. It was also determined that processing of lithium ores – spodumene or petalite – is the costliest stage of production, which explains the high cost of cathodes produced on the next step. The cost structure of the production of batteries and electric vehicles was studied, and it was revealed that the lithium-ion batteries contribute significantly to the added value of electric mobiles. The main patterns of the formation of added value along the value-added chain are determined, which in particular lie in the reduction of added value during the transition from one link to another at the higher stages of the production of lithium-ion batteries, the gradual reduction of battery production costs in the world and their further reduction until 2032 year, the threat of the country falling into a raw material trap, when trade and industrial policies focus on extraction and primary processing, which makes it impossible to further increase the added value in the industry. Also, the technological advances to reduce production costs and environmental impact becomes a leading trend among big production corporations. The conditions and recommendations for the Ukraine's integration into the global value chains of the lithium industry were presented. They include stimulation of research and development in lithium mining technology from petalite, assignment of an institutional body to coordinate investments in the lithium industry and to establish strategic partnerships; promotion of sustainability along the lithium-ion battery value chain; and integration into the European Union e-mobile production, as well as an internal market of electric vehicles development.

Experimental study on mineral processing of shallow oxidation ore in a hydrothermal metasamatic sulfide gold mine

The ore produced by a gold mine in Fujian province belongs to hydrothermal metasomatism sulfide type gold (silver) ore, and the shallow oxidized ore of the deposit has a gold grade of 0.91g/t. In order to understand the selectability of this oxidized ore, the selectability test study is carried out. Through the beneficiation test study, the concentration of-0.074mm is 70%, the concentration of isoopyl yellow is 150g/t, the concentration of butyl ammonium black is 50g/t, and the concentrate products of 16.98g/t can be obtained, and the gold recovery rate is 74.04%.

Дослідження протікання процесу випуску при відпрацюванні насичених водою руд у лабораторних умовах в залежності від змін фракційного складу

Дослідження протікання процесу випуску при відпрацюванні насичених водою руд у лабораторних умовах в залежності від змін фракційного складу

Специфика кадрового комплектования советского акционерного общества «Висмут»: материалы переписки аппарата Первого главного управления при Совете министров СССР и парторганизаций Свердловского обкома ВКП(б) в 1949 г.

The publication introduces into scientific use correspondence of the deputy head of the First Main Directorate (PGU, executing agency of the Soviet nuclear project) under the Council of Ministers of the USSR P. Ya. Meshik with the party organizations of the Sverdlovsk Regional Committee of the AUCP (B) on the issue of recruitment for work abroad. The analysis of references to the resolutions of the Council of Ministers known to researchers establishes that the Soviet Joint-Stock Company “Wismut” located in Germany recruited mining engineers and specialists in the field of geological exploration. Its subordinates were engaged in search and development of uranium deposits in the Soviet zone of occupation of Germany. A raw material base for extraction and processing of uranium-containing ores was formed for implementation of the Soviet nuclear weapons program in the second half of the 1940s. For reasons of state secrecy, researchers are still significantly limited in access to archival documents on the history of the nuclear project. Thus, introduction into scientific use of new historical sources related to the project implementation already seems sufficiently relevant and high-demand scientific task. In this case, it is a selection of five documents deposited in the materials of the Sverdlovsk City Committee of the AUCP (B) Documentation Center of Public Organizations of the Sverdlovsk Region associated with the mass recruitment of mining and exploration workers entrusted to the Sverdlovsk Regional Committee of the AUCP (B) in spring of 1949 in the interests of the nuclear project. At the direction of the Regional Committee (obkom), the Sverdlovsk City Committee selected a number of necessary specialists, and the First Main Directorate began their registration for work abroad. In the autumn of 1949, a request came from the PGU about expediency of such transfer for one of the selected specialists. Doubts were caused by minor flaws indicated in his generally positive characteristic. Responding to the request, the city committee withdrew its decision. The introduction of the identified documents collection into scientific use is due to two reasons. Firstly, at the grassroots stage, it fixes the recruitment system for the Soviet nuclear project, which has been little studied up to date. Secondly, on a hypothetical level, it can be considered an illustration of a mechanism of evasion from mobilization into the atomic project system, which frightened many specialists with its obscurity.

Технология переработки сухих отходов сорбции и растворов хлоридов сурьмы

Reducing the loss of valuable components during the processing of complex gold-antimony ores, increasing the extraction of antimony during the flotation of sulfide minerals, is an urgent scientific problem. The aim of the study is to maximize the extraction of gold and antimony from dry sorption waste after gold cyanidation, and to improve the reagent regime of the antimony mineral flotation process. Research objectives are as follows: evaluation of the technology efficiency for processing dry sorption waste; extraction of gold from the cake of acidic leaching of antimony; production of various antimony-containing products from solutions of antimony chlorides; study of the possibility of replacing lead with a mixture of zinc and copper cations to hydrophobize the surface of antimony sulfide minerals during flotation. The object of the research is man-made and natural mineral raw materials containing gold and antimony. The following research methodology and methods are used: information analysis, evaluation of existing scientific developments, methods of theoretical and experimental research. A new technological solution has been proposed: acidic (a mixture of hydrochloric acid and hydrogen hydroxide) hydrometallurgical technology for processing dry sorption waste in order to extract gold and antimony. Acid treatment makes it possible to completely transfer antimony into solution, significantly improves the quality of the cake for subsequent cyanidation and gold extraction, reduces the volume of material for processing by cyanidation, and simplifies cyanidation technology. Sb2S3 activation and the possibility of lead (Pb(NO3) replacement have been studied 2) a mixture of zinc and copper (ZnSO4 and CuSO4) during the flotation of antimony ores from the Khipkoshinsky deposit in the Transbaikal Region. This has made it possible to create favorable conditions for interaction with xanthogenate and hydrophobize the surface of sulfide minerals. Theoretically, hydrogen sulfide substitutes such as NaCNS, KCNS, CuCNS for use in the flotation process were evaluated.

Оптимизация технологии обогащения бедной технологически упорной золото-углеродсодержащей руды

The processing of refractory gold ores is a challenging task. Refractory ores include ores that cannot be easily processed due to the fine dissemination of gold in sulphide minerals and the presence of preg-robbing carbonaceous matter. Two processes have been studied: flotation of low-grade double refractory gold ore ­using new carbon depression reagents; gravity – cleaner flotation of rougher flotation concentrate followed by pressure oxidation and the CIL treatment of POX cakes. The study is aimed to optimize the processing of low-grade (Au 0.6 g/t) refractory gold ore and achieve high process parameters. The study included the following steps: the reduction of organic carbon mass fraction (&lt; 0.6 %) in concentrates reporting to hydrometallurgical treatment; experiments on the hydrometallurgical treatment of flotation concentrates using two process options: pressure oxidation (POX) of the initial flotation concentrate followed by the CIL treatment of POX cakes and preliminary gravity – cleaner flotation of the initial flotation followed by pressure oxidation and the CIL treatment of POX cakes. The research methodology is based on studying the influence of carbon depressant reagents on the flotation properties of organic carbon during the flotation process. When carrying out flotation experiments, the equipment of JSC Irgiredmet was used, installed at the semi-industrial testing site (laboratory mills, mechanical flotation machines and auxiliary equipment). The study is carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods of ore preparation and flotation concentration. The mass fraction of organic carbon in the flotation concentrate decreased from 2.0 to 0.5 %. It has been achieved by the use of new reagents for carbon depression (carbon depression reagents). The products of refractory gold ore flotation using new reagents for carbon depression were flotation concentrates suitable for further hydrometallurgical treatment. According to the experiments on rougher flotation concentrate pressure oxidation and subsequent POX cake cyanide leaching, the recovery of gold on the carbon adsorbent was 83.5 %. Preliminary gra­vity – cleaner flotation of the concentrate before pressure oxidation improved the loading of gold on the carbon adsorbent to 96.6 %.

Минимизация риска загрязнения селитебных зон пылью при открытой добыче руд

The sphere of activity of the mining and metallurgical complex of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly included populated areas and agricultural objects. An air dusting zone with a radius of tens of kilometers was formed around openpit mining pits. During explosions in quarries, dust clouds are formed, from which fine mobile dust is dispersed. Therefore, the regions of the Kursk magnetic anomaly are characterized by the accumulation of chemical elements, including hazard classes 1–2. The dustiness factor in ecosystems complicates the living conditions of the population, which experiences the chemical effect of natural leaching of ore mining and processing products. Disturbance in the balance of the pro-oxidant-antioxidant system can cause a variety of diseases. A radical measure to prevent disease is to reduce the volume of mobile dust during ore mining in quarries. The parameters of rock destruction by explosion depend on the crushing energy intensity, above which the action of the charges goes into the ejection zone with the formation of mobile dust. Increasing the height of the ledge reduces the energy intensity of the explosion (by reducing the consumption of explosives) and the release of mobile dust. Both convective and diffusion processes occur in a dust cloud. Quarry emissions contain metals that form toxic compounds that cause soil degradation. The reaction of living matter to the effects of pollutants is predictable, which can be the basis for regulating the state of the environment. Improving the living conditions of the biota and population in the vicinity of mining sites can be achieved by adjusting the ore mining technology. To reduce the yield of mobile dust, a combined scheme of explosive ore breaking with differentiation of the process of destruction of the base of the ledge and the main mass is recommended.

Минералого-геохимические особенности золотосодержащих руд месторождения Пакрут (Центральный Таджикистан) как основа гравитационного обогащения

The mining sector, in particular gold mining, plays an important role in the economy of Tajikistan. Today, the issue of optimizing gold mining mechanisms, increasing its efficiency and expanding the resource base is of topical importance. The depletion of easily accessible gold deposits is stimulating the development of methods for extracting gold from refractory and low-grade ores. One of the promising methods of pre-treatment of such ores is gravity enrichment. The aim of the study is to characterize the Pakrut gold deposit, to determine its mineralogical and chemical composition, and to develop an optimal gravity enrichment scheme for gold recovery. Research objectives are as follows: to study the mineralogical composition and geochemical characteristics of gold-bearing ores, and then to develop a technique for their gravitational enrichment. The object of the study is the gold-bearing ores of the Pakrut deposit (Central Tajikistan). Materials and methods of research: analytical work and enrichment in laboratory conditions were carried out in the chemical laboratory of the Pakrut Joint Venture, the ore enrichment laboratory of the V. I. Nikitin Institute of Chemistry of NANT, the Central Committee of the Main Geological Directorate under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. It is found that gold in the Pakrut ores is mainly represented by native gold and electrum. The main gold-bearing minerals are pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, galena, jamesonite and some vein minerals. The gold content in the ore is about 6 g/t. The granulometric composition of gold is extremely uneven. Most of the gold particles are less than 10 μm in size and are coated with gold-bearing minerals, which hindered their release during grinding. In accordance with the characteristics of the gold deposit, gravity enrichment method has been used to extract the liberated coarse gold. Studies have shown that the gravity separation process is used for the primary processing of ore to recover coarse gold particles. The gold content and recovery in the gravity separation concentrates are 46.58 g/t and 44.59 %, respectively.

Steam-assisted electro-reduction of NiO: a sustainable alternative to conventional hydrogen reduction

Steam-assisted electro-reduction of metal oxides presents an innovative approach for the green and efficient extractive metallurgy of nickel.