Solid Mineral Research Articles

Evaluation of Specific Activity Concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in Soil and Rice Grains from Solid Mineral Mining Sites in Ikwo Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Evaluation of specific activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil and rice grains from solid mineral mining sites in Ikwo area of Ebonyi state was carried out using a Digilert-200 Radiation Meter. The radiological impact of the radionuclides was calculated. The average value concentrations of radionuclides obtained were 170.53, 9.26 and 8.81 (in Bq.Kg-1) for 40K, 238U and 232Th respectively in soil samples and 113.77, 5.86 and 7.08 (in Bq.Kg-1) for 40K, 238U and 232Th respectively in rice grain. These values are below the world permissive value of 400, 35 and 30(in Bq.Kg-1) respectively. All the health risk parameters calculated in soil and rice were below world permissive values. For the radionuclides in rice samples, the average annual committed effective doses(in mSvy-1) for ages (<1 year), (1 – 7 years), (7 – 12 years), (12 – 17 years) and (>17 years) are 0.37, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02 respectively. These results are less than the world permissive value of 1.00 mSvy-1. Generally, the study shows that the rice consumption was relatively safe radiologically with little contamination which could be attributed to human activities but there is tendency for long term health hazards in future such as the cancer due to doses accumulation. It is recommended that the various human activities that raise the activity concentration in soil in Ikwo mining area that should be reduced. The activity concentration of radionuclides level in the area should be periodically assessed.

Combined Bacterial and Pressure Oxidation for Processing High-Sulfur Refractory Gold Concentrate

Microbially assisted bio-oxidation of sulfide concentrates in stirred-tank reactors (stirred-tank reactor bio-oxidation (STRB)) and acid pressure oxidation (POX) are widely used to pretreat refractory sulfide concentrates and increase gold extraction via cyanidation. Continuous STRB requires a comparatively long residence time; however, in some cases, it cannot effectively oxidize some sulfide minerals. POX enables oxidation in a short residence time. At the same time, if a processed concentrate contains a large amount of sulfur, it decreases the ratio of the solid mineral phase to liquid (pulp density) during POX and limits its economic attractiveness. In the present work, experiments were performed to investigate the problems associated with both processing methods for refractory sulfide concentrates. The experiments combined both treatments (STRB and POX) based on the example of a pyrite–arsenopyrite gold-bearing concentrate. The gold recovery from the untreated concentrate via cyanidation reached 58%. Continuous STRB for 2, 4, and 6 days oxidized 43, 74, and 79% of the sulfide sulfur (Ss), respectively. The gold recovery rates from the bio-oxidation residues were 68, 82, and 88%, respectively. The pressure oxidation of both the concentrate and STRB residues increased Ss oxidation by 97–99% and gold recovery by 96–97%. For 2 days, STRB decreased the Ss content and increased the possible liquid-to-solid ratio for POX. The combined processes result in a new promising direction because the POX stage allows high gold recovery, whereas combining STRB and POX provides products for further POX in terms of Ss content and increases POX productivity.

Fertilizer nitrogen use by cereal crops in arid conditions of Buryatia

The results of research in a long-term (1982–2021) stationary experiment to determine the coefficients of nitrogen use of mineral fertilizers by the crops of grain and fallow crop rotation in the conditions of the dry-steppe zone of Buryatia are presented. Chestnut loamy sand soil on the studied variants was characterized by very low content of humus, total nitrogen and nitrates before sowing of the crops. During the research period, the prevalence of dry years was noted. Nitrogen use coefficients of mineral fertilizers in the conditions of the dry-steppe zone of Buryatia on average for 39 years of research were 69% for wheat, 54% for oats and 90% for oats for grain haylage. The variation of the coefficients was significantly influenced by summer moistening conditions. They were 32% under extreme and severe drought, 57% under moderate and weak drought, and increased significantly (up to 124%) under favorable moisture conditions. The utilization of nitrogen of solid mineral fertilizers was maximum in the third crop (oats for grain haylage) and more responsive to the atmospheric moistening. The smallest consumption coefficients and the range of its changes were observed in oats for grain. The first crop of the rotation (fallow wheat) occupied an intermediate position in this assessment. The data on the influence of soil moisture and hydrothermal conditions of separate critical periods of vegetation on the variation of the coefficient of mineral fertilizer nitrogen utilization (N40) by wheat, oats, and oats for grain haylage were obtained. The correlation analysis showed that the most critical period for nitrogen consumption in wheat is June (r = 0.61), in oats – July (r = 0.51) and July–August for oats for grain haylage (r = 0.50–0.52). Multiple linear models of dependence of N fertilizer use coefficients on productive moisture content and hydrothermal conditions were made.

The Effects of Aniline-Promoted Electron Shuttle-Mediated Goethite Reduction by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and theDegradation of Aniline

The biological reduction of Fe (III) is common in underground environments. This process not only affects the biogeochemical cycle of iron but also influences the migration and transformation of pollutants. Humic substances are considered effective strategies for improving the migration and transformation of toxic substances and enhancing the bioavailability of Fe (III). In this study, the electron shuttle anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQS) significantly promoted the bio-reduction of Fe (III). On this basis, different concentrations of aniline were added. The research results indicate that at an aniline concentration of 3 μM, the production of Fe (II) in the reaction system was 2.51 times higher compared to the microbial reaction group alone. Furthermore, the degradation of aniline was most effective in this group. The increased consumption of sodium lactate suggests that aniline, under the mediation of AQS, promoted the metabolism of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 cells and facilitated the involvement of more electrons in the reduction process. After the reaction, the solid mineral Fe (II)-O content increased to 41.32%. This study provides insights into the reduction mechanism of Fe (III) in the complex environment of microorganisms, iron minerals, electron shuttles, and pollutants. It aims to offer a theoretical basis for the biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants.

Thermodynamic constraints on the fate of carbon mobilized from subducted sediments in the overlying mantle wedge

In subduction zones, carbon from the surface can be transported into Earth's interior. Fluids released during subduction can mobilize carbon bound in solid minerals in the subducting plate, and transport it into the overlying mantle. While there is increasing attention on the composition and redox state of carbon-bearing, subduction-mobilized fluids, the fate of fluids as they migrate through and react with overlying mantle rocks is less well characterized. Using thermodynamic modeling, we quantify the evolution of carbon-bearing aqueous fluids mobilized from subducting sedimentary rocks, as they follow several possible pathways through the overlying mantle. The extent of carbon mineralization in the overlying mantle depends on the source (siliciclastic vs carbonate rock) and composition of the fluids as well as the fluid path (isothermal, cooling, heating). A heating path towards the hot core of the mantle wedge does not favor sequestration of carbon into solid phases. Along cooling trajectories, most of the dissolved carbon (61 to 98 %) forms in solid minerals when carbon-rich, siliciclastic-equilibrated fluids react with mantle rocks. In contrast to fluids from siliciclastic sediments, less carbon is sequestered in the mantle when relatively carbon-poor, limestone-equilibrated fluids react with mantle rocks. The formation of quartz-rich (birbirite), quartz-magnesite (listvenite), talc-magnesite (soapstone), and serpentine-rich (serpentinite) parageneses is predicted at decreasing water-rock ratios. Soapstones are less favored to form along fractional crystallization paths and/or lower temperatures. Listvenite assemblages form from migrating fluids with dissolved carbon concentration > 20,000 ppm. Graphite is favored to form along closed reaction, cooling paths. Moreover, several cooling paths form reduced fluids rich in hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), and organic species. Overall, this work provides quantitative models that can comprehensively inform studies on the movement of carbon in subduction zones and into the deep Earth.

Influence of different forms and rates of mineral nitrogen fertilizers on tomato productivity in open field conditions

Tomato is one of the major vegetable crops valued for its high content of various vitamins, organic acids, antioxidants, essential macro- and microelements, and other substances necessary for maintaining normal body functions. Due to its characteristics, tomatoes are widely grown, but there are still "blank spots" in their production technology, especially in fertiliser application. This article presents the experience of using different rates of liquid (KAS-32) and solid (ammonium nitrate) mineral nitrogen fertilisers on the author's tomato varieties in open field conditions. The authors found a significant effect of nitrogen fertilisers on the duration of the main phases of the growing season and the entire period of tomato growth. Specifically, using ammonium nitrate for up to 15 days and KAS-32 for up to 17 days increases the vegetation period. Fertiliser application substantially improves crop structure and increases crop productivity. The difference compared to the control is over 150%, with the maximum effect achieved at increased doses of KAS-32. The maximum yield increase is 45 t/ha in variants with ammonium nitrate and up to 62 t/ha in variants with KAS-32. Under the influence of nitrogen fertiliser application, the content of dry matter increases by 15–20%, total sugar by 76%, and vitamin C by 38%. The most significant effect is achieved using KAS-32, where all quality indicators are 5–10% higher than ammonium nitrate.

Volumetric Structure of the Bachat Earthquake (Kuzbass) Aftershock Area and Stress State of Rock Mass under Open-Pit Mine

Abstract —The Bachat earthquake (M = 6.1) with the epicenter coordinates of 54.29° N, 86.17° E occurred on June, 18 2013 near the Bachatsky coal strip mine, is the world’s largest earthquake induced while mining solid minerals. More than 5000 aftershocks were registered and the spatial volumetric structure of the aftershock area was investigated. The Bachat coal field is located in the Salair zone of the Kuznetsk Depression and is represented by a brachysynclinal fold of a very complex structure characterized by the damage and fracturing behaviors of rocks. The main event is confined to the coal-mine pit wall, with the greatest density of aftershocks observed in its middle portion. In the cross section, aftershocks form a wide area with its deepened portion shifted towards the Kuznetsk Depression, while large faults bounding the depression dip down under the Salair Ridge. In the exposed pit wall, at a depth of 4 km, the activated area resembles a rhombus whose horizontal diagonal line runs across the entire length of the mine pit and decreases both in upward and downward directions. The area is seismically activated to a depth of 6 km, with more intense activation of rock mass observed within the 1–3 km depth interval. Results of the study of the mechanisms of aftershock sources revealed a disagreement between the stress state of rock mass of the Bachatsky open-pit coal mine modeled from the mechanisms of aftershocks, and the mainshock mechanism of the Bachat earthquake.

Study on the detection technology and response of isolated anomalous bodies in transient electromagnetic wave logging of formations

Transient electromagnetic wave logging is one of the key methods for detecting underground formations, especially for identifying anomalies near wells using higher frequencies and resolutions. In this paper, the 3D TDFD (three-dimensional time-domain finite-difference) simulation method is used to investigate the detection technique of wellbore anomalies based on the scattered field of transient electromagnetic waves and its significance in underground structure identification and localization. The research results show that isolated anomalies can be effectively characterized by extracting the scattering field response generated by block-shaped anomalies while eliminating the contribution of background media. Analyzing the measurement response caused by scatterers provides important information about the position, size, and response magnitude of the anomalies, offering an effective method for detecting and identifying wellbore anomalies. Applying this detection technique enriches the existing methods for wellbore anomaly detection, providing important theoretical and technical foundations for petroleum and solid mineral exploration, as well as the construction of underground defense engineering.

Метод управления индуцированной сейсмичностью при разработке месторождений полезных ископаемых

In conditions of intensive development of mineral deposits, a significant induced component arises, which significantly increases the overall seismicity of the region. This entails the relevance of the problem on a global scale. Scientific and patent analysis of domestic and foreign research shows that there is no information in the open press in the field of induced seismicity management. The proposed and tested method for controlling induced seismicity largely solves this problem. The coefficient characterizing the increase in the cost of a facility planned for construction in a regional context in a seismically active area using the developed method is reduced by 3–5,8 %. This provides a significant technical and economic effect on a large scale. Thus, a new method for controlling induced seismicity in the development of solid mineral deposits using drilling and blasting technologies is more than technically feasible and economically beneficial.

Poverty induced artisanal mining impact on municipal water utilities; the case of kpapi river in Minna, Nigeria

That unemployment, poverty, artisanal mining, and community vulnerability are interwoven is re-emphasizing the reality of life. This study assesses the effect of artisanal mining activities on River Kpapi and the adjoining settlements in Minna putting into consideration Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8). Observatory field survey was carried out on the entire river channel, and laboratory analysis of water samples taking to determine its hydro-chemical and Water Quality Index (WQI) characteristics using the silver nitrate method of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Water Quality Index (WQI) mathematical model. Questionnaires were also administered to the adjoining communities on river water usability. The result revealed that the hydro-chemical parameters heavy metals of Cd, Pb and Cr2+ with mean concentrations of 0.04 ​mg/l, 0.39 ​mg/l and 0.44 ​mg/l respectively are above WHO permissible limit. Also, the WQI varies from 2045.35 ​at middle course, 2709.89 ​at the upper course and 30.87.46 ​at the lower course is above the tolerance level for human consumption. The study, therefore, recommended that both the riparian and the solid mineral law should be under the state government to ease implementation and that the artisanal miners and that inclusive planning should be adhere to in all policy formation.

Liquefaction triggering and post-triggering behavior of biocemented loose sand

Biocementation is a biomediated ground improvement technique that can improve the engineering behavior of granular soils. The process has received significant attention as an earthquake-induced liquefaction mitigation technique; however, critical gaps have remained in our understanding of how liquefaction behaviors may shift with differences in loading magnitudes and cementation levels. In this study, direct simple shear tests were performed to examine the undrained shearing behaviors of biocemented loose Ottawa F-65 sand prepared to varying cementation levels corresponding to Vs increases up to 523 m/s. Significant increases in liquefaction triggering resistances were observed with added cementation across a broad range of loading magnitudes (CSR = 0.1–1.75) and exceeded improvements obtainable through densification alone. Following triggering, modest improvements in post-triggering strain accumulation and reconsolidation behaviors were observed that could be primarily attributed to the densification of specimens from added mineral solids at low cementation levels (Δ Vs < 150 m/s). At higher cementation magnitudes, however, post-triggering behavioral enhancements exceeded those that would be expected from densification alone. Outcomes from this study improve our understanding of the liquefaction behaviors of biocemented soils, the metrics by which these behaviors can be effectively characterized, and the mechanisms responsible for behavioral enhancements, ultimately furthering our understanding of how the technology may be employed for liquefaction mitigation.

Considering field topography in the model-based assessment of a centrifugal spreader’s variable rate application accuracy

In the application of solid mineral fertilizers with twin-disc spreaders, accurate delivery of the prescribed rates is highly dependent on their dynamic performance. Additional to the effect of imprecision in geolocations and the delayed reaction of the spreader to the rate updates at the delineations of the task map, the field surface with inclined hills and undulating waves significantly influences the field application accuracy. In this paper, the effect of the determined field topography on application accuracy has been assessed. Necessary sensors such as the prism of a Total Station and an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) have been attached to a mobile sled to acquire the geo-referenced positions together with its real-time tilting information while following the actual field profile. A model for the spreader performance on a flat field surface, which had been developed by the authors in previous work, was improved by incorporating the measured tilt information corresponding to the measured field conditions. In addition, the improved model used the measured topography with inclinations and undulations to determine the landing location of each fertilizer particle. The influence of the determined field inclinations and undulations on the stationary spreading was assessed by comparing the distributions of the fertilizers in the transversal direction that are extracted from the spreading on the flat and measured field surfaces. The comparative analysis of the distributions indicated a significantly high value of 27.8% for a root-mean-squared deviation. The subsequent assessment of the actual field topography’s effect on the spreader’s dynamic performance showed that the measured field surface conditions have a significant effect on the application accuracy in terms of absolute deviation, with approx. 5% under- and approx. 3% over-application of the maximum prescribed amount.

Повышение геодинамической безопасности управлением индуцированной сейсмичностью при разработке месторождений твердых полезных ископаемых

The urgency of the problem is determined by the fact that in conditions of intensive mining and other technogenic factors, an induced component arises that has a significant impact on the overall seismicity of the region. The scientific analysis of the published works, both domestic and foreign, shows that the issues related to the occurrence of induced seismicity in the development of mineral deposits (including solid ones) are actively discussed, many studies are devoted to the causes of its occurrence, but there is no information in the open press about research in the field of induced seismicity management. Patent analysis also shows the absence of technical solutions related to the management of induced seismicity in the development of solid mineral deposits. The novelty of the method of controlling induced seismicity in the development of solid mineral deposits using drilling and blasting technologies lies in the fact that seismic events are recorded in the corresponding territory and their main characteristics are determined. Moreover, at the first stage, seismically active areas of the territory are identified, at the second stage, the total released seismic energy of seismic events in the contoured areas of the territory is determined, and at the third stage, the actual values of the density of the released seismic energy are compared with its threshold value for each contoured area of the territory. Depending on the result of the comparison, control information is not formed or formed, and the latter is presented in the form of recommendations for reducing the frequency and power of explosions, the number of explosive deposits, reducing the deceleration of explosions during the extraction of solid mineral deposits, as well as the volume of charges laid at the same time. The eastern part of the Orenburg Region, which is characterized by a large number of solid mineral deposits, was selected for implementation. These deposits are being actively developed by the mining campaigns.

PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAW MATERIAL BASE OF SUFFICIENT STRATEGIC TYPES OF SOLID MINERAL RESOURCES OF SIBERIA

The analysis of the state of the mineral resource base of strategic types of solid minerals in Russia in general and in Siberia in particular has been carried out. Particular attention is paid to the prospects for the development of the resource base of lithium, rare earth metals, ordinary and impact diamonds in Siberia. The characteristics of a number of deposits and options for their development were assessed, taking into account the quality of ores, geographical location, the state of the infrastructure and the level of development of technologies for ore dressing and obtaining end products. The prospects for the development of the raw material base of niobium and rare earth metals within the Tomtor massif and the territory of the Udzha uplift as a whole are assessed. Summary results of long-term regional field and laboratory studies of the distribution and compositional variations of Cr-pyrope garnet, the most informative of the set of indicator minerals for determining the potential diamond content of kimberlites, selected from uneven-aged intermediate reservoirs of the Siberian Platform, are presented. Based on these results, areas within the platform were identified with signs of the presence of new fields of potentially diamond-bearing kimberlites of the Middle Paleozoic age. A mineralogical description and assessment of the technological characteristics of impact diamonds from the Popigai astrobleme and from the ejection zone in its frame is given. The prospects of creating a new large area of the extractive industry on the raw material base of strategic materials in the territory of the Lena-Khatanga interfluve are substantiated

DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODOLOGY FOR INTEGRATED EXPERT ASSESSMENT OF THE PROSPECTS OF SUBSURFACE AREAS BASED ON AN ONTOLOGICAL MODEL AND FUZZY LOGIC

Link for citation: Dadykin V.S., Dadykina O.V., Yazvenko N.A. Development of a methodology for integrated expert assessment of the prospects of subsurface areas based on an ontological model and fuzzy logic. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 8, рр. 182-189. In Rus. The relevance of the research lies in the need to provide potential investors and authorities with the results of an integrated expert assessment of the prospects of subsurface areas based on an ontological model and fuzzy logic to increase the economic efficiency of prospecting to identify forecast resources and geological reserves. The aim of the study is to develop a methodology for integrated expert assessment of the prospects of subsurface areas based on an ontological model and fuzzy logic. Objects: subsurface areas promising for geological study, mainly for solid minerals. Methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research is based on the methods of system analysis and ontological modeling, the use of fuzzy logic methods. Results. The requirements for an automated system for selecting deposits for potential investors are defined in terms of formalizing the decision-making process in terms of reducing the uncertainty of a group of quantitative criteria and «softening the accuracy» of qualitative criteria. An atomic ontological model containing indicators of integrated expert assessment of the prospects of subsurface areas and methodology for integrated expert assessment of the prospects of subsurface areas based on the ontological model and fuzzy logic were developed. The developed method of integrated expert assessment of the prospects of subsurface areas is being tested in the Bryansk branch of the Federal Budgetary Institution «Territorial Fund of Geological Information for the Central Federal District» (Bryansk) on materials collected in the Central Federal District, and can be used as a decision support system in terms of subsurface use, potential investors, the state customer in the software and targeted planning of geological exploration.

Justification of the innovative design of the skip winch with a body moved by a counterweight gravity drive

The article has to grapple with the problem of creating an economically efficient and environmentally friendly technological process for a development of solid minerals in open-pit mining. In many mining countries of the world today, the depth of many open pits is already 400–600 m or more. At the same time, the cost of transporting 1 ton of rock mass when operating a quarry whose depth is 400 m is 65–70 % of the total cost of extracting 1 ton of minerals. The object of research is technical devices for transport of rock masses in the technological process of development of solid useful deposits in open pit mining. The main reasons are the need to construct transport routes for them by withdrawing the sections of the rock mass on above them, as well their lifting capacity is limited because of they all do use highly energy-intensive machines for transporting rock minerals. In article has been justified a skip cable winch supplied with a wheels moving along on a railroad way by using only a gravitational counterweight device for transporting rock mass from a place of their formation to Earth surface. There have been created a prototype of a planar skip winch with four cables for practical implement in open-pit mining. The theoretical and experimental investigations of the prototype have being confirmed its performance. The created skip winch will accomplish its performancing without using any energy machines even under adverse climate conditions. Its affected would allow to make an open-pit effectiveness to soar and environmentally do friendly because of there are all but excluded any transport vehicles whether on gasoline or diesel oil

Adsorption of gold nanoparticles on illite under high solid/liquid ratio and initial pH conditions

AbstractAdsorption of nanoparticles on minerals affects the fate and transport of nanoparticles directly and is of great significance to many fields, including research into ore deposits, geochemistry, the environment and mineral materials. Whereas many previous studies have been conducted under the equilibrium pH and low solid (mineral) to liquid (nanoparticle suspension) ratio conditions, adsorption processes under initial pH and high solid/liquid ratio conditions may represent many important yet underexamined complex scenarios. To fill in this research gap, the adsorption of gold nanoparticles on illite was investigated experimentally at a relatively high solid/liquid ratio of 5 g L–1 and the effects of initial pH, ionic strength, citrate concentration, temperature and illite particle size were evaluated. The adsorbed amount of gold nanoparticles (from <5% to nearly 100%) increased with increasing ionic strength, temperature and citrate concentration and decreased with increasing pH and illite particle size. The presence of illite resulted in the dynamic evolution of the pH of the suspension, which, along with solution chemistry parameters, controlled the electrostatic interaction of illite and gold nanoparticles. The adsorption results, scanning electron microscopy observations and surface properties of illite suggest that the negatively charged gold nanoparticles were adsorbed predominantly on the positive illite edges through electrostatic interaction. The electrostatic attraction between illite and gold nanoparticles appeared to be strong, supported by the minor amount of desorption. These research findings are expected to provide a valuable reference regarding many critical issues in the geosciences as well as for industrial applications.

ASSESSMENT OF TRACE AND RARE EARTH ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION AND SPECIATION IN BAUXITE DEPOSITS ACROSS EKITI AND ONDO STATES, NIGERIA

The growing significance of rare earth elements (REEs) in advanced electronic technologies and the nuclear industry, coupled with concerns about geopolitical dynamics and supply market vulnerabilities, has reignited global interest in securing domestic and economically viable sources of REEs through dedicated research and developmental pursuits. Bauxite, a naturally occurring mineral primarily composed of aluminum, has been identified to harbor an abundance of sought-after rare earth minerals, thereby rendering it a promising unconventional reservoir of REEs contingent upon geological and mineralogical characteristics. Nigeria, endowed with substantial bauxite deposits prominently situated in Ondo and Ekiti states, stands to offer an intriguing avenue for exploration. In this study, the utilization of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) facilitated the quantification of trace elements within samples obtained from six distinct production sites spanning Ondo and Ekiti states in Nigeria. The aim was to elucidate correlations between multi-elemental REE compositions and geographical origins. Employing both single quadrupole (SQ) and multi-collection sector field (MS) modes, concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Zn, Mn, Al, Ca, Ni, K, Na, Mg, Cu, Fe, Ti, P, Cr, and Si were rigorously determined. Remarkably, ICP-MS analysis consistently revealed a palladium (Pd) concentration of 228.05 ppb across all sampled materials, factoring in a dilution factor of 175x. Consequently, the actual concentration of the digested solution was established at 39.91 ppm mg/L. The outcomes of this investigation hold potential significance in categorizing Nigerian bauxite deposits as viable REE sources, as well as in engineering tailored techniques to efficiently recover these elements. Such findings harbor promising economic prospects for the nation, positioning the solid mineral sector as a pivotal driver of Nigeria's burgeoning economy.

Review of carbon dioxide mineralization of magnesium‐containing materials

AbstractThe increasing utilization of fossil fuels and industrial activities has resulted in a surge of CO2 emissions, which have significantly impacted global climate change. Carbon capture and utilization technologies offer a promising solution to decrease atmospheric CO2 concentrations and convert CO2 into valuable products. This study focuses on the capture and storage of CO2 through the mineralization of magnesium‐containing materials. The analysis encompasses the mineralization process of solid and liquid minerals, the various mineralization processes of magnesium‐containing minerals categorized as direct and indirect mineralization, and the latest research advancements in magnesium‐containing minerals. Brine and seawater from salt lakes are considered the most appropriate materials for mineralization due to their abundance and the simplicity of the process compared to solid mineralization. This paper analyzes the impact of temperature, impurity ions, additives, and microorganisms on the process of magnesium carbonate synthesis crystallization. The use of magnesium‐containing materials for carbon dioxide sequestration can effectively reduce carbon emission. The review offers guidance on carbon dioxide mineralization and explores the potential applications of magnesium mineralization.

Determination of the CO2 Uptake of Construction Products Manufactured by Mineral Carbonation

Mineral carbonation is a technology for capturing and storing CO2 in solid minerals. When mineral carbonation is used to produce construction materials, the quantification of the CO2 uptake of these products is of the utmost importance, as it is used to calculate the CO2 footprint of the product and/or carbon offset. The CO2 uptake is generally determined by measuring the CO2 content of a material before and after accelerated carbonation. This approach, however, does not take hydration and dehydroxylation reactions into account that may occur during carbonation, and it can therefore under- or overestimate the CO2 uptake. Thus, a more accurate and practical method to determine CO2 uptake, which also accounts for hydration and dehydroxylation reactions, is proposed in this paper. This method is based on analytical methods to determine the dry mass and the CO2 content of the solid products before and after carbonation, and on the calculation of the CO2 uptake by the following equation: CO2 uptake (wt.%) = CO2 carbonated (wt.%) × (weight after carbonation (g)/weight before carbonation (g) − CO2 initial (wt.%), with CO2 carbonated being the CO2 content in g/100 g dried carbonated material, and CO2 initial being the CO2 content in g/100 g dried initial material, i.e., before carbonation. The “weight before carbonation” is the dry weight of the initial material, and the “weight after carbonation” is the product’s dry weight after carbonation. In this paper, we show that up to 44% under- or overestimation of CO2 uptake can occur when hydration and dehydroxylation reactions are not taken into account during mineral carbonation.