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Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-05-03
  • Date accepted
    2024-07-11
  • Date published
    2025-04-02

Assessment of ancylite ore dressability by flotation method

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For more than 50 years, most rare earth elements were extracted from carbonatite deposits, which can contain different rare earth phases, but the main extracted minerals are bastnaesite, monazite and xenotime. Many studies focused on the improvement and development of dressing circuits for ores of these minerals. However, in some carbonatite complexes, rare earth deposits are composed partly or mainly of ancylite ores. This type of rare earth ores was very poorly studied in terms of dressability – previous experiments with ancylite ores are rare and not productive enough. Ancylite is the main concentrator of rare earth elements in most carbonatite complexes of the Devonian Kola Alkaline Province (northwest Russia). Dressability of ancylite ore from the Petyayan-Vara carbonatite field in the Vuorijärvi alkaline-ultramafic complex was assessed using the flotation method. The complex is one of the most potential rare earth deposits associated with carbonatites in the Kola Region. Petrographic and mineralogical studies demonstrated the occurrence of abundant iron and barite oxide inclusions in ancylite, which imposes restrictions on physical separation of these three minerals. The study of petrogeochemical and mineralogical composition of fractions formed during mechanical grinding of ores to a size less than 2.0 mm showed that even at this stage of sample preparation, the finest-grained fractions (less than 0.071 mm) were enriched in ancylite (to 19 vol.% or more with a content of 15 vol.% in ore). Three classes of reagents were considered as collectors in flotation experiments: fatty acids, alkyl hydroxamic acids, and amino acid derivatives. The reagent from the amino acid derivative class was highly efficient. The use of such a collector in combination with sodium hexametaphosphate depressant made it possible to obtain a flotation concentrate in an open circuit with total rare earth oxides content 33.4 wt.% at 64.7 % extraction.

How to cite: Mitrofanova G.V., Kozlov E.N., Fomina E.N., Chernousenko E.V., Chernyavskii A.V., Dorozhanova N.O. Assessment of ancylite ore dressability by flotation method // Journal of Mining Institute. 2025. p. EDN UOHOQP
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-03-22
  • Date accepted
    2024-09-24
  • Date published
    2025-02-25

Behaviour of cerium (III) phosphate in a carbonate-alkaline medium

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The article investigates the behaviour of rare earth metals in carbonate-alkaline systems. The results of experimental studies on rare earth element extraction from phosphogypsum, a large-tonnage industrial waste forming in production of phosphoric acid are presented. Using the liquid phase leaching method, it was possible to extract more than 53 % of rare earth elements from old phosphogypsum and more than 69 % from fresh phosphogypsum due to solid phase treatment with a 4 mol/l potassium carbonate solution at temperature 90 °C. The behaviour of model cerium (III) phosphate in a carbonate-alkaline medium is characterized: a solubility isotherm is obtained as well as the dependences of the degree of cerium extraction into solution on temperature, carbonate ion concentration, interphase ratio, stirring intensity, and pH. The ability of soluble rare earth element complexes to precipitate over time was established, which was confirmed using cerium and neodymium as an example. Within 240 h after the end of the experiment, approximately 25 % of cerium and 17 % of neodymium were precipitated from the liquid phase. A similar property was recorded in representatives of the light group and was not noted in elements of the heavy group. The ability to self-precipitate in future can serve as a basis for developing an alternative approach to separating rare earth metals into groups after extraction in a carbonate ion medium. Also, based on the analysis of experimental data, the mechanism of cerium (III) phosphate dissolution in a carbonate-alkaline medium was characterized. An assumption was made that rare earth metal phosphates dissolve sequentially passing into an insoluble carbonate and then into a soluble carbonate complex.

How to cite: Litvinova T.E., Gerasev S.A. Behaviour of cerium (III) phosphate in a carbonate-alkaline medium // Journal of Mining Institute. 2025. Vol. 271. p. 181-188. EDN BJJVKD
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-05-17
  • Date accepted
    2024-10-14
  • Date published
    2024-11-12

Black shales – an unconventional source of noble metals and rhenium

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The content of noble metals and rhenium in the Lower Paleozoic black shales of the eastern Baltic paleobasin in Russia was estimated. Shales are enriched in platinoids (PGM to 0.12 g/t) and rhenium (to 1.54 g/t). The main accessory elements of noble metals and Re are U, V, Mo, Cu, and Ni. Black shales consist of organic (9-26 rel.%), clay (40-60 rel.%), and silt-sandy (25-50 rel.%) components and a nodule complex (2-5 rel.%) (carbonate, sulfide, phosphate and silicate nodules). Noble metals occur sporadically in the silt-sandy admixture as native forms and intermetallics: Aunat, Au-Ag, Au-Cu, Au-(Cu)-Hg, Au-Hg, Ag-Cu, Pt-Fe. Micromineral phases of noble metals were found in diagenetic sulfides: Aunat, chalcopyrite with Au admixture, pyrite with platinoid admixture. Clay fraction is 10-fold enriched in noble metals as compared to shale – to 0.28 g/t Au, 0.55 g/t Pt, 1.05 g/t Pd, and 1.56 g/t Re. Organic matter sorbs noble metals to a limited extent but accumulates rhenium. Pore space of black shales contains a colloidal salt component (submicron fraction) which is represented by particles smaller than 1,000 nm. The share of submicron fraction in black shales is 0.1-6 wt.%. The submicron fraction contains on average: PGM – 14 g/t, Au – 0.85 g/t, and Re – 4.62 g/t. The geochemical resource of noble metals (Au, Pt, Pd), Re and the accessory elements (U, V, Mo, Cu, and Ni) for black shales as a whole and their submicron fraction was estimated. Black shales are recommended as an integrated source of raw materials.

How to cite: Panova E.G., Engalychev S.Y., Fadin Y.Y., Oleinikova G.A., Tikhomirova I.Y. Black shales – an unconventional source of noble metals and rhenium // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 269. p. 789-802. EDN PTILYQ
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-01-31
  • Date accepted
    2024-06-03
  • Date published
    2024-07-04

Rationale for a possibility of using humic preparations production waste for wastewater purification from metals (Cd2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Cu2+) aimed at developing efficient measures on environmental rehabilitation

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Results of studying optimal conditions and parameters for afterpurification of underspoil waters from metal ions using humic acids production waste are presented with a view to develop the efficient measures on environmental rehabilitation of ecosystems disturbed by the development of copper pyrite deposits. The influence of contact time and waste dosage on the purification process was analysed, changes in the pH of wastewater and its impact on the growth and development of plants were studied. The key factors were identified allowing to achieve the efficiency of the purification process – the optimal contact time in the range from 120 to 180 min and waste dosage of 10 g/l. The study showed that the use of waste resulted in a neutral pH value of 7.03 compared to the initial pH value of 5.95. It was ascertained that the use of iron-magnesium production waste in combination with waste from humic preparations production made it possible to achieve the MPC of commercial fishing importance (with the exception of magnesium). Wastewater after the afterpurification process with high magnesium concentrations did not have a stimulating effect on the growth and development of Lepidium sativum L. plants. From biotesting results it can also be stated that there is no negative impact on the growth and development of Lepidium sativum L. The results obtained indicate a potentiality of using afterpurified wastewater for watering plants in the process of initiating the environmental rehabilitation of the disturbed ecosystems.

How to cite: Antoninova N.Y., Sobenin A.V., Usmanov A.I., Gorbunov A.A. Rationale for a possibility of using humic preparations production waste for wastewater purification from metals (Cd2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Cu2+) aimed at developing efficient measures on environmental rehabilitation // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 267. p. 421-432. EDN NYTBJH
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-04-09
  • Date accepted
    2024-06-03
  • Date published
    2024-07-04

Analysis of the geochemical barriers effectiveness as the basis for the use of nature-like water purification technologies

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Nature-like technologies are being introduced into many human activities including mining wastewater treatment. This work is based on long-term studies of the Sibay copper-zinc-pyrite deposit development. It is dedicated to assessment of geochemical barriers effectiveness in Cu, Zn, Cd removal from water of the Karagayly River (receiving quarry and dump drainage water). The research is based on the elements’ content and forms in water and bottom sediments, pH values etc. Four types of hydrogeochemical environment (formed due to changes in the water use over the past 20 years) were distinguished using discriminant analysis. The mechanisms of barriers formation and destruction were described. Statistical modeling of the metals’ precipitation was performed by multivariate regression analysis. Cu is adsorbed by recently formed Fe hydroxides, and, to a lesser extent, precipitates with sulfates as water pH increases. Antagonism to Mn hydroxides has been demonstrated, due to different physicochemical conditions for their precipitation. Zn enters solid phase mainly with sulfates, this element also forms its own mineral phases. The second mechanism is adsorption by recently formed Mn hydroxides, which corresponds to the idea of similar conditions for the precipitation of metal hydroxides. Cd behavior reflects conditions intermediate between these of Cu and Zn. Contribution of both mechanisms (related to Fe hydroxides and aqueous sulfates) is equal. Antagonism to Mn is absent. According to the assessment results using of nature-like technologies in situ in watercourses, canals and other water drainage systems is promising. Developed statistical models can be used for needs of experimental studies and artificial geochemical barriers engineering.

How to cite: Opekunov A.Y., Korshunova D.V., Opekunova M.G., Somov V.V., Akulov D.A. Analysis of the geochemical barriers effectiveness as the basis for the use of nature-like water purification technologies // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 267. p. 343-355. EDN KKNLQG
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-04-25
  • Date accepted
    2024-06-13
  • Date published
    2024-07-11

Evaluation of the effectiveness of neutralization and purification of acidic waters from metals with ash when using alternative fuels from municipal waste

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The problem of pollution of natural water objects with heavy metals is extremely relevant for the areas where industrial enterprises are located. Unauthorized discharge of contaminated wastewater, inefficient operation of sewage treatment plants, as well as leakage of drainage waters from man-made massifs lead to changes in the hydrological system affecting living objects. The article studies the composition of ash from the combustion of alternative fuels from municipal waste, and also considers the possibility of using it to neutralize sulfuric acid drainage waters and extract metal ions (Cu, Cd, Fe, Mn, Zn) from them. It has been established that the efficiency of water purification from metals depends on the pH value achieved during the purification process. The pH value is regulated by the dose of the introduced ash, the contact time and depends on the initial concentration of metal ions and sulfates in the solution. Studies on the neutralization and purification of a model solution of sulfuric acid drainage waters of a tailings farm of known composition have shown that in order to achieve a pH of 8-9, optimal for precipitation of metal hydroxides Cu, Cd, Fe, Mn, Zn and Al washed out of ash, and water purification with an efficiency of 96.60 to 99.99 %, it is necessary to add 15 g/l of ash and stir the suspension continuously for 35 minutes. It was revealed that exposure to ash with sulfuric acid waters leads to the transition of water-soluble forms of metals into insoluble ones and their “cementation” with calcium sulfate. The amount of Zn and Fe ions washed out of the ash decreases by 82 and 77 %, Al, Cd, Cu, Mn – by 25 %. This reduces the toxicity of ash, which is proved by a decrease in the toxic multiplicity of dilution of the water extract by 14 times.

How to cite: Kharko P.A., Danilov A.S. Evaluation of the effectiveness of neutralization and purification of acidic waters from metals with ash when using alternative fuels from municipal waste // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. p. EDN CGGRHJ
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-11-02
  • Date accepted
    2024-03-05
  • Date published
    2024-08-26

The polyphase Belokurikhinsky granite massif, Gorny Altai: isotope-geochemical study of zircon

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Based on the isotopic-geochemical analyses of zircons from granites of the Belokurikhinsky massif in the Gorny Altai using the U-Pb method, the ages of three intrusion phases have been determined for the first time: the age of the first phase refers to the time interval of 255-250 Ma, the second and the third phases have similar ages of about 250 Ma. The formation time of the Belokurikhinsky massif is estimated as not exceeding 5-8 Ma. The δ18O values for zircons from granites of the second and the third intrusion phases average around 11.5-12.0 ‰, indicating a significant contribution of a crustal component in the formation of the parent melts for granites of these phases. The crystallization temperature values of the zircons by the Ti-in-zircon thermometer for three phases range from 820 to 800 °C. The P-T crystallization parameters of titanite from the first phase, determined using a titanite thermobarometer, average around 770 °C and 2.7 kbar. The zircons from the first phase mostly exhibits geochemical characteristics of typical magmatic zircons. The zircons from the second and the third intrusion phases either may be unaltered magmatic zircons or enriched in incompatible elements (LREE, Th, U, Ti, Ca, etc.) due to fluid influence, resembling hydrothermal-metasomatic type zircons in terms of their geochemical characteristics. A number of zircon grains from the second and the third phases of granites demonstrate anomalous geochemical characteristics – the REE distribution spectra atypical for zircons (including “bird's wing” type spectra with oppositely tilted of light and heavy REE distribution profiles), as well as significantly higher contents of certain trace elements compared to other varieties. Such an enriched zircon composition and wide variations in the incompatible element content are due to non-equilibrium conditions of zircon crystallization and evolution of the fluid-saturated melt composition during the final stages of the massif formation.

How to cite: Skublov S.G., Levashova E.V., Mamykina M.E., Gusev N.I., Gusev A.I. The polyphase Belokurikhinsky granite massif, Gorny Altai: isotope-geochemical study of zircon // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 268. p. 552-575. EDN RGKCIJ
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-04-15
  • Date accepted
    2022-09-06
  • Date published
    2023-10-27

Gold-rare metal and associated mineralization in the western part of Bolshevik Island, Severnaya Zemlya archipelago

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The presented studies are aimed to determine the formation patterns of the gold-rare metal mineralization within one of the most inaccessible Arctic islands of the Russian Federation, Bolshevik Island of the Severnaya Zemlya archipela-go. The relevance of the work is determined by the high probability of discovering a significant in terms of metal reserves deposit, which is proved by many researchers on the example of known large deposits to be a typical feature of sites with gold-rare metal formation. Obviously, only the possibility of discovering and subsequent development of a deposit of a highly liquid type of mineral, gold, can ensure the profitability of mining production on Severnaya Zemlya. It is established that the main geological, mineralogical, and geochemical features of the gold-rare metal mineralization in the Kropotkinsko-Nikitinskaya metallogenic zone of Bolshevik Island correspond to that of similar ore sites in Russia and the world. The occurrences of other formation types revealed in this metallogenic zone suggest a certain zoning in their distribution: mineralization is located in the apical parts of granitoids and in the nearest halo of hornfelses. At a distance, with an exit from the hornfelsed zone, there are occurrences of a cassiterite-sulphide formation with elevated gold and silver content at the top of the ore column, together with an increased amount of polymetallic ores. Occurrences of gold-quartz and gold-sulphide-quartz formations are localized in fault zones, as a rule, farther from granitoids. The total vertical range of gold mineralization exceeds 300 m. The assignment of all types of mineralization in the Kropotkinsko-Nikitinskaya metallogenic zone of Bolshevik Island to a single hydrothermal process is emphasized by the similar isotope composition of lead galena from heterogeneous occurrences, which determines the age of all mineralization at 200-300 Ma.

How to cite: Evdokimov A.N., Fokin V.I., Shanurenko N.K. Gold-rare metal and associated mineralization in the western part of Bolshevik Island, Severnaya Zemlya archipelago // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 263. p. 687-697. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.94
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-12-03
  • Date accepted
    2023-02-03
  • Date published
    2023-08-28

Garnetites from Marun-Keu eclogite complex (Polar Urals): geochemistry and the problem of genesis

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A comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical characterization (XRF, ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, SIMS methods) of garnetites and their protoliths from the Marun-Keu complex (Polar Urals), one of the key objects in understanding the evolution of the Uralian Orogen, is presented. Garnetites and their protoliths from the Marun-Keu complex, Polar Urals, a key locality for understanding the evolution of the Uralian Orogen, are described mineralogically and geochemically using XRF, ICP-MS, SEM-EDS and SIMS methods. Ultramafic (in most cases) and mafic rocks are understood as protoliths for garnetites. A general trend for garnetites is an increase in total REE concentration relative to that of their protoliths. All the analyzed garnetites display a considerable decrease in Cr, Ni and Co. V concentration in the garnetites is also lower than that of the protoliths, though not so markedly. Garnets from garnetites evolving after peridotites generally exhibit elevated (relative to garnets from garnetites evolving after mafic rocks, such as porphyrites) Prp and lowered Alm content, which seems to be due to high Mg concentration in the protolith. In garnetites after peridotites a garnet exhibiting an uncommon non-differentiated REE spectrum with a considerable positive Eu-anomaly was found, which could be due to the inheritance of a REE spectrum by garnet from a precursor mineral, in this case plagioclase. Slyudyanaya Gorka garnetites were probably formed from mafic and ultramafic rocks in oceanic crust, which migrated to higher levels of the section under the influence of the crustal fluid flowing along fracturing zones.

How to cite: Salimgaraeva L.I., Berezin A.V. Garnetites from Marun-Keu eclogite complex (Polar Urals): geochemistry and the problem of genesis // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 262. p. 509-525. EDN CLAFSR
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-11-02
  • Date accepted
    2023-03-02
  • Date published
    2023-04-25

Environmental damage from the storage of sulfide ore tailings

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The mining industry is one of the most challenging in ensuring environmental safety. During the last century, the Karabash Copper Smelting Plant was processing sulfide ores and depositing the tailings into storage facilities that now occupy an area of more than 50 hectares. To date, abandoned tailings are a significant source of natural water, air, and soil pollution in the Karabash city district. The article comprehensively examines the environmental impact of the Karabashmed copper smelter, one of the oldest metallurgical enterprises in Russia. The effects of seepage from the two Karabashmed tailings facilities on water resources were assessed. We revealed that even outside the area of the direct impact of processing waste, the pH of natural water decreases to values 4-5. Further downstream, the infiltration water from the tailings pond No. 4 reduces the pH of river water to 3.0-3.5. The presented results of environmental engineering surveys are derived from sampling water and bottom sediments of the Ryzhiy Stream and the Sak-Elga River, sample preparation, and quantitative chemical analysis. The study revealed significant exceedances of the maximum permissible concentrations for a number of chemical elements in the impact zone of the copper ore processing tailings.

How to cite: Pashkevich M.A., Alekseenko A.V., Nureev R.R. Environmental damage from the storage of sulfide ore tailings // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 260. p. 155-167. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.32
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-10-28
  • Date accepted
    2023-03-02
  • Date published
    2023-04-25

Assessment of the possibility of using iron-magnesium production waste for wastewater treatment from heavy metals (Cd2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Cu2+)

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Relevant problems associated with treatment of industrial wastewater from heavy metal ions are considered. Due to industrial development, the amount of wastewater increases as well as the risks of heavy metals getting into surface and groundwater, accumulating in water bodies and becoming aggressive environmental pollutants, which affect the animal and human organisms. To assess the possibility of extracting metal ions (Cd 2+ , Zn 2+ , Co 2+ , Cu 2+ ) from industrial wastewater and their further treatment, studies were carried out on redistribution of heavy metals in the “wastewater – waste” system using iron-magnesium production waste. Samples of the investigated waste weighing 0.1; 0.2; 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2 g were taken for wastewater volume of 50 ml per each subsample. Contact time varied from 5 to 180 min, waste fraction was 1 mm. The interaction process showed that the waste efficiently removes metal ions (Cd 2+ , Zn 2+ , Co 2+ , Cu 2+ ) from industrial wastewater. The efficiency of removing a pollutant from the solution depends on the weight of the waste subsample, initial concentration of metal ions, and contact time.

How to cite: Antoninova N.Y., Sobenin A.V., Usmanov A.I., Shepel K.V. Assessment of the possibility of using iron-magnesium production waste for wastewater treatment from heavy metals (Cd2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Cu2+) // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 260. p. 257-265. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.34
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2022-06-27
  • Date accepted
    2022-09-09
  • Date published
    2022-11-03

Study of the composition and properties of the beneficiation tailings of currently produced loparite ores

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The increase in demand for rare earth metals and the depletion of natural resources inevitably causes the need to search for alternative unconventional sources of rare metal raw materials. The article presents the results of a study of the composition and properties of the beneficiation tailings of currently produced loparite ores. Sieve, mineralogical, chemical, and radionuclide analyses were carried out. The average content of loparite in tailings was determined. Using scanning electron microscopy, minerals-concentrators of rare earth elements in the loparite ore beneficiation tailings were diagnosed. The distribution of valuable components and thorium in the tailings was determined depending on the particle size class. The radium-thorium nature of radioactivity was established, the values of the effective specific activity of the samples were calculated. We concluded that it is necessary to develop an integrated technology for processing the beneficiation tailings of loparite ore, due to the complex and heterogeneous mineral and chemical composition of the tailings material.

How to cite: Maksimova V.V., Krasavtseva E.A., Savchenko Y.E., Ikkonen P.V., Elizarova I.R., Masloboev V.A., Makarov D.V. Study of the composition and properties of the beneficiation tailings of currently produced loparite ores // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 256. p. 642-650. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.88
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-03-21
  • Date accepted
    2022-06-15
  • Date published
    2022-07-26

Ti-Fe-Cr spinels in layered (stratified) complexes of the western slope of the Southern Urals: species diversity and formation conditions

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Materials on geochemistry and ore Fe-Ti-Cr mineralization of rocks composing layered (stratified) bodies of the western slope of the Southern Urals are presented. A detailed analysis showed similarity in the redistribution of REE, noble metals, and Fe-Ti-Cr mineralization of practically all parameters in rocks of the Misaelga and Kusin-Kopan complexes. It has been established that the parameters of metamorphism, which influenced components redistribution in Fe-Ti-Cr minerals of the layered complexes, correspond to Misaelga – T = <550-750 °С, P = 0.1-2.8 kbar, Kusin-Kopan – T = <550-630 °С, P = 0.3-0.7 kbar, and Shuidinsky complexes – T = <550-760 °С, P = 0.5-2.5 kbar. The result of modelling the melt crystallization process showed that the Kusin-Kopan complex is an intrusive body with an ultramafic horizon in the idealized cross-section. Due to collisional processes, the lower part of the intrusion has been detached from the upper part. The proposed structure of the Kusin-Kopan complex sharply increases its prospects for such types of minerals as platinum group minerals + sulphide copper-nickel mine-ralization and/or chromites.

How to cite: Kovalev S.G., Kovalev S.S. Ti-Fe-Cr spinels in layered (stratified) complexes of the western slope of the Southern Urals: species diversity and formation conditions // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 255. p. 476-492. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.54
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2020-08-20
  • Date accepted
    2021-11-30
  • Date published
    2021-12-27

Indicator role of rare and rare-earth elements of the Northwest manganese ore occurrence (South Africa) in the genetic model of supergene manganese deposits

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The authors analyzed the content of a number of rare and rare-earth elements in the rocks of the Northwest manganese ore occurrence, confined to the Neoarchean dolomites of the Malmani series of the Transvaal Basin. 30 samples of manganese ores and host rocks were analyzed by ICP-MS and XRF methods. Average values of Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) were used as the geochemical standard for data calculation and normalization. The concentrations of elements normalized on PAAS reveal the LREE anomaly in manganese ores. Positive Ce and negative Y–anomalies indicate the hydro-genetical type of sedimentation of ore minerals from manganese-bearing aqueous solutions. This is consistent with the ratios of the elements: Ce and Y SN /Ho SN , Ce and Nd, Fe – Mn – (Co + Ni + Cu) × 10. A clear correlation between the contents of rare-earth elements in manganese nodules and the underlying Malmani dolomites indicates their close genetic relationship. Negative Ce and positive Y–anomalies in manganese wad minerals indicate differences in the conditions of their formation. The manganese wad formed earlier than the rest of the ore with the active participation of microorganisms.

How to cite: Evdokimov A.N., Pharoe B.L. Indicator role of rare and rare-earth elements of the Northwest manganese ore occurrence (South Africa) in the genetic model of supergene manganese deposits // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 252. p. 814-825. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.6.4
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-06-17
  • Date accepted
    2021-10-18
  • Date published
    2021-12-16

Dissolution kinetics of rare earth metal phosphates in carbonate solutions of alkali metals

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Treatment of apatite raw materials is associated with the formation of large-tonnage waste – phosphogypsum. The content of rare earth metals in such waste reaches 1 %, which makes it possible to consider it a technogenic source for obtaining rare earth metals and their compounds. Up to the present moment, there are neither processing plants, nor an efficient process flow to handle phosphogypsum dumps. It is rational to use a way that involves extraction of valuable components and overall reduction of phosphogypsum dumps. Such process flow is available with carbonate conversion of phosphogypsum to alkali metal or ammonium sulfate and calcium carbonate upon the condition of associated extraction of rare earth metal (REM) compounds. Associated extraction of REM compounds becomes possible since they form strong and stable complexes with hard bases according to Pearson, which among other things include carbonate, phosphate and sulfate anions. Formation of lanthanide complexes with inorganic oxygen-containing anions is facilitated by the formation of high-energy Ln-O bonds. The study focuses on the dissolution of lanthanide phosphates in carbonate media. It was established that formation of REM carbonate complexes from their phosphates is a spontaneous endothermic process and that formation of lanthanide carbonates and hydroxides serves as thermodynamic limitation of dissolution. A shift in equilibrium towards the formation of carbonate complexes is achieved by increasing the temperature to 90-100 °C and providing an excess of carbonate. The limiting stage of REM phosphate dissolution in carbonate media is external diffusion. This is indicated by increasing rate of the process with an intensification of stirring, first order of the reaction and the value of activation energy for phosphate dissolution from 27 to 60 kJ/mol. A combination of physical and chemical parameters of the process allowed to develop an engineering solution for associated REM extraction during carbonate conversion of phosphogypsum, which included a 4-5 h conversion of phosphogypsum at temperature of 90-110 °C by an alkali metal or ammonium carbonate solution with a concentration of 2-3 mol/l. As a result, a solution with alkali metal (ammonium) sulfate is obtained, which contains REMs in the form of carbonate complexes and calcium carbonate. The rate of REM extraction into the solution reaches no less than 93 %. Rare earth metals are separated from the mother liquor by precipitation or sorption on anion exchange resins, while the excess of alkali metal or ammonium carbonate is returned to the start of the process.

How to cite: Litvinova T.E., Oleynik I.L. Dissolution kinetics of rare earth metal phosphates in carbonate solutions of alkali metals // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 251. p. 712-722. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.5.10
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-03-05
  • Date accepted
    2021-09-07
  • Date published
    2021-12-16

Utilization of sewage sludge as an ameliorant for reclamation of technogenically disturbed lands

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When rehabilitating technogenically disturbed lands of mining facilities, fertilizers and ameliorants are to be applied due to the lack of organic matter and nutrients required for the restoration of the soil and vegetation layer. The use of unconventional fertilizers (ameliorants) based on sewage sludge is one of the actual directions of land reclamation at mining sites. The purpose of the work is to summarize and analyze up-to-date information on the effectiveness of the use of sewage sludge for the reclamation of technogenically disturbed lands of mining and processing industries. The analysis is based on a review of recent studies aimed at assessing the impact of introduced sediment on soils, plant communities, and rehabilitated areas. The introduction of sewage sludge has a positive effect on the physical and chemical parameters of the soil (optimizes density and aggregation), saturates it with nutrients, i.e. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na, thus improving plant growth indicators. However, it may contain a number of heavy metals and pathogens; therefore, studies of each sediment and conditions of reclaimed areas are necessary.

How to cite: Petrova T.A., Rudzisha E. Utilization of sewage sludge as an ameliorant for reclamation of technogenically disturbed lands // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 251. p. 767-776. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.5.16
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2020-05-14
  • Date accepted
    2020-10-05
  • Date published
    2020-11-24

Fahlbands of the Keret archipelago, White Sea: the composition of rocks and minerals, ore mineralization

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This paper presents a complex mineralogical and geochemical characteristic (based on SEM-EDS, ICP-MS analysis) of the fahlband rocks of the Kiv-Guba-Kartesh occurrence within the White Sea mobile belt (WSMB ). The term “fahlband” first appeared in the silver mines of Kongsberg in the 17th century. Now fahlbands are interlayers or lenses with sulfide impregnation, located in the host, usually metamorphic rock. The level of sulfide content in the rock exceed the typical accessory values, but at the same time be insufficient for massive ores . Fahlbands are weathered in a different way than the host rocks, so they are easily distinguished in outcrops due to their rusty-brown color. The studied rocks are amphibolites, differing from each other in garnet content and silicification degree. Ore mineralization is represented mainly by pyrrhotite and pyrite, and pyrrhotite grains are often replaced along the periphery by iron oxides and hydroxides, followed by pyrite overgrowth. At the same time, the rock contains practically unaltered pyrrhotite grains of irregular shape with fine exsolution structures composed of pentlandite, and individual pyrite grains with an increased Ni content (up to 5.4 wt.%). A relatively common mineral is chalcopyrite, which forms small grains, often trapped by pyrrhotite. We have also found single submicron sobolevskite and hedleyite grains. The REE composition of the fahlband rocks suggests that they are related to Archean metabasalts of the Seryakskaya and Loukhsko-Pisemskaya structures of the WSMB, rather than with metagabbroids and metaultrabasites common in the study area.

How to cite: Salimgaraeva L.I., Skublov S.G., Berezin A.V., Galankina O.L. Fahlbands of the Keret archipelago, White Sea: the composition of rocks and minerals, ore mineralization // Journal of Mining Institute. 2020. Vol. 245. p. 513-521. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2020.5.2
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2020-01-27
  • Date accepted
    2020-05-22
  • Date published
    2020-10-08

Sorption of rare earth coordination compounds

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Rare earth elements (REEs) are valuable and strategically important in many high-technology areas, such as laser technology, pharmacy and metallurgy. The main methods of REE recovery are precipitation, extraction and sorption, in particular ion exchange using various sorbents, which allow to perform selective recovery and removal of associated components, as well as to separate rare earth metals with similar chemical properties. The paper examines recovery of ytterbium in the form of coordination compounds with Trilon B on weakly basic anion exchange resin D-403 from nitrate solutions. In order to estimate thermodynamic sorption parameters of ytterbium anionic complexes, ion exchange process was carried out from model solutions under constant ionic strength specified by NaNO 3 , optimal liquid to solid ratio, pH level, temperatures 298 and 343 K by variable concentrations method. Description of thermodynamic equilibrium was made using mass action law formulated for ion exchange equation and mathematically converted to linear form. Values of equilibrium constants, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of the sorption process have been calculated. Basing on calculated values of Gibbs energy, a sorption series of complex REE ions with Trilon B was obtained over anion exchange resin D-403 from nitrate solutions at temperature 298 K. Sorption characteristics of anion exchange resin have been estimated: total capacity, limiting sorption of complex ions, total dynamic capacity and breakthrough dynamic capacity.

How to cite: Cheremisina O.V., Cheremisina E.A., Ponomareva M.A., Fedorov А.Т. Sorption of rare earth coordination compounds // Journal of Mining Institute. 2020. Vol. 244. p. 474-481. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2020.4.10
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2020-04-15
  • Date accepted
    2020-05-13
  • Date published
    2020-10-08

Processing of platinum group metal ores in Russia and South Africa: current state and prospects

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The presented study is devoted to a comparative review of the mineral raw material base of platinum group metals (PGMs) and technologies of their processing in South Africa and Russia, the largest PGM producers. Mineralogical and geochemical classification and industrial value of iron-platinum and platinum-bearing deposits are presented in this work. The paper also reviews types of PGM ore body occurrences, ore processing methods (with a special focus on flotation processes), as well as difficulties encountered by enterprises at the processing stage, as they increase recovery of the valuable components. Data on mineralogical features of PGM deposits, including the distribution of elements in the ores, are provided. The main lines of research on mineralogical features and processing of raw materials of various genesis are identified and validated. Sulfide deposits are found to be of the highest industrial value in both countries. Such unconventional PGM sources, as black shale, dunites, chromite, low-sulfide, chromium and titanomagnetite ores, anthropogenic raw materials, etc. are considered. The main lines of research that would bring into processing non-conventional metal sources are substantiated. Analysis of new processing and metallurgical methods of PGM recovery from non-conventional and industrial raw materials is conducted; the review of existing processing technologies for platinum-bearing raw materials is carried out. Technologies that utilize modern equipment for ultrafine grinding are considered, as well as existing reagents for flotation recovery; evaluation of their selectivity in relation to platinum minerals is presented. Basing on the analysis of main technological processes of PGM ore treatment, the most efficient schemes are identified, i.e.,gravity and flotation treatment with subsequent metallurgical processing.

How to cite: Aleksandrova T.N., О’Connor C. Processing of platinum group metal ores in Russia and South Africa: current state and prospects // Journal of Mining Institute. 2020. Vol. 244. p. 462-473. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2020.4.9
Geoecology and occupational health and safety
  • Date submitted
    2020-06-14
  • Date accepted
    2020-06-14
  • Date published
    2020-06-30

Geochemical approach in assessing the technogenic impact on soils

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The soil assessment was carried out in the technogenically-affected area of Irkutsk Oblast with the geochemical approach as a key geoecological method using physical and chemical techniques of analysis and ecodiagnostics. Diagnostic signs of the disturbed natural properties of the soil were revealed up to a depth of 40 cm in the profile based on macro- and micromorphometric parameters. The content of heavy metals (HM) – Pb, Zn, Hg, and Cu with an excess of standards was determined, and empirical HM – pH correlations were obtained by statistical clustering of the data array. The contributions of additional factors affecting the chemical element distribution in the soil layer were investigated. Significant soil contamination with sulfates and the possibility of implementing the ion-exchange of HM andfor element immobilization were revealed. It was shown that reactions with sulfates and the influence of pH, HM exchange processes involving mobile K and P can determine the nature of the described chemical element distribution in the multi-factor-contaminated technogenic soil. However, the effectiveness of such types of interaction is different for each metal and also depends on the quantitative ratio of substances and soil characteristics, even under a minor change in pH. Two-parameter correlations of HM distribution in sulfate-contaminated soils confirmed the different degrees of involvement of chemical elements in these types of interactions. The results obtained and the identified factors are of applied significance and can be used as the basis for geoecological differentiation of the contaminated soil, as well as for determining local geochemical fields in the technogenesis zone. Areas of advanced research are related to three-dimensional modeling for a more complete study of the cause-and-effect relationships of geochemical parameters.

How to cite: Sarapulova G.I. Geochemical approach in assessing the technogenic impact on soils // Journal of Mining Institute. 2020. Vol. 243. p. 388-392. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2020.3.388
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2019-09-04
  • Date accepted
    2019-12-25
  • Date published
    2020-04-24

Composition of spherules and lower mantle minerals, isotopic and geochemical characteristics of zircon from volcaniclastic facies of the Mriya lamproite pipe

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The article presents the results of studying the rocks of the pyroclastic facies of the Mriya lamproite pipe, located on the Priazovsky block of the Ukrainian shield. In them the rock's mineral composition includes a complex of exotic mineral particles formed under extreme reduction mantle conditions: silicate spherules, particles of native metals and intermetallic alloys, oxygen-free minerals such as diamond, qusongite (WC), and osbornite (TiN). The aim of the research is to establish the genesis of volcaniclastic rocks and to develop ideas of the highly deoxidized mantle mineral association (HRMMA), as well as to conduct an isotopic and geochemical study of zircon. As a result, groups of minerals from different sources are identified in the heavy fraction: HRMMA can be attributed to the juvenile magmatic component of volcaniclastic rocks; a group of minerals and xenoliths that can be interpreted as xenogenic random material associated with mantle nodules destruction (hornblendite, olivinite and dunite xenoliths), intrusive lamproites (tremolite-hornblende) and crystalline basement rocks (zircon, hornblende, epidote, and granitic xenoliths). The studied volcaniclastic rocks can be defined as intrusive pyroclastic facies (tuffisites) formed after the lamproites intrusion. Obviously, the HRMMA components formed under extreme reducing conditions at high temperatures, which are characteristic of the transition core-mantle zone. Thus, we believe that the formation of primary metal-silicate HRMMA melts is associated with the transition zone D".

How to cite: Yatsenko I.G., Skublov S.G., Levashova E.V., Galankina O.L., Bekesha S.N. Composition of spherules and lower mantle minerals, isotopic and geochemical characteristics of zircon from volcaniclastic facies of the Mriya lamproite pipe // Journal of Mining Institute. 2020. Vol. 242. p. 150-159. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2020.2.150
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2019-05-12
  • Date accepted
    2019-07-22
  • Date published
    2019-10-23

A Modern View of Anomalies in the Metal Groups of the Periodic System of D.I.Mendeleev

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The article is devoted to the 150 th anniversary of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements by D.I.Mendeleev. The fundamental law of nature, discovered by D.I.Mendeleev has anomalies and paradoxes associated with certain groups of metals. When studying the physical and chemical properties of complex metal compounds, many discrepancies can be found, namely, the location of elements in groups, which primarily relate to metals with different valences. By studying the approaches and methods for predicting the arrangement of chemical elements, it can be established that D.I.Mendeleev eliminated many differences for some metals during the formation of the Periodic system of chemical elements. D.I.Mendeleev developed a principle that excludes such errors when finding and discovering new elements. Analytical studies conducted by a Russian scientist helped to calculate the atomic masses and describe the properties of three elements not known at that time – «eka-boron», «eka-silicon», «eka-aluminum», the existence of which was proved and confirmed by subsequent discoveries of scandium, germanium, boron, and gallium. The paper provides a significant assessment of the forecasting of metals in various groups of the periodic system. Changes in the properties of some metals significantly influenced their location in the table of D.I.Mendeleev.

How to cite: Bazhin V.Y., Aleksandrova T.A., Kotova E.L., Suslov A.P. A Modern View of Anomalies in the Metal Groups of the Periodic System of D.I.Mendeleev // Journal of Mining Institute. 2019. Vol. 239. p. 520-527. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2019.5.520
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2019-05-20
  • Date accepted
    2019-07-12
  • Date published
    2019-10-23

Development of Manufacturing Technology for High-Strength Hull Steel Reducing Production Cycle and Providing High-Quality Sheets

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The article presents the results of scientific research and industrial experiments aimed at the development of technology to reduce the production cycle of high-strength hull steel. The technology includes an improved reduced heat treatment of ingots made using rare-earth metals and uphill teeming of large sheet ingots. The proposed technology for the preliminary heat treatment of ingots eliminates the high-temperature phase re- crystallization operation, which is unnecessary, according to the authors, since it does not allow partial crushing (grinding) of the metal dendritic structure and homogenization. When using the proposed technology of reduced pre- treatment, phase and structural stresses are sharply reduced. Experiments have shown that the modification of steel with rare-earth metals has a positive effect on the crystallization of ingots, changing the macro- and microstructure of alloy steel. The developed manufacturing technology of high-strength hull steel provides a high level of sheet quality and a reduction in the production cycle time by 10-12 %.

How to cite: Milyuts V.G., Tsukanov V.V., Pryakhin E.I., Nikitina L.B. Development of Manufacturing Technology for High-Strength Hull Steel Reducing Production Cycle and Providing High-Quality Sheets // Journal of Mining Institute. 2019. Vol. 239. p. 536-543. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2019.5.536
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2019-05-02
  • Date accepted
    2019-07-25
  • Date published
    2019-10-23

Composition Heterogeneity of Xenoliths of Mantle Peridotites from Alkaline Basalts of the Sverre Volcano, the Svalbard Archipelago

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The article presents the results of a study of the composition of xenoliths of mantle peridotites (seven samples), collected from the Quaternary basalts of the Sverre volcano, the Svalbard archipelago. The presence of two big (more than 15 cm in diameter) xenoliths of spinel lherzolite allowed us to consider a change in their composition in the cen- tral, intermediate, and marginal parts of the samples. It is proposed to distinguish three types of xenoliths by the distribution of trace and rare earth elements. Enrich- ment of mantle peridotites with light rare earth elements, as well as high field strength (HFS) and large-ion lithophile (LIL) elements, is presumably associated with mantlemetasomatism.

How to cite: Skublov S.G., Ashikhmin D.S. Composition Heterogeneity of Xenoliths of Mantle Peridotites from Alkaline Basalts of the Sverre Volcano, the Svalbard Archipelago // Journal of Mining Institute. 2019. Vol. 239. p. 483-491. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2019.5.483
Geoecology and occupational health and safety
  • Date submitted
    2018-07-12
  • Date accepted
    2018-09-16
  • Date published
    2018-12-21

Environmental Geochemical Assessment of Technogenic Soils

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The purpose of this study was to obtain diagnostic features and criteria for the distribution of heavy metals in technogenically altered soils in the area of industrial facilities, depending on their altered geochemical properties, which make it possible to fix chemical elements in landscapes (the formation of geochemical barriers). On the basis of the geoecological assessment, disturbance of the soil buffer properties, which is reflected in the ionic composition change, alkalization, pH increase, and sulfate-chloride salinization have been revealed. This forms the heavy metals alkaline barrier. For example, in case of Cu, Pb, Zn, and N, it contributes to their accumulation and subsequent concentration in the soil layer due to the exchange interactions between chemical elements and Na + , K + , Ca 2+ cations. Soil saturation with sulphates also increases the probability of metals demobilization in the soil layer. It has been shown that intra-sectional soil migration of oil products (one of the most common pollutants of industrial areas) and chemical elements occurs at a depth of 30-50 cm, where the oil products based on a clay sorption layer form a technogenic barrier.

How to cite: Sarapulova G.I. Environmental Geochemical Assessment of Technogenic Soils // Journal of Mining Institute. 2018. Vol. 234. p. 658-662. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2018.6.658