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noble metal minerals

Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-05-03
  • Date accepted
    2024-11-07
  • 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
    2024-04-12
  • Date accepted
    2024-09-05
  • Date published
    2024-11-12

Promising reagents for the extraction of strategic metals from difficult-to-enrich mineral raw materials

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The need of the mining and processing industry for new types of directional reagents is due to the deterioration of the material composition of the processed ores. Low Au content (less than 0.5-1.0 g/t), finely dispersed Au inclusions (0.1-10.0 microns) in the ore, similar properties of the separated minerals have an extremely negative effect on flotation performance when using traditional reagents, which leads to significant losses of valuable metal with enrichment tailings. Expanding the range of domestic flotation reagents based on the latest achievements of fundamental research and their targeted application at mining and processing companies will compensate for the negative impact of the mineral composition of raw materials and ensure maximum extraction of strategic metals from difficult-to-enrich ores. The use of modern research methods (scanning electron and laser microscopy, UV spectrophotometry, XRF and chemical analysis) made it possible to visualize the adsorption layer of new reagents-collectors of a number of dithiocarbamates with different structures of a hydrocarbon radical and an organic modifier on the surface of gold-containing sulfides. The amount of adsorbed reagents on the surface of minerals has been experimentally determined. The specific features of the fixation of reagents on minerals of various compositions led to optimal correlations of their consumption in the flotation process. Scientifically based reagent regimes ensured an increase in the gold content in the concentrate and a decrease in the loss of gold with tailings by 5-6 % during flotation enrichment of the refractory ore of the Malinovskoe deposit.

How to cite: Matveeva T.N., Gromova N.K., Lantsova L.B. Promising reagents for the extraction of strategic metals from difficult-to-enrich mineral raw materials // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 269 . p. 757-764. EDN XAAEGH
Economic Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-04-08
  • Date accepted
    2024-06-13
  • Date published
    2024-12-25

Analysing the problems of reproducing the mineral resource base of scarce strategic minerals

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The results of studying the scarcity of strategic minerals in the Russian Federation are presented, domestic consumption of which is largely provided by forced imports and/or stored reserves. Relevance of the work is due to aggravation of the geopolitical situation and a growing necessity to meet the demand of national economy for raw materials from own sources. Analysis of the state of mineral resource base of scarce minerals in the Russian Federation was accomplished, problems were identified and prospects for its development were outlined taking into account the domestic demand for scarce minerals, their application areas and the main consumers. Reducing the deficit through the import of foreign raw materials and the development of foreign deposits does not ensure the reproduction of the domestic mineral resource base, independence of the country from imported raw materials as well as additional competitive advantages, economic stability and security. It was ascertained that a major factor holding back the development of the mineral resource base is insufficient implementation of new technological solutions for the use of low-quality ore. Improving the technologies in the industry is relevant for all types of scarce minerals to solve the problem of reproducing their resource base. Taking into account the prospects for the development of the resource base for the minerals under consideration (manganese, uranium, chromium, fluorspar, zirconium, titanium, graphite) requires a set of legal and economic measures aimed at increasing the investment attractiveness of geological exploration for subsoil users at their own expense without attracting public funding. The proposed measures, taking into account the analysis of positive experience of foreign countries, include the development of junior businesses with expansion of the “declarative” principle, the venture capital market, various tax incentives, preferential loans as well as conditions for the development of infrastructure in remote regions. The proposed solution to the problem of scarcity of strategic minerals will make it possible in future to present measures to eliminate the scarcity of certain types of strategic minerals taking into account their specificity.

How to cite: Pashkevich N.V., Khloponina V.S., Pozdnyakov N.A., Avericheva A.A. Analysing the problems of reproducing the mineral resource base of scarce strategic minerals // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 270 . p. 1004-1023. EDN HNTQBF
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
    2024-04-22
  • Date accepted
    2024-06-13
  • Date published
    2024-07-04

Lithification of leachate from municipal solid waste landfills with blast furnace slag

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The article presents an alternative method of utilization of blast furnace slag and leachate from solid municipal waste landfills, the formation of which occurs during the infiltration of atmospheric precipitation through the thickness of deposited waste. The method is based on the conversion of leachate from the liquid phase to the solid aggregate state by lithification using blast furnace slag as an astringent material. The hydraulic activity of slag, which depends on the amount of oxides contained in it, has been estimated. The investigated slag belongs to the 3rd grade, which confirms the possibility of its use as an astringent material. The filtrate was analyzed for the content of various elements, and the maximum permissible concentrations for each element were found to be exceeded. Chemical and biological oxygen demand were determined, and critically high values were installed (17200 mgO2/l and 4750 mgO2/l, respectively). The lithification process was divided into two stages. The first stage was to reduce the organic component in the filtrate using a coagulant, aluminum sulfate; the second stage was slag hydration. The optimum ratio of lithificate components in terms of mixture solidification rate was established at 1:0.03:1.25 (leachate, coagulant, blast furnace slag). The obtained material was analyzed for the solubility and content of various forms of metal. It is established that at infiltration of atmospheric precipitations through lithificate only 3 % of material will be washed out; concentrations of gross and mobile forms of heavy metals do not exceed the maximum permissible, except for the gross content of arsenic, mobile, and water-soluble forms of which were not found. The values of chemical (687 mgO2/l) and biological (173 mgO2/l) oxygen demand in the aqueous extract from lithificate decreased more than 25 times in comparison with the initial filtrate. According to the results of toxicological studies, lithificate was assigned an IV class of waste hazard, which confirms the possibility of its use as bulk material at landfills.

How to cite: Pashkevich M.A., Kulikova Y.A. Lithification of leachate from municipal solid waste landfills with blast furnace slag // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 267 . p. 477-487. EDN CSHCSM
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
    2023-07-07
  • Date accepted
    2023-12-27
  • Date published
    2024-12-25

A new insight into recording the mineral composition of carbonate reservoirs at well killing: experimental studies

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Well killing operation remains an important technological stage before well workover or servicing, during which filtrate penetrates the bottomhole area of the formation. The impact of process fluids and their filtrate on rock has a significant influence on permeability and porosity of carbonate reservoirs, which decrease due to fines migration. There are few known scientific studies of the interaction of killing fluid filtrate with carbonate rock and fines migration. In our experiments, an aqueous phase was used which is the basis for well killing in pure form, for the preparation of blocking agents and is used in reservoir pressure maintenance system. Core samples taken from the pay of the reservoir were used to simulate the well killing process with generation of reservoir thermobaric conditions. Killing fluid filtrate was kept for seven days, which characterizes the average workover time at flowing wells in the fields of the Perm Territory. Using micro-X-ray tomography and scanning electron microscope, images were obtained before and after the experiment, which allowed confirming a decrease in total number of voids due to fines migration and, as a consequence, a decreasing permeability of samples. Measurement of pH and fines concentration in the aqueous phase was performed before and after the experiment and pointed to mineral reactions occurring as a result of rock dissolution. The results of experiments made it possible to record a decrease in permeability of carbonate samples by an average of 50 % due to clogging of void space and migration of fines (clayey and non-clayey).

How to cite: Chernykh V.I., Martyushev D.A., Ponomareva I.N. A new insight into recording the mineral composition of carbonate reservoirs at well killing: experimental studies // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 270 . p. 893-903. EDN QOALPE
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-04-11
  • Date accepted
    2023-10-25
  • Date published
    2024-07-04

Acid mine water treatment using neutralizer with adsorbent material

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One of the biggest issues in the mining sector is due to acid mine drainage, especially in those abandoned mining operations and active ones that fail to adequately control the quality of their water discharge. The removal degree of copper, iron, lead, and zinc dissolved metals in acid mine drainage was investigated by applying different proportions of mixtures based on neutralizing reagent hydrated lime at 67 % calcium oxide (CaO), with adsorbent material – natural sodium bentonite, compared to the application of neutralizing reagent without mixing, commonly used in the neutralization of acid mining drainage. The obtained results show that the removal degree of dissolved metals in acid mine drainage when treated with a mixture of neutralizing reagent and adsorbent material in a certain proportion, reaches discharge quality, complying with the environmental standard (Maximum Permissible Limit), at a lower pH than when neutralizing material is applied without mixing, registering a net decrease in the consumption unit of neutralizing agent express on 1 kg/m3 of acid mine drainage. Furthermore, the sludge produced in the treatment with a mixture of the neutralizing reagent with adsorbent material has better characteristics than common sludge without bentonite, since it is more suitable for use as cover material, reducing the surface infiltration degree of water into the applied deposit.

How to cite: Tumialán P.E., Martinez N.T., Hinostroza C.B., Arana Ruedas D.P.R. Acid mine water treatment using neutralizer with adsorbent material // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 267 . p. 381-387. EDN HWRBRB
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
Energy industry
  • Date submitted
    2023-01-12
  • Date accepted
    2023-06-20
  • Date published
    2023-07-19

Improvement of energy efficiency of ore-thermal furnaces in smelting of alumosilicic raw materials

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The issues of energy saving in pyrometallurgical production during processing of mineral raw materials in ore-thermal furnaces are particularly important for the development of new energy-efficient technologies. The reduction of the specific power consumption during melting at different stages of heating and melting of charge materials when modeling is related to obtaining kinetic curves in the process of kyanite concentrate regeneration in polythermal conditions. Based on practical data of carbo-thermal reduction the mathematical modeling of reduction processes from alumosilicic raw materials – kyanite was carried out. In this work, the nonisothermal method based on a constant rate of charge heating (i.e. a linear dependence between time and temperature) was used for the reduction of kyanite charge, which saves electrical energy. The experiments were carried out on a high-temperature unit with a heater placed in a carbon-graphite crucible. Based on the obtained kinetic dependences of nonisothermal heating of enriched kyanite concentrates in plasma heating conditions we obtained a number of kinetic anamorphoses of the linear form which point to the possibility of describing the reaction rate using the modified Kolmogorov – Erofeev equation for given heating conditions and within a narrow temperature range. The complex of mathematical modeling makes it possible to create a control algorithm of technological process of reduction of kyanite concentrate to a metallized state within the specified temperature range for the full flow of reaction exchange and to reduce the specific power consumption by 15-20 %. With the help of the received kinetic dependences, taking into account the thermodynamics of processes and current state of the art it is possible to create a universal thermal unit for the optimal carbothermal reduction of charge to a metallized state (alloy) with minimum power inputs compared to existing technologies.

How to cite: Bazhin V.Y., Ustinova Y.V., Fedorov S.N., Shalabi M.E.K. Improvement of energy efficiency of ore-thermal furnaces in smelting of alumosilicic raw materials // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 261 . p. 384-391. EDN RTQXSE
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-08-22
  • Date accepted
    2023-02-02
  • Date published
    2023-08-28

Wodginite as an indicator mineral of tantalum-bearing pegmatites and granites

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In the composition of tantalum-niobates, the tin-bearing wodginite group minerals (WGM) were found: wod-ginite, titanowodginite, ferrowodginite, ferrotitanowodginite, lithiowodginite, tantalowodginite, “wolframowodginite”. We reviewed the worldwide research on WGM and created a database of 698 analyses from 55 sources including the author's data. WGM are associated with Li-F pegmatites and Li-F granites. Wodginite is the most prevalent mineral, occurring in 86.6 % of pegmatites and 78.3 % of granites. The occurrence of WGM in granites and pegmatites differs. For instance, titanowodginite and “wolframowodginite” occur three times more frequently in granites than in pegmatites, whereas lithiowodginite and tantalowodginite do not appear in granites at all. The difference between WGM in granites and pegmatites is in finer grain size, higher content of Sn, Nb, Ti, W, and Sc; lower content of Fe 3+ , Ta, Zr, Hf; higher ratio of Mn/(Mn + Fe); and lower ratio of Zr/Hf. The evolutionary series of WGM in pegmatites are as follows: ferrowodginite → ferrotitanowodginite → titanowodginite → “wolframowodginite” → wodginite → tantalowodginite; in granites: ferrowodginite → ferrotitanowodginite → “wolframowodginite” → wodginite → titanowodginite. WGM can serve as indicators of tantalum-bearing pegmatites and granites. In Russia the promising sources of tantalum are deposits of the Far Eastern belt of Li-F granites containing wodginite.

How to cite: Alekseev V.I. Wodginite as an indicator mineral of tantalum-bearing pegmatites and granites // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 262 . p. 495-508. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.19
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
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-03-22
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-17
  • Date published
    2023-02-27

Development of composition and study of sorbent properties based on saponite

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The development of a comprehensive approach to preventing the pollution of natural objects is necessary due to the high requirements of environmental legislation for the discharge of industrial wastewater. Adsorbents are used in various industries to extract heavy metals from wastewater. In this study the possibility of using saponite clay as a raw material for the production of sorbent for the extraction of copper ions Cu 2+ from industrial wastewater is considered, a recipe and technology of sorbent production are developed, and its chemical composition is established. It has been established that the optimum temperature for heat treatment of the sorbent and corresponds to 550 ºC, since at this temperature saponite extrudates acquire strength (strength 34.1 kg/mm 2 ) and textural properties (specific surface area of pellets 22.803 m 2 /g), allowing them to be used as sorbents. The kinetics of molecular adsorption was studied using model solutions of copper (II) sulfate. The extraction efficiency of copper (II) ions from the model solutions is 93 %. Extraction efficiency of copper (II) ions from copper plating wastewater reaches 94 %. SEM results confirm the presence of metal on the sorbent surface.

How to cite: Zubkova O.S., Pyagay I.N., Pankratieva K.A., Toropchina M.A. Development of composition and study of sorbent properties based on saponite // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 259 . p. 21-29. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.1
Economic Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-11-08
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-21
  • Date published
    2023-02-27

Assessment of the role of the state in the management of mineral resources

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Mineral resources as natural capital can be transformed into human, social and physical capital that guarantees the sustainable development of a country, exclusively through professional public management. Public management of a country's mineral resource potential is seen as an element of transnational governance which provides for the use of laws, rules and regulations within the jurisdictional and sectoral capabilities of the state, minimising its involvement as a producer of minerals. The features of the ideology of economic liberalism, which polarises the societies of mineral-producing countries and denies the role of the state as a market participant, have been studied. The analysis of the influence of the radical new order of neoliberal world ideology on the development of the extractive sector and state regulation has been presented.

How to cite: Litvinenko V.S., Petrov E.I., Vasilevskaya D.V., Yakovenko A.V., Naumov I.A., Ratnikov M.A. Assessment of the role of the state in the management of mineral resources // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 259 . p. 95-111. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.100
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-10-10
  • Date accepted
    2023-01-19
  • Date published
    2023-12-25

Assessment of the possibility of using leucoxene-quartz concentrate as raw material for production of aluminium and magnesium titanates

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Leucoxene-quartz concentrate is a large-tonnage by-product of development of the Timan oil-titanium field (oil-saturated sandstones) which is not commercially used at present. High content of titanium compounds (to 50 % by weight) and lack of industrial, cost-effective, and safe technologies for its processing determine a high relevance of the work. Conventional processing technologies allow increasing the concentration of TiO2, but they are only a preparation for complex and hazardous selective chlorination. The process of pyrometallurgical conversion of leucoxene-quartz concentrate into aluminium and magnesium titanates was investigated. It was ascertained that the temperature of solid-phase reaction in Al2O3-TiO2-SiO2 system necessary for the synthesis of aluminium titanate (Al2TiO5) is 1,558 °С, and for MgO-TiO2-SiO2 system – 1,372 °С. Scaling up the process made it possible to synthesize a significant number of samples of titanate-containing products, the phase composition of which was studied by X-ray phase analysis. Two main phases were identified in the products: 30 % aluminium/magnesium titanate and 40 % silicon dioxide. In products of pyrometallurgical processing in the presence of aluminium, phases of pseudobrookite (3.5 %) and titanite (0.5 %) were also found. It was ascertained that in magnesium-containing system the formation of three magnesium titanates is possible: MgTiO3 – 25, Mg2TiO4 – 35, MgTi2O5 – 40 %. Experiments on sulphuric acid leaching of samples demonstrated a higher degree of titanium compounds extraction during sulphuric acid processing. An integrated conceptual scheme for processing leucoxene-quartz concentrate to produce a wide range of potential products (coagulants, catalysts, materials for ceramic industry) was proposed.

How to cite: Kuzin E.N., Mokrushin I.G., Kruchinina N.E. Assessment of the possibility of using leucoxene-quartz concentrate as raw material for production of aluminium and magnesium titanates // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 264 . p. 886-894. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.15
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2022-06-17
  • Date accepted
    2022-10-18
  • Date published
    2022-11-03

Scientific experimental bases for dry beneficiation of mineral ores

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The article presents the results of research on the development of processes and equipment for ore preparation and pneumatic dry beneficiation of mineral ores. The methods of crushing and grinding before enrichment of minerals have been considered, dry enrichment of geomaterials is investigated. Highly efficient prototypes of beneficiation equipment are developed and tested: crushers of multiple dynamic impact RD-MDV-900, DKD-300, centrifugal grinders CMVU-800 and VCI-12, pneumatic separator POS-2000. Fundamental designs are created, and a number of new ore preparation and pneumatic beneficiation instruments are being designed. The efficiency of approbation of an autonomous dry beneficiation complex with new safe environmental standards for the processing of gold-bearing ores, which makes it possible to fully release and extract free gold with a particle size from 10,000 to 100 µm, is shown. The introduction of the dry beneficiation method is very promising for the mining industry. It will allow to reduce capital costs for the construction of stationary beneficiation plants, completely or partially withdraw from the use of process water, the construction of a water supply system, a traditional tailing dam, etc.

How to cite: Matveev A.I., Lebedev I.F., Vinokurov V.R., Lvov E.S. Scientific experimental bases for dry beneficiation of mineral ores // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 256 . p. 613-622. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.90
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2021-03-31
  • Date accepted
    2022-04-26
  • Date published
    2022-11-03

Features of obtaining metallurgical products in the solid-state hydride synthesis conditions

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A scientific substantiation of solid-phase feedstock choice and preparation has been carried out, and the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of solid-state hydride synthesis (SHS) of metal products have been analyzed using the nickel dichloride reduction as an example. The preliminary dehydration modes and methods for controlling the complete removal of crystalline water from chloride raw materials and Olenegorsk superconcentrate, which is natural oxide raw material, are described. Conditions, including initial solid chloride particle sizes, are established under which diffusion complications of reduction to metal in methyldichlorosilane vapor are minimized. Thermodynamic estimates of nickel chlorides and oxides reduction possibility, iron and copper with ammonia and methane at temperatures of 400-1000 K in equilibrium conditions have been carried out. It has been shown that the stoichiometric coefficients of the nickel dichloride in ammonia overall reduction reaction calculated by thermodynamic modeling are in agreement with experimental data. In contrast to the copper dichloride reduction, for nickel dichloride the formation of metal monochloride at the intermediate stage is uncharacteristic, which is associated with a higher thermal stability of nickel dichloride. The main kinetic regularities of the reduction of nickel, copper, and iron to metal under SHS conditions in ammonia, monosilane, and methane, as well as the nickel dichloride with methyldichlorosilane vapor and methane successive reduction, are considered. Approximation of experimental data by topochemical equations in a linear form showed that for reduction degrees a up to 0.7-0.8, these data are satisfactorily described by the Roginsky – Schultz equation. For a > 0,8 the “shrinking sphere” model works better, which confirms the localization of the solid-state reduction reaction at the interface, moves deep into the crystal with the formation of a of interlocked metal germs. The importance and prospects of the results obtained for the theory development of metallurgical processes, deep complex processing of natural iron oxide raw materials, metal products and new generation materials production, including superhydrophobic ones, are discussed. The relevance of the study from the point of view of applying the method of physical and chemical analysis to the study of complex heterogeneous metallurgical processes is noted.

How to cite: Syrkov A.G., Yachmenova L.A. Features of obtaining metallurgical products in the solid-state hydride synthesis conditions // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 256 . p. 651-662. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.25
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2022-04-13
  • Date accepted
    2022-05-25
  • Date published
    2022-11-03

Mineralogical and technological features and patterns of selective disintegration of ferruginous quartzites of the Mikhailovskoye deposit

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The growing demand for ferrous metallurgy products necessitates the introduction of technologies that increase the efficiency of the processing of iron-bearing raw materials. A promising trend in this area is the implementation of solutions based on the possibility of selective disintegration of ores. The purpose of this work was to establish the laws of selective disintegration of ferruginous quartzites based on the results of the study of mineralogical and technological properties of raw materials. We present data on the study of mineralogical and technological features of ferruginous quartzites of the Mikhailovskoye deposit. The data were obtained using X-ray fluorescence analysis and automated mineralogical analysis. Based on studies of the nature of dissemination and the size of grains of rock-forming and ore minerals, the tasks of ore preparation are formulated. The parameters for the iron and silicon oxide distribution by grain-size classes in the grinding products were established during the study. Based on empirical dependences, the grain size of grinding was predicted, at which the most effective release of intergrowths of ore minerals and their minimum transition to the size class of –44 µm should be achieved.

How to cite: Aleksandrova T.N., Chanturiya A.V., Kuznetsov V.V. Mineralogical and technological features and patterns of selective disintegration of ferruginous quartzites of the Mikhailovskoye deposit // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 256 . p. 517-526. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.58
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-03-31
  • Date accepted
    2022-05-11
  • Date published
    2022-07-26

Carbonatite complexes of the South Urals: geochemical features, ore mineralization, and geodynamic settings

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The article presents the results of study of the Ilmeno-Vishnevogorsky and Buldym carbonatite complexes in the Urals. It has been established that the carbonatites of the Ilmeno-Vishnevogorsky complex are represented by high-temperature calciocarbonatites (sövites I and II) with pyrochlore ore mineralization. U-Ta-rich populations of uranium pyrochlores (I) and fluorocalciopyrochlores (II) crystallize in miaskite-pegmatites and sövites I; fluorocalciopyrochlores (III) and Sr-REE-pyrochlores (IV) of late populations form in sövites II. In the Buldym complex, along with high-temperature calciocarbonatites containing fluorocalciopyrochlore (III), medium-temperature varieties of magnesiocarbonatites with REE-Nb mineralization (monazite, niobo-aeschynite, columbite, etc.) are widespread. Miaskites and carbonatites of the Urals are characterized by high contents of LILE (Sr, Ba, K, Rb) and HFSE (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Ti), which are close to the contents in rift-related carbonatite complexes of intraplate settings and significantly differ from synorogenic collisional carbonatite complexes. The Ural carbonatite complexes formed on continental rift margins during the opening of the Ural Ocean at the time of transition from extensional to compressional tectonics. Later on, they were captured and deformed in the suture zone as a result of collision. Plastic and brittle deformations, anatexis, recrystallization of rocks and ores of carbonatite complexes in the Urals are associated with orogenic and post-collision settings.

How to cite: Nedosekova I.L. Carbonatite complexes of the South Urals: geochemical features, ore mineralization, and geodynamic settings // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 255 . p. 349-368. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.28
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-04-12
  • Date accepted
    2022-05-25
  • Date published
    2022-07-26

Rare minerals of noble metals in the collection of the Mining Museum: new data

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Modern analytical methods (optical and electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis) were used to study the unique samples of sulfide ores from the Norilsk ore field from the Mining Museum collections of Saint Petersburg Mining University. Samples containing rare minerals of silver and platinum-group metals (sobolevskite, urvantsevite, sperrylite, argentopentlandite, froodite, kotulskite, and others) were studied. The chemical composition, grain sizes, aggregates, and mineral associations of more than ten noble metal minerals have been refined. The efficiency of combining various methods of electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis for studying samples of this type is shown. The results of the work made it possible to obtain high-quality images of rare minerals, to detail information on museum objects, and to compile their scientific description. The conducted research showed the relevance of studying museum objects from known deposits of complex genesis and mineral composition in order to find and describe the samples with rare minerals.

How to cite: Petrov D.A., Ryzhkova S.O., Gembitskaya I.M. Rare minerals of noble metals in the collection of the Mining Museum: new data // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 255 . p. 493-500. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.42
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