Columbite, a critical mineral for niobium extraction, achieving efficient collection of columbite in the flotation process remains a significant challenge. Based on the preliminary work, it was found that octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) were used as the mixed collector system, which could reduce the cost and improve the recovery of columbite. However, the synergistic

The disposal of high-sulfur tailings severely impacts the environment. Preparing them into cemented paste backfill (CPB) and backfilling them into underground goafs is an environmentally friendly technology. However, the study on high-sulfur CPB performance and control mechanism is currently unclear, resulting in application limitations. This study comprehensively studies the rheological and mechanical

Geostatistical modeling involves continuous and categorical variables that are relevant in various earth science applications. While many studies have focused on modeling continuous variables such as ore and mineral grades with geological domains, the choice of modeling technique depends on the abruptness of the variation across these domains. In cases in which continuous variables display soft fluctuations

Aluminum dross (AD) represents a significant byproduct of the aluminum smelting process, characterized by its considerable content of elements such as Al, Si, N, and F, which imbue it with both substantial potential economic value and non-negligible environmental pollution risks. Consequently, the clean recovery and disposal of AD emerge as a pivotal challenge that the aluminum industry urgently needs

The shape of the media significantly impacts the grinding process, but opacity (the black box issue) limits in-depth analysis of the mechanisms by which media shape affects grinding. This paper employs Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations and batch grinding tests to systematically study the effects of different shaped grinding media on the grinding process. Based on changes in the motion behavior

Conventional flotations for separating jamesonite and pyrite employ cyanide as a pyrite flotation inhibitor, leading to significant environmental concerns. In this study, density functional theory calculations were utilized to investigate the differences in the adsorption of DL-2-amino-3-mercaptopropionic acid (DL) on jamesonite and pyrite surfaces. The potential of DL as a pyrite flotation inhibitor

Entrapment of organic solvents in the aqueous phase is the main drawback of hydrometallurgical extraction of copper, which leads to lower quality of the produced cathodes in the electrowinning (EW) process. To address this challenge, a synthesized hydrophobic nano-porous silica aerogel was utilized to selectively eliminate the organic solvent in the ppm range, namely commercial LIX984N (a mixture of

This paper presents the results of a preliminary study aiming at developing a flowsheet to recover lithium hosted in lepidolite and potential metallic by-products from the Beauvoir rare metal granite (Allier, France). One of the main challenges with such unconventional lithium deposits is the different liberation mesh sizes between the coarse-grained lepidolite (∼300 µm) and the finer-grained (∼100 µm)

This study investigated the incorporation of hydrogen (H2) as a partial replacement of carbon (C) during ferrochrome (FeCr) production. Chromite was subjected to H2-reduction to metallise its iron (Fe) −oxide content, followed by the removal of the metallised Fe by acid leaching. Hereafter, the chromium (Cr) −oxide rich ore was subjected to C-reduction. During H2-reduction, 64.3 % ± 6.1 % of Fe-oxides

Lime modification of alumina-bearing iron silicate slags in copper matte production was studied at 1200 °C. The experimental p(SO2) and p(O2) conditions were fixed to produce about 60 wt% Cu matte grade. The behaviour of the slag and matte, containing trace elements silver, indium, lead, and tin, was studied as a function of lime concentration in the slag (2–––11 wt% CaO). Lime modification had a clear

Phosphogypsum (PG), a by-product of wet-process phosphoric acid production, holds significant potential for use in construction and other industrial applications. However, impurities such as quartz, while not posing direct environmental hazards, negatively impact critical properties like whiteness, limiting PG’s practical utility. Addressing these impurities is therefore essential to enhance PG’s performance

This study investigates the potential of reprocessing mine waste rock (WR) to mitigate acid generation, remove contaminants, and recover valuable resources. The WR, with a wide particle size distribution, was separated into a reactive fine fraction and an inert coarse fraction based on the diameter of physical locking of sulphides (DPLS). Through mineralogical characterization and geochemical analysis

The Reflux Classifier achieves powerful synergy between an upper system of inclined channels and lower fluidised bed arrangement, delivering gravity separation in a single stage of separation. This paper is concerned with the step-change improvement in gravity separation utilising the latest in a series of improvements. The laminar-shear separation mechanism led to the introduction of closely-spaced

Rare earth elements are valuable resources on Earth and indispensable for many contemporary advanced technologies. Efficient and clean development and the use of rare earth resources are essential for sustainable development. However, the current development or recovery of rare earth resources incurs high economic and environmental costs, and there is an urgent need to develop low-cost and environmentally

Cyanide tailings were produced by cyanidation gold extraction and normally contained a large amount of unrecovered valuable metals. At present, there are few pieces of research on the activation flotation recovery of useful minerals in cyanidation tailings. In this paper, the activation flotation of cyanide-depressed pyrite using sodium persulfate (PDS) and ferrous sulfate (Fe(II)) was systematically

Milling processes have been predominantly studied in relation to their primary function of particle size reduction and liberation, with little attention paid to the underlying chemical changes induced by this process. Furthermore, most studies have been conducted in the presence of ore, making it difficult to establish a clear reference point for understanding the different effects of the milling conditions

Effective flotation recovery of fine molybdenite is a significant challenge. This study investigated the role of superhydrophobic magnetic carriers (SMC) in improving the flotation recovery of fine molybdenite. Flotation tests of actual molybdenum ore showed that the addition of SMC can significantly improve the recovery of −38 μm molybdenite, especially −19 μm molybdenite, with a 14 % increase in

The Reflux Flotation Cell (RFC) developed in recent years has proven to be able to process a wide size range of particles and enhance the throughput in coal flotation. Our previous research has shown that the recovery of graphite particles with an aspect ratio of 0.2 is significantly lower than the recovery of coal particles with an aspect ratio of 0.8, attributed to the higher drag on graphite particles

In Part I, we introduced distributed rate constants into the algorithm of Crompton et al (2023) used for describing the partitioning of hydrophobic particles in coarse particle flotation. The Part I paper applied the new algorithm to a previous data set generated using the CoarseAIRTM fluidised bed separator. This Part II paper investigated the uncertainty in the new algorithm. A mechanical cell was

Tailings thickening is the primary link and key technology of cemented paste backfill (CPB) systems. However, the thickened tailings solids concentration is often substandard because the thickening mechanism under high compression stress (up to 30 kPa) is poorly understood, and is therefore investigated based on the rheological properties of tailings. A self-developed high-compression stress experimental

With the discovery of super-enriched lithium (Li) in coal, coal-based Li resource is a promising way to meet Li demand. However, traditional Li extraction methods are mainly through acid leaching, bringing many impurities into leaching solution and complicating the subsequent purification process. Herein, a selective Li extraction method employing a sulfuric acid baking-decomposition process from coal

Determining the percentage of minerals with an intergranular fracture during grinding is valuable for liberation studies. However, a challenge is created by the variability of the ore texture in similar deposits. In this study, the percentage of intergranular fracture in iron oxide minerals, quartz, and ferrohornblende for the three types of iron ores was calculated by phase-specific surface area (PSSA)

In nature, when the Fe content is greater than 6 %, it is the most stable impurity in the sphalerite lattice. Fe dissolves in the mineral lattice in an isomorphous form, that is, it replaces Zn to form Fe-containing sphalerite, whose chemical formula is [ZnxFe(1-x)] S, which belongs to the isometric crystal system, has ionic-covalent chemical bonds, has the most negative formation energy, and is more

The pH effect in minerals flotation is of key significance in maximizing the recovery of platinum group minerals (PGMs). The computational simulations, microcalorimetry and microflotation experimental approaches were utilised to determine the performance of sodium normal butyl xanthate (SNBX), sodium normal butyl dithiocarbamate (SNBDTC) and sodium 2,6-dithio-4-butylamino-1,3,5-triazine (SDTBAT), xanthate

Lithium is a crucial strategic resource that plays a pivotal and instrumental role in facilitating the advancement of new energy technologies. The rapid growth of the renewable energy industry has resulted in a critical shortage of lithium salt supplies. The extraction of lithium from saline lake brine is characterized by its low energy consumption and cost-effectiveness, making it a prominent area

The flotation separation of parisite from calcium-bearing gangue minerals, such as fluorite and calcite, poses a significant challenge in the rare earth ore production process. In this study, an eco-friendly and highly selective depressant polyaspartic acid (PASP) was adopted in the flotation separation of parisite from calcite and fluorite, and its depression mechanism was investigated through various

The separation of calcium minerals by flotation is difficult without the use of depressants. As an alternative, a mixture of collectors, either ionics or ionic-alcohol mixture, could be used for this mineral separation, and without depressants. It was found that addition of nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohols to the oleate collector has a synergistic effect on the flotation of apatite, calcite and

Gallium (Ga) and germanium (Ge) are rare metals crucial for national applications in semiconductor and military sector. The metals are usually leached from zinc powder replacement residue (ZPRR) produced in the wet zinc refining process. In this study, Ge and Ga were leached from sulfuric acid with the application of a strong magnetic field and an ultrasonic field. The leaching mechanism in the strong

Aiming at the problem of poor flotation effect of oxidized coal slime, this study used a composite flotation collector compounded with diesel oil (DO) and an alcohol polar collector reagent (KD) in order to improve the flotation effect. Through the flotation test, combined with the molecular dynamics simulation method, the effect of the mixed collector on the flotation of oxidized coal was investigated

The reverse flotation of iron ore with etheramine collectors and starch as depressant is widely implemented industrially but has severe shortcomings in dealing with complex lithologies and reclamation of slimes and tailings. Previously, we explored the adsorption of a new ternary collector reagent based on a mixture of etheramine, amidoamine and a frother. FTIR band intensities point to favorable adsorption

Nickel (Ni) is a critical metal facing a sharp increase in demand as it is a key ingredient in clean energy technologies such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for electric vehicles (EVs). The gradual depletion in the active high-grade Ni sulfide deposits has garnered more attention toward Ni extraction from low-grade ultramafic Ni sulfides. Although the low-grade ultramafic sulfide deposits have the

This study explores the liberation of valuable metals from spent Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs) following cryogenic grinding with varying grinding times, frequencies, and particle sizes. We characterize the physicochemical changes in lithium metal oxide particles focusing on the mineral phases, semi-quantification, and liberation of Co, Ni, and Mn. A total of 18 cathodic material samples underwent cryogenic

High content of phyllosilicate minerals has a deleterious effect on the mineral flotation process. In clay science, with increasing the solid concentration, phyllosilicate mineral particles associate into different network structures, according to the relative potentials and positions of basal faces and edge faces, which plays a dominant role in the flow behaviour of pulp. In this paper, the effect

Waste fine flotation tailings (WFFTs) constitute a type of ore slurry consisting of fine tailing particles and beneficiation wastewater produced in the mineral flotation process. It can lead to resource wastage and ecological pollution due to irrational disposal process. This study aimed at recovering the useful building materials and water resources via reprocessing WFFTs by classification, magnetic

As the world faces the rapid depletion of high-grade iron ore reserves, the abundant high-phosphorus iron ore deposits present significant potential for future exploitation. These ores, rich in the valuable elements of iron and phosphorus, necessitate the development of practical processes for upgrading iron and recovering phosphorus. Consequently, to promote the foundation and application research

Resource disposal of overhaul slag is an urgent problem in aluminum industry. This paper innovatively proposed the synthesis of cryolite by low temperature H2SO4 roasting and water leaching process. Low temperature H2SO4 roasting can effectively volatilize fluoride such as Na3AlF6, CaF2 and NaF into the flue gas in the form of HF for recovery, and aluminum compounds (Al2O3, Na3AlF6) are converted into

Cluster analysis is frequently used to help in individualizing stationary domains. Its application in creating geometallurgical clusters can follow two approaches. The first utilizes geometallurgical test variables in cluster analysis to define domains based on the geometallurgical database. This approach, common in mining, often lacks sufficient data for accurate 3D modelling. The second approach

The semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill, widely used in large mineral processing plants, is known for its high throughput and production efficiency. However, an accumulation of pebbles can lead to a reduction in throughput and an increase in power consumption during the grinding process. This study investigates the strength of pebbles in conjunction with Davis’ theory of ball movement, considering

Nowadays, tailings management and scarcity of raw materials are both topics that are much discussed in the mining sector. Recycling is therefore a sustainable method of extracting metals from secondary resources for tailings management and the supply of critical metals such as antimony. Alkaline leaching was carried out using mixture of sodium sulfide (Na2S) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Optimisation

Phosphate tailing is a solid waste from the process of phosphate resource utilization. It is rich in phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Exploring a profitable comprehensive utilization route of phosphate tailings is crucial for the disposal of phosphate tailings. A utilization route of P, Ca and Mg in phosphate tailings was proposed in this work. Phosphate tailings were first calcinated and leached

The novel amidoxime-based collectors, 4-pyridylamidoxime (PA), 3-ethyl-4-pyridylamidoxime (EPA), and 3-methyl-5-tert-butyl-4-pyridylamidoxime (MBPA), were introduced in the lead-free flotation separation of wolframite from quartz and calcite. Compared with PA, EPA, and the traditional collector benzohydroxamic acid (BHA), MBPA exhibited a better separation and recovery capacity to wolframite ore. 4

The global demand for cobalt (Co), essential for “clean” energy technologies, has raised interest in identifying secondary sources, including mine tailings. This study evaluates the potential of historic silver (Ag) mine tailings in Ontario, Canada, as a secondary Co source and for arsenic (As) mitigation, offering economic and environmental benefits. Physico–chemical and mineralogical characterization

During froth flotation, minerals enter the concentrate either through true flotation or mechanical entrainment. These two processes occur simultaneously and they determine the efficiency and selectivity of the process. This study proposes use of a bubble surface load value to quantitatively characterize the level of particle adhesion on bubbles. A visual experimental platform was constructed using

Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans is a microorganism of great interest in biohydrometallurgical processes, as it is potentially capable of treating complex, low-grade sulfur minerals. However, there are concerns in the metallurgical industry regarding microbial manipulation due to problems related to cellular integrity, metabolic activities, genetic stability, and long-term maintenance of microbial cultures

Improving the efficiency of leaching arsenic from arsenic-containing gold ores is still a problem that needs to be solved urgently by traditional biological oxidation method. In this work, the effect of oxidant on mineral leaching and the change of arsenic ion valence during biological oxidation were investigated in detail. The results showed that when 5 g/L Peroxymonosulfate(PMS) was added on the

A large amount of the industrial byproduct gypsum can harm the environment, so developing an innovative approach for the utilization of gypsum is highly important. In this study, gypsum was employed to increase the flotation separation efficiency of apatite from calcite. The micro-flotation test revealed that sodium oleate could not separate the two minerals without a depressant. At pH 9, following

In this work, acid surface pretreatment improved the selective dispersion between micro-fine titanaugite (−19 μm) and ilmenite particles in pulp. Microflotation experiments showed that as the mass percentage of micro-fine titanaugite in mixed ore increased, the separation index in ilmenite flotation decreased due to micro-fine titanaugite adsorbed on ilmenite surfaces, while acid surface pretreatment

During the serpentine-contained sulfide ores flotation process, the presence of serpentine slimes will intensively deteriorate the flotation performance of sulfide ores due to hetero-coagulation. To handle this issue, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP) was used as a novel depressant in this work. Micro-flotation results revealed that the addition of 5 g/L fine serpentine particle (−10 µm) caused a

Ironmaking- steelmaking is a material and energy intensive process with a resource efficiency of only ∼ 33 %. Resource efficiency enhancement requires recovering the wasted/unutilized material by-products and the energy associated with them in various forms. This review attempts to identify the material leakages and energy losses at each step of steelmaking (from iron ore mining) and explores approaches

Pyrite is the most abundant metallic sulphide ore in nature and has semiconducting properties that induce electrochemical reactions. Scholars have conducted many related electrochemical studies, but studies on the unconventional environment with low dissolved oxygen (DO) in high altitude area are relatively few. In this study, we have designed and built a high altitude simulation test platform, investigated

Particle shape plays a crucial role in mineral processing and is largely influenced by grinding. However, traditional descriptions of particle shape using circularity are often inadequate to reveal the grinding mechanism. This study applied a new aspect ratio (AR)-modified roundness to quantify particle shape. The shape of anthracite particle as a function of different grinding conditions was analyzed

Printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies constitute a concentrated source of valuable metals. This study evaluates the performance of a complete hydrometallurgical process for extracting and recovering rare earth elements (REE), Cu, Ni, Ag and Au from leachates produced from PCB found in smartphones via four selective leaching steps. In a REE leachate ([Dy] = 43 mg/L, [Gd] = 5 mg/L, [Nd] = 266 mg/L,

In this study, the pyrolytic reduction of iron oxides contained in red mud using biomass-derived reductive gases was explored. Wheat straw and rice husk were evaluated together with activated carbon and graphite for their effectiveness in converting iron oxides to magnetite. Thermodynamic analyses using thermogravimetric-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) demonstrated that CO, H2, CH4, and biochar could effectively

This study investigated electric arc furnace (EAF) slag dissolution in varying NaOH solutions (10 M, 0.1 M, and 0.01 M) and assessed the impact of ultrasonication on enhancing element release. After conducting dissolution tests based on 1/100 g/mL as the solid-to-liquid ratio, ICP-OES analysis was used in determining the dissolved elemental concentrations, while XRD, FTIR, BET, and XPS measurements

Ultrafine ilmenite minerals (−0.019 mm) in vanadic titanomagnetite ore deposit in Panxi area of China were generally separated by hydraulic classification and discharged into tailings as these fine minerals will severely deteriorate subsequent flotation process, resulting in a great waste of titanium resources. Methods combining high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) followed by flotation were usually

X-ray microtomography image analysis has demonstrated a great potential in in three-dimensional and non-destructive mineral samples characterization. Therefore, there is a drive from the international scientific community to develop new methodologies for three-dimensional image analysis, with the commitment to seek increasingly accurate results and better predictability in mineral processing. The main

Accurate prediction of mill load parameters is crucial to improving grinding efficiency and saving energy. Traditional prediction models have challenges such as poor interpretability, low prediction efficiency and differences in data distribution. This study innovatively proposed a multi-task prediction model that integrates physical information and domain adaptation. By constructing a physical-data-driven

Multi-sphere clumps are favored to approximate irregular particles in discrete element model (DEM) due to algorithmic simplicity and efficiency, which, however, leads to approximation errors in dynamical properties and contact forces for motion integration. The latter becomes substantial when cost-effective DEMs are pursued with an acceptable minimum number of subspheres per clump (SPC). This study

The development of flotation collectors is usually time-consuming and costly. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) is one of the most powerful methods for designing and modifying molecules. Introducing QSAR into the development of collectors can significantly compensate for the above shortcomings. The molecular structure, conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) and electrostatic