Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zuoan Wei, Junkang Zhao, Wensong Wang, Yonghao Yang, Sunning Zhuang, Ting Lu, Zhenkun Hou
Summary: Limited recycling options and large stockpiles of gold tailings can lead to social and environmental issues, which can be alleviated through recycling. This study investigated the possibility of producing sintered bricks from gold mine tailings, with optimized process parameters found to be crucial for the properties of the bricks. Clay content, forming moisture, and sintering parameters were all found to have different correlations with the properties of the sintered bricks.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenkai Pan, Shaohua Hu, Chao Zhang, Tong Zhou, Guowei Hua, Yuan Li, Xiaolin Lv
Summary: A novel waste-based binder composed of fly ash, ground blast furnace slag, metakaolin, calcium carbide residue, sodium hydroxide, and plaster gypsum was proposed to stabilize/solidify gold mine tailings. The addition of the binder significantly improved the shear strength of the stabilized tailings. The strength improvement was mainly attributed to the formation of ettringite and C-S-H gels after various polymerization reactions, which bound tailings particles and filled the pores to form a more stable structure. This study provides a theoretical basis for exploring the application of this waste-based binder in modifying the mechanical properties of gold tailings.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carlos Cacciuttolo, Edison Atencio
Summary: The article explores the technique of in-pit disposal of mine tailings as an environmentally friendly solution for mine closure. It presents the advantages, disadvantages, and design issues related to physical, hydrological, and geochemical stability. It also highlights successful cases from around the world.
Article
Electrochemistry
Hassay Lizeth Medina-Diaz, Francisco Javier Lopez-Bellido, Jacinto Alonso-Azcarate, Francisco Jesus Fernandez-Morales, Luis Rodriguez
Summary: Electrokinetic-assisted phytoextraction (EKPH) is a sustainable technology that utilizes electric current to enhance the mobilization and removal of metals in soils, making it suitable for the rehabilitation of abandoned mining areas. This study investigated the application of EKPH to real mine tailings using ryegrass as the plant species and two types of electric current: direct with polarity reversal (DC-PR) and alternate (AC). The results showed that AC current significantly increased the accumulation of Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cu in ryegrass tissues, while DC-PR current had little effect on plant metal uptake. These findings were consistent with the changes observed in the metal concentrations of soil pore water and BCR sequential extraction results.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yanjiao Zhu, Zhen Wang, Zhifeng Li, Haibin Yu
Summary: By partially replacing magnesium oxide (MgO) with gold mine tailings (GT) in cement, the paper found improved workability and compressive strength, along with a denser microstructure. Incorporating GT in the cement structure leads to the formation of new types of hydrates, enhancing compressive strength. Partial replacement of M reduces costs and enhances the mechanical properties of MKPC.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dwi Ratna Hidayati, Elena Garnevska, Paul Childerhouse
Summary: As developing countries' agri-food value chains shift towards higher value markets, there is a growing need for them to adopt sustainable practices. However, many smallholders face challenges in complying with these practices, as their main focus is on increasing income rather than sustainability. This study examines the factors that enable sustainable value chain transformation in developing countries, and identifies eight key factors. The study also evaluates current practices and provides insights for policy and practice in transforming sustainable value chains.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Jin Fan, Chongfeng Bu, Yangzhou Qi, Wenjuan Zhou, Chun Wang, Yingxin Wei, Kadambot H. M. Siddique
Summary: This study explored the potential of biocrusts as a novel approach for remediating heavy metal pollution in mining areas. The results showed that biocrusts have the ability to enrich heavy metals, but their activation effect is relatively small. Additionally, biocrusts can reduce the ecological risk of heavy metals in soil.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Farhad Shafiei, Mathew P. Watts, Lukas Pajank, John W. Moreau
Summary: This study experimentally tested the tolerance of an autotrophic SCN--degrading bacterial consortium enriched from gold mine tailings for Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and As. The results showed that all selected metals inhibited SCN- biodegradation to different extents depending on concentration, highlighting the importance of considering metal co-contamination in bioreactor design for SCN- bioremediation at mine sites.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Information Science & Library Science
Nir Kshetri
Summary: The research suggests that there are more violations of sustainability principles in supply chains in developing countries. Recent studies demonstrate the important role blockchain can play in promoting supply chain sustainability. The analysis of multiple case studies of blockchain projects implemented in developing countries reveals how blockchain can help address challenges in sustainable supply chains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
S. Maruthupandian, A. Chaliasou, A. Kanellopoulos
Summary: The increasing demand for mineral commodities has led to a higher quantity of mineral waste being produced. Mine tailings, a fine-grained mineral waste left after extracting valuable materials from ore, can be used in the production of construction materials. Research has been conducted on the current utilization of mine tailings in cementitious binders and potential solutions for limitations associated with their use.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Carlos Cacciuttolo, Deyvis Cano, Maria Custodio
Summary: This article defines mine tailings in a comprehensive and interdisciplinary way, combining geotechnical, hydraulic, environmental, and geochemical aspects for sustainable mining. It examines the experiences of copper and gold mining projects in Chile and Peru to address the definition of mine tailings and the associated socio-environmental risks. The article discusses key aspects in responsible mine tailings management, such as metallic-metalloid components characterization, non-metallic components, metallurgical reagents, and risk identification. It emphasizes the potential toxicity of mine tailings to communities and the environment, advocating for safe and responsible management practices to prevent accidents and potential socio-environmental impacts.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hamed Behzadipour, Abouzar Sadrekarimi
Summary: This study examines the application of a microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) technique to improve the shear strength of gold mine tailings. The results show that the treated tailings specimens had improved cohesion intercept and friction angle compared to the untreated specimens, with an increase of about 19 kPa and 5°, respectively.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haoyu Li, Jun Wang, Xuejun Zhu, Tao Yang, Jun Deng, Beilei Yan, Xuehua Mao, Yi Zhang, Shiwei Li
Summary: A novel microwave-assisted chlorination thermal treatment recovery technology was proposed in this paper for the clean treatment of refractory cyanide tailings containing sulfur. The study compared the treatment capacity of common chlorinated agents and found CaCl2 to be the best chlorination agent. The specific action mechanism of CaCl2 in the microwave roasting process was studied, and a method and mechanism for removing residual harmful substances in roasting slag were proposed based on environmental assessment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rudolf Suppes, Soraya Heuss-Assbichler
Summary: The research tested the applicability of the UNFC concept to metalliferous tailings mining projects, focusing on economic aspects. Different scenarios for resource recovery and rehabilitation of the tailings storage facility were defined and evaluated, with a risk assessment highlighting the need for actions to protect human health and the environment. The study also pointed out the necessity for stronger user guidance and more detailed subcategorisation in the assessment and classification process to fully realize the potential of the UNFC concept.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qing Liu, Xiaochang Li, Mingyao Cui, Junxiang Wang, Xianjun Lyu
Summary: The environmental and economic issues caused by several tailings storages have attracted worldwide attention, prompting the urgent need for cost-effective solutions. In this study, gold mine tailings were activated by an alkaline hydrothermal method to produce a one-part geopolymer with high compressive strength values. The activated tailings dissolved in water, creating alkaline conditions that effectively activated the pozzolanic activity of slag, resulting in the formation of a high-strength geopolymer material.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Benjamin De Castro, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Soumali Roychowdhury, Aurelie Chopard, Francis Quintal Lauzon, Benoit Plante
Summary: This study proposes an innovative method using deep learning algorithm and reflected light optical imaging to automatically detect all particles and minerals in acrylic resin polished sections. The experimental results show that this method can accurately detect all mineral particles, including transparent minerals, under reflected light optical microscopy, and provide unbiased mineralogical quantification.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qiushi Song, Xinyu Du, Changlu Shan, Hongwei Xie, Zhiqiang Ning, Kai Yu
Summary: This study investigated the effect of magnetic stirring on the microstructure of Co deposits during electrowinning in a chloride solution. It was found that magnetic stirring effectively reduced the negative influence of H2 bubbles on the structure of Co deposits and changed their nucleation and growth behavior, resulting in the preparation of high-quality columnar Co crystals.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tao Ge, Xiaowei Zhou, Liang Xu, Yan Sun, Cheng Yang, Yongpan Tian, Zhuo Zhao
Summary: In this study, the extraction performance and complexation mechanism of p-di-ethyl-amino-methylthiacalix[4]arene (L) towards Pt(IV) were investigated. The results indicated that L had excellent complexation ability towards Pt(IV) and could selectively extract it from a solution containing multiple competing ions.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuan Li, Dirk van Zyl
Summary: This paper presents a modified Kynch's approach to explain the hindered settling behavior of suspensions impacted by segregation. The experimental data and predicted results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Fang, Aurora Robledo-Cabrera, Changsheng Peng, Shan Huang, Qi Xiao, Alejandro Lopez-Valdivieso
Summary: With the assistance of mechanical ball milling, the partially oxidized micro-sponge iron (micro-Fe0@Fe2O3) achieves significantly improved removal of Cr(VI) across a broad pH range. Mechanical force eliminates the surface oxide layer and exposes the Fe0 core, leading to sustained reduction of Cr(VI). The efficiency of micro-Fe0@Fe2O3 is strongly influenced by dissolved oxygen, with higher DO resulting in the generation of stable reductant Fe(II) under acidic conditions, while DO consumption hinders the reduction of Cr(VI) under alkaline conditions due to increased pH. Parameters of ball milling operation, especially rotation speed, have a significant impact on the removal of Cr(VI).
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alton F. Grabsch, Phillip D. Fawell, Michael G. Davies
Summary: High molecular weight partially hydrolysed polyacrylamide (PHPA) is commonly used in mineral exploration drilling to increase fluid viscosity and help maintain the suspension of fine particles. However, clarifying these suspensions can be difficult, and previous studies have found that anionic flocculants are ineffective. This study confirmed that nonionic flocculants can successfully aggregate the particles, indicating that the charged tails of adsorbed PHPA prevent anionic flocculants from accessing the particle surfaces.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
J. S. Guiral-Vega, L. Perez-Barnuevo, J. Bouchard, A. Ure, E. Poulin, C. Du Breuil
Summary: This paper introduces an approach that combines particle properties and process modeling to describe the behavior of iron ore in a laboratory-scale drum-type magnetic separator. Early information on iron ore processing behavior can be obtained through laboratory testing, automated mineralogy analysis, and process modeling.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Sayed Janishar Anzoom, Ghislain Bournival, Seher Ata
Summary: This review discusses the benefits and challenges of coarse particle flotation, as well as recent developments in improving the process. Coarse particle flotation has various applications and offers advantages in technical, economic, and sustainability aspects. However, it also faces challenges such as particle detachment, transfer between phases, and persistence in the froth phase. Technological advancements, such as fluidized-bed flotation and processes enhancing bubble-particle attachment, have shown promising results in efficiently recovering larger particles.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yimei Xiao, Jinchan Feng, Bingqiao Yang, Huihua Luo, Fang Zhou
Summary: In this study, the use of fulvic acid as a depressant for the flotation separation of chalcopyrite from arsenopyrite was investigated. It was found that fulvic acid strongly depressed arsenopyrite while having little influence on chalcopyrite flotation. The addition of calcium hypochlorite facilitated the adsorption of fulvic acid on arsenopyrite surface.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bo Hao, Minqiang Fan
Summary: Particle-bubble attachment is crucial in coal and mineral flotation processes. In this study, the attachment process of low-rank coal particles to the bubble surface was simulated, revealing the important role of water film rupture in particle attachment.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuwei Wu, Shuai Wang, Guoqiang Wang, Longfei Fan, Jianbo Guo, Zhengbin Liu, Haoyan Zhang, Wei Guan, Yukuan Wang, Yewei Wu
Summary: This study analyzes the motion mode of eccentric roller crushers and proposes a calculation method for productivity. Through laboratory experiments, the results indicate that the proposed method can effectively estimate the productivity of eccentric roll crushers.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hanna Miettinen, Malin Bomberg, Ozlem Bicak, Zafir Ekmekci, Paivi Kinnunen
Summary: Mineral processing requires large amounts of water, and reducing water consumption through recirculation and closing water loops is important. However, this can lead to the accumulation of contaminants in the process water, which can negatively affect the process performance. In this study, the impact of microorganisms on flotation performance was investigated, and ion exchange was evaluated for removing dissolved sulfur species and microorganisms from water. The results showed that adding microorganisms had a positive effect on flotation selectivity, especially for nickel. Different water types, process water and final tailings water, behaved slightly differently. Ion exchange proved to be effective in removing sulfur species and microorganisms, and dissolved air flotation was a successful pretreatment for ion exchange in removing microorganisms.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Canneng Chen, Song Zhang, Quanjun Liu, Luzheng Chen, Yongjun Xian, Yijie Wang
Summary: This study introduces the use of ultrasonic pretreatment to enhance the flotation separation of elemental sulfur and silver-bearing lead minerals from ultrafine residue. The results show that ultrasonic pretreatment effectively liberates associated sulfur and improves the separation of sulfur and silver-bearing lead minerals. Under optimized conditions, ultrasonic pretreatment significantly improves the recovery and grade of sulfur in the concentrate, as well as the recovery of lead and silver in the tailings.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Genzhuang Li, Fisher Wang, Bern Klein, Michael Deal, Aaron Wright, Hector Mezquita
Summary: This paper presents a stress-based approach for predicting and improving large-scale HIG mill performance through experimental testing and model calibration.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Runpeng Liao, Shuming Wen, Jian Liu, Shaojun Bai, Qicheng Feng
Summary: This study demonstrates that the use of a DDA/DDTC mixed collector system can significantly improve the flotation performance of smithsonite. The synergistic effect between DDA and DDTC is confirmed, and the mixed collector system contributes to a decrease in solution surface tension. The use of FT-IR and XPS confirms the simultaneous physisorption and chemisorption of DDA and DDTC on the smithsonite surface, and contact angle measurements show that the mixed collector effectively enhances the hydrophobicity of smithsonite. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the multilayer adsorption of DDTC and DDA on the smithsonite surface, with DDTC promoting the adsorption of DDA.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)