Dust emissions from tailings ponds threaten worker health and nearby ecosystems. A multi-component dust suppressant (MCDS) composed of glycerol (GLY), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), and polyacrylamide (PAM) was optimized by response-surface methodology with viscosity and surface tension as dual objectives. The optimal ratio of MCDS is 23.62 % GLY, 2.28 % CMC-Na, and 0.3 % PAM, it exhibited a viscosity of 38.1 mPa·s and a surface tension of 58.1 mN/m, the penetration depth of dust reaches 11 cm in 130 min, produced a 6° contact angle on iron tailings, retained water for 5 h at 45 °C, and achieved 96.5 % dust-suppression efficiency at a wind speed of 15 m/s. These indicators indicate that MCDS exhibits satisfactory wettability, permeability, evaporation resistance, and wind erosion resistance under the tested laboratory surrogate conditions, including 45 °C and a maximum wind speed of 15 m/s. Multiscale characterization (FT-IR, SEM, TG–DSC–DTG) combined with molecular dynamics (MD) elucidated the mechanism: MD resolved an 21.8 Å adsorbed interfacial layer, a pronounced reduction of the interfacial water diffusion coefficient to 0.1265, and enhanced interfacial binding energy, supporting a synergy of hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, and polymer-network formation that stabilizes the surface crust and retains moisture.
{"title":"Preparation and characterization of a novel multi-component dust suppressant suitable for dust control in tailings pond","authors":"Xiaochuan Xu , Chao Li , Yajun Dong , Xiaowei Gu , Yunqi Zhao , Zhiyuan Wu , Yuxiang Zhong , Depei Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110080","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110080","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dust emissions from tailings ponds threaten worker health and nearby ecosystems. A multi-component dust suppressant (MCDS) composed of glycerol (GLY), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), and polyacrylamide (PAM) was optimized by response-surface methodology with viscosity and surface tension as dual objectives. The optimal ratio of MCDS is 23.62 % GLY, 2.28 % CMC-Na, and 0.3 % PAM, it exhibited a viscosity of 38.1 mPa·s and a surface tension of 58.1 mN/m, the penetration depth of dust reaches 11 cm in 130 min, produced a 6° contact angle on iron tailings, retained water for 5 h at 45 °C, and achieved 96.5 % dust-suppression efficiency at a wind speed of 15 m/s. These indicators indicate that MCDS exhibits satisfactory wettability, permeability, evaporation resistance, and wind erosion resistance under the tested laboratory surrogate conditions, including 45 °C and a maximum wind speed of 15 m/s. Multiscale characterization (FT-IR, SEM, TG–DSC–DTG) combined with molecular dynamics (MD) elucidated the mechanism: MD resolved an 21.8 Å adsorbed interfacial layer, a pronounced reduction of the interfacial water diffusion coefficient to 0.1265, and enhanced interfacial binding energy, supporting a synergy of hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, and polymer-network formation that stabilizes the surface crust and retains moisture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110080"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110104
Suoque Wu , Shifeng Han , Xiaohan Wan , Ning Tan , Shicong Yang , Kuixian Wei , Wenhui Ma
The rapid expansion of the PV sector makes the recycling of WQC (Waste Quartz Crucible) imperative for sustainable resource management within the industry. This study proposes a combined process of high-temperature roasting and acid leaching for the removal of metallic impurities from waste quartz crucibles, and the effects of roasting temperature, holding time on the transformation of amorphous SiO2, and the removal of impurity during the acid leaching have been systematically investigated. The results showed that the increase of roasting temperature and the prolongation of holding time significantly promoted the crystallization of α-cristobalite, and crystallinity reached 22.55 % at 1573 K holding time of 4 h, and the activation energy was 464.21 kJ·mol−1. During the acid leaching, the α-cristobalite was completely dissolved by a 3.5 M HF and 6 M HCl mixture, effectively removing Al and Fe impurities with efficiencies of 93.64 % and 92.59 %, respectively. Microscopic characterization reveals that the high-temperature roasting-induced particle fusion reconfiguration and the acid leaching-etched porous structure synergistically enhanced the impurity exposure. This work establishes that the synergistic roasting-acid leaching purification process is effective for WQC impurity removal, not only mitigates ecological damage and energy consumption associated with raw quartz mining but also represents a sustainable alternative with long-term environmental benefits.
光伏行业的快速发展使得WQC（废石英坩埚）的回收成为行业内可持续资源管理的必要条件。本研究提出了一种高温焙烧与酸浸联合去除废石英坩埚中金属杂质的工艺，并系统研究了焙烧温度、保温时间对酸浸过程中无定形SiO2转化及杂质去除的影响。结果表明：焙烧温度的升高和保温时间的延长显著促进了α-方石石的结晶，在1573 K保温4 h时结晶度达到22.55%，活化能为464.21 kJ·mol−1；在酸浸过程中，α-方石英被3.5 M HF和6 M HCl的混合物完全溶解，Al和Fe杂质的去除率分别为93.64%和92.59%。微观表征表明，高温焙烧诱导的颗粒融合重构和酸浸蚀刻多孔结构协同增强了杂质暴露。本研究表明，协同焙烧-酸浸净化工艺对WQC杂质去除是有效的，不仅减轻了与原石英开采相关的生态破坏和能源消耗，而且代表了一种具有长期环境效益的可持续替代方案。
{"title":"Crystallization regulation for al and Fe impurity migration and removal from waste quartz crucible with combined process of High-Temperature Roasting-Acid leaching","authors":"Suoque Wu , Shifeng Han , Xiaohan Wan , Ning Tan , Shicong Yang , Kuixian Wei , Wenhui Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid expansion of the PV sector makes the recycling of WQC (Waste Quartz Crucible) imperative for sustainable resource management within the industry. This study proposes a combined process of high-temperature roasting and acid leaching for the removal of metallic impurities from waste quartz crucibles, and the effects of roasting temperature, holding time on the transformation of amorphous SiO<sub>2</sub>, and the removal of impurity during the acid leaching have been systematically investigated. The results showed that the increase of roasting temperature and the prolongation of holding time significantly promoted the crystallization of α-cristobalite, and crystallinity reached 22.55 % at 1573 K holding time of 4 h, and the activation energy was 464.21 kJ·mol<sup>−1</sup>. During the acid leaching, the α-cristobalite was completely dissolved by a 3.5 M HF and 6 M HCl mixture, effectively removing Al and Fe impurities with efficiencies of 93.64 % and 92.59 %, respectively. Microscopic characterization reveals that the high-temperature roasting-induced particle fusion reconfiguration and the acid leaching-etched porous structure synergistically enhanced the impurity exposure. This work establishes that the synergistic roasting-acid leaching purification process is effective for WQC impurity removal, not only mitigates ecological damage and energy consumption associated with raw quartz mining but also represents a sustainable alternative with long-term environmental benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110104"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110090
M. Tang, J. Luo
Iron ore tailings often contain valuable titanium minerals, yet recovering finely liberated ilmenite remains a challenge for gravity separation. This study aims to identify the factors hindering the beneficiation of a low-grade ilmenite ore with alumina-silicate gangues using Vibrated Cone Separation (VCS) as an EGS technique and explores potential mitigation strategies. A series of gravity separation tests, coupled with scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) observations, were conducted to determine the factors influencing the selective separation of ilmenite particles. The results show that ultrafine aluminosilicates strongly adhere to the surfaces of free ilmenite particles, diluting the TiO2 concentrate grade. Attritioning this material by high-speed agitation was not effective in removing the coating of the ultrafine gangues. However, flash surface passivation by adding oxalic acid directly into the grinding process significantly decreased these non-selective particle aggregates, resulting in cleaner surfaces and a 6% increase in TiO2 content.
{"title":"Enhancing gravity separation of low-grade ilmenites by surface flash passivation against ultrafine aluminosilicate coating","authors":"M. Tang, J. Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Iron ore tailings often contain valuable titanium minerals, yet recovering finely liberated ilmenite remains a challenge for gravity separation. This study aims to identify the factors hindering the beneficiation of a low-grade ilmenite ore with alumina-silicate gangues using Vibrated Cone Separation (VCS) as an EGS technique and explores potential mitigation strategies. A series of gravity separation tests, coupled with scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) observations, were conducted to determine the factors influencing the selective separation of ilmenite particles. The results show that ultrafine aluminosilicates strongly adhere to the surfaces of free ilmenite particles, diluting the TiO<sub>2</sub> concentrate grade. Attritioning this material by high-speed agitation was not effective in removing the coating of the ultrafine gangues. However, flash surface passivation by adding oxalic acid directly into the grinding process significantly decreased these non-selective particle aggregates, resulting in cleaner surfaces and a 6% increase in TiO<sub>2</sub> content.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110090"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110081
Yuhao He , Yuhan Song , Xiaohui Li , Ge Zhu , Lu Xiang , Zijie Ren
The flotation separation of quartz and feldspar under neutral conditions present a significant challenge in mineral processing. This study systematically investigates a novel mixed anionic/cationic collector system for this separation, optimizing key parameters including collector types [sodium petroleum sulfonate (SPS) with varying active matter content; dodecylamine (DDA), octadecylamine (ODA), cocoalkylamine (CCA)], ratio (2:1 anionic-to-cationic), dosage (300 g/t), and the dosage of the depressant sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). This optimal reagent scheme yields a high Al2O3 recovery of 81.10 % in the froth product of the mixed pure minerals, and the Al2O3 recovery in the actual minerals were 77.45 % and 70.68 % respectively. Key findings indicate that a high-active-matter SPS combined with DDA yielded optimal performance. Mechanistic studies via FTIR and zeta potential analysis revealed distinct adsorption mechanisms: a weak, physically adsorbed layer on quartz that was readily desorbed by Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), versus a stable, multi-mechanism complex (involving physical adsorption, hydrogen bonding, and chemisorption) on feldspar. Furthermore, SHMP hydrolysis species (H2PO4−/HPO42−) under neutral conditions compete with SPS on mineral surfaces, selectively depressing quartz at low dosages. Notably, the flotation behavior was profoundly influenced by the degree of feldspar weathering, as confirmed by SEM-EDS and XPS. Highly weathered feldspar exhibits a unique and inverse flotation behavior, characterized by the enrichment of Al2O3 in the sink product rather than the froth product. This work provides a practical and environmentally friendly strategy for quartz-feldspar separation and offers deep insights into the surface chemistry involved.
{"title":"Adsorption mechanisms and weathered surface effects in the neutral flotation separation of feldspar from quartz using a mixed anionic/cationic system","authors":"Yuhao He , Yuhan Song , Xiaohui Li , Ge Zhu , Lu Xiang , Zijie Ren","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The flotation separation of quartz and feldspar under neutral conditions present a significant challenge in mineral processing. This study systematically investigates a novel mixed anionic/cationic collector system for this separation, optimizing key parameters including collector types [sodium petroleum sulfonate (SPS) with varying active matter content; dodecylamine (DDA), octadecylamine (ODA), cocoalkylamine (CCA)], ratio (2:1 anionic-to-cationic), dosage (300 g/t), and the dosage of the depressant sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). This optimal reagent scheme yields a high Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> recovery of 81.10 % in the froth product of the mixed pure minerals, and the Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> recovery in the actual minerals were 77.45 % and 70.68 % respectively. Key findings indicate that a high-active-matter SPS combined with DDA yielded optimal performance. Mechanistic studies via FTIR and zeta potential analysis revealed distinct adsorption mechanisms: a weak, physically adsorbed layer on quartz that was readily desorbed by Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), versus a stable, multi-mechanism complex (involving physical adsorption, hydrogen bonding, and chemisorption) on feldspar. Furthermore, SHMP hydrolysis species (H<sub>2</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>−/HPO<sub>4</sub><sup>2</sup>−) under neutral conditions compete with SPS on mineral surfaces, selectively depressing quartz at low dosages. Notably, the flotation behavior was profoundly influenced by the degree of feldspar weathering, as confirmed by SEM-EDS and XPS. Highly weathered feldspar exhibits a unique and inverse flotation behavior, characterized by the enrichment of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> in the sink product rather than the froth product. This work provides a practical and environmentally friendly strategy for quartz-feldspar separation and offers deep insights into the surface chemistry involved.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110081"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110084
Liu Xingyu , Wang Yunfan , Jiang Bozhao , Huang Renjie , Song Zhenguo , Luo Ximei
To address the challenges of low bubble-particle collision efficiency, particle agglomeration, turbulent flow fields, and issues related to mineral surface oxidation layers and slime coatings inherent in traditional flotation columns, this study established a COMSOL Multiphysics-based numerical model incorporating coupled pressure acoustics, acoustic streaming, and fluid dynamics multiphysics. Copper-sulfur separation experiments were concurrently conducted using a laboratory-scale unilateral ultrasonic flotation column. Numerical simulations and experimental results revealed that an ultrasonic frequency of 20 kHz significantly enhanced both cavitation effects and localized acoustic streaming compared to 40 kHz. This improvement increased concentrate recovery from 51.51% to 65.14% while maintaining concentrate grade, consequently raising Beneficiation efficiency from 4.42% to 5.51%. Strategic placement of the ultrasonic vibrator plate near the feed inlet demonstrated superior efficacy, effectively stabilizing the flow field and optimizing the processing of incoming mineral particles relative to alternative positions. Furthermore, ultrasonic treatment promoted flow field homogenization. Collectively, these findings serve as a critical theoretical foundation and provide robust experimental support for optimizing frequency selection and vibrator plate positioning in ultrasonically enhanced flotation column technology.
{"title":"Effects of low-frequency ultrasound on enhancing the recovery of secondary copper resources via column flotation and corresponding numerical simulation","authors":"Liu Xingyu , Wang Yunfan , Jiang Bozhao , Huang Renjie , Song Zhenguo , Luo Ximei","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110084","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110084","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the challenges of low bubble-particle collision efficiency, particle agglomeration, turbulent flow fields, and issues related to mineral surface oxidation layers and slime coatings inherent in traditional flotation columns, this study established a COMSOL Multiphysics-based numerical model incorporating coupled pressure acoustics, acoustic streaming, and fluid dynamics multiphysics. Copper-sulfur separation experiments were concurrently conducted using a laboratory-scale unilateral ultrasonic flotation column. Numerical simulations and experimental results revealed that an ultrasonic frequency of 20 kHz significantly enhanced both cavitation effects and localized acoustic streaming compared to 40 kHz. This improvement increased concentrate recovery from 51.51% to 65.14% while maintaining concentrate grade, consequently raising Beneficiation efficiency from 4.42% to 5.51%. Strategic placement of the ultrasonic vibrator plate near the feed inlet demonstrated superior efficacy, effectively stabilizing the flow field and optimizing the processing of incoming mineral particles relative to alternative positions. Furthermore, ultrasonic treatment promoted flow field homogenization. Collectively, these findings serve as a critical theoretical foundation and provide robust experimental support for optimizing frequency selection and vibrator plate positioning in ultrasonically enhanced flotation column technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110084"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110105
Yusen Yu , Wenbo Li , Yongsheng Sun , Yuexin Han , Yanjun Li
In the context of the escalating exhaustion of high-grade iron ore, the efficient development and utilization of refractory iron ore such as high-phosphorus oolitic hematite (HPOH) have significant strategic significance. After optimizing the technical parameters of flotation and leaching processes, this study conducted a comparative study of dephosphorization processes and analyzed the mineralogical characteristics of the samples using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mineral liberation analyzer (MLA). The research results indicate that flotation process can effectively remove P-bearing minerals in the form of apatite but not phosphorus present in P-bearing iron minerals, under the high-temperature pretreatment temperature of 750 °C and selected conditions, flotation process can produce a concentrate with 62.26 % TFe grade, 0.33 % P content, and 54.02 % TFe recovery rate; In contrast, leaching process can effectively remove phosphorus present in P-bearing minerals, reduce the phosphorus content in concentrate, under the same pretreatment temperature and selected conditions, leaching concentrate with 63.10 % Fe grade, 0.27 % P content, and 67.81 % TFe recovery rate can be obtained through the leaching process, outperforming flotation. When the pretreatment temperature was raised to 1050 °C, under the optimal process conditions, leaching process achieved an iron concentrate with 62.16 % TFe grade, 0.13 % P content, and 88.04 % TFe recovery rate. The P content meets the industrial practical standards for iron concentrates used in the China’s steel metallurgy industry (P content shall not exceed 0.2 %). This study provides a reference for the efficient development and utilization of HPOH.
{"title":"Comparison of dephosphorization processes for high-phosphorus oolitic hematite based on MLA mineralogical characteristic analysis","authors":"Yusen Yu , Wenbo Li , Yongsheng Sun , Yuexin Han , Yanjun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110105","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110105","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the context of the escalating exhaustion of high-grade iron ore, the efficient development and utilization of refractory iron ore such as high-phosphorus oolitic hematite (HPOH) have significant strategic significance. After optimizing the technical parameters of flotation and leaching processes, this study conducted a comparative study of dephosphorization processes and analyzed the mineralogical characteristics of the samples using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mineral liberation analyzer (MLA). The research results indicate that flotation process can effectively remove P-bearing minerals in the form of apatite but not phosphorus present in P-bearing iron minerals, under the high-temperature pretreatment temperature of 750 °C and selected conditions, flotation process can produce a concentrate with 62.26 % TFe grade, 0.33 % P content, and 54.02 % TFe recovery rate; In contrast, leaching process can effectively remove phosphorus present in P-bearing minerals, reduce the phosphorus content in concentrate, under the same pretreatment temperature and selected conditions, leaching concentrate with 63.10 % Fe grade, 0.27 % P content, and 67.81 % TFe recovery rate can be obtained through the leaching process, outperforming flotation. When the pretreatment temperature was raised to 1050 °C, under the optimal process conditions, leaching process achieved an iron concentrate with 62.16 % TFe grade, 0.13 % P content, and 88.04 % TFe recovery rate. The P content meets the industrial practical standards for iron concentrates used in the China’s steel metallurgy industry (P content shall not exceed 0.2 %). This study provides a reference for the efficient development and utilization of HPOH.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110105"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110073
Qianlong Li , Mamadou Fall
This study investigates the rheological properties of cemented paste backfill (CPB) incorporating high-volume slag and fly ash (FA) as sustainable substitutes for Portland cement type I (PCI). The research aims to enhance CPB flowability while maximizing the reuse of industrial byproducts. Rheological tests were conducted on CPB samples composed of silica tailings with varying PCI/slag/FA ratios to assess their effects on yield stress and viscosity. Using a central composite design and response surface methodology, mathematical models were developed to quantify and predict the relationships between rheological parameters and binder composition. Microstructural and monitoring analyses revealed that slag and FA influence CPB flowability through particle size, shape, and hydration characteristics. Results indicate that replacing up to 80 % of PCI with slag and FA reduces yield stress and viscosity by 4.2 %–21.7 % and 0.7 %–5.0 %, respectively, improving flowability for mine filling applications. However, excessive slag and FA contents (90 %) increase fine particle interactions, elevating yield stress and viscosity. Time-dependent rheological changes were observed, with yield stress and viscosity increasing by 40 %–66.7 % and 3.9 %–7.1 % during two hours of curing, driven by hydration product formation. The optimal binder ratio (10.15 % PCI, 20.3 % slag, and 79.7 % FA) achieves a desirable balance of low yield stress (137.4 Pa) and viscosity (2.91 Pa·s) with over 90 % industrial waste reutilization. This study provides a robust framework for optimizing CPB formulations, addressing key challenges in sustainable mining practices, and guiding the large-scale reuse of industrial wastes.
{"title":"Flow ability of cemented paste backfill with high-volume industrial wastes","authors":"Qianlong Li , Mamadou Fall","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110073","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the rheological properties of cemented paste backfill (CPB) incorporating high-volume slag and fly ash (FA) as sustainable substitutes for Portland cement type I (PCI). The research aims to enhance CPB flowability while maximizing the reuse of industrial byproducts. Rheological tests were conducted on CPB samples composed of silica tailings with varying PCI/slag/FA ratios to assess their effects on yield stress and viscosity. Using a central composite design and response surface methodology, mathematical models were developed to quantify and predict the relationships between rheological parameters and binder composition. Microstructural and monitoring analyses revealed that slag and FA influence CPB flowability through particle size, shape, and hydration characteristics. Results indicate that replacing up to 80 % of PCI with slag and FA reduces yield stress and viscosity by 4.2 %–21.7 % and 0.7 %–5.0 %, respectively, improving flowability for mine filling applications. However, excessive slag and FA contents (90 %) increase fine particle interactions, elevating yield stress and viscosity. Time-dependent rheological changes were observed, with yield stress and viscosity increasing by 40 %–66.7 % and 3.9 %–7.1 % during two hours of curing, driven by hydration product formation. The optimal binder ratio (10.15 % PCI, 20.3 % slag, and 79.7 % FA) achieves a desirable balance of low yield stress (137.4 Pa) and viscosity (2.91 Pa·s) with over 90 % industrial waste reutilization. This study provides a robust framework for optimizing CPB formulations, addressing key challenges in sustainable mining practices, and guiding the large-scale reuse of industrial wastes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110073"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110102
Yanling Jin , Haiyun Xie , Liuyang Dong , Peilun Shen , Chao Lv , Taiguo Jiang , Dianwen Liu
Copper and lead are essential non-ferrous metals widely used in construction, energy, transportation, electronics, and defense industries. Galena (PbS) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), the primary carrier minerals of copper-lead sulfide ores, commonly coexist in complex polymetallic deposits and are often intergrown at fine scales. Their similar surface physicochemical properties and the presence of surface oxidation products lead to poor flotation selectivity, resulting in mutual contamination of concentrates and low resource utilization efficiency. Flotation remains the most effective method for copper-lead separation, in which selective depression plays a decisive role. However, conventional inorganic depressants, such as chromates and cyanides, are increasingly restricted due to their high toxicity and environmental risks. In this review, the geological occurrence, crystal structures, and surface physicochemical characteristics of galena and chalcopyrite are systematically summarized. The interfacial mechanisms governing the flotation separation of galena and chalcopyrite are critically reviewed, with particular attention to the adsorption behavior, selectivity differences, and structure–activity relationships of collectors and depressants. The molecular structures, action modes, and structure–activity relationships of traditional and novel flotation reagents are classified and compared. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in green organic depressants, including small-molecule compounds, natural polymers, and synthetic polymers, as well as their selective regulation mechanisms in copper-lead flotation systems. In addition, the synergistic effects between collectors and depressants and their implications for improving selectivity are discussed. This review highlights that the rational design of environmentally friendly reagent systems and the integration of collector–depressant synergy are key to achieving efficient and sustainable flotation separation of complex copper-lead sulfide ores. The insights summarized herein aim to provide theoretical guidance and practical references for the development of green flotation reagents and the optimization of copper-lead separation processes.
{"title":"A review of research progress in the flotation separation of galena and chalcopyrite with a focus on green reagents","authors":"Yanling Jin , Haiyun Xie , Liuyang Dong , Peilun Shen , Chao Lv , Taiguo Jiang , Dianwen Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Copper and lead are essential non-ferrous metals widely used in construction, energy, transportation, electronics, and defense industries. Galena (PbS) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS<sub>2</sub>), the primary carrier minerals of copper-lead sulfide ores, commonly coexist in complex polymetallic deposits and are often intergrown at fine scales. Their similar surface physicochemical properties and the presence of surface oxidation products lead to poor flotation selectivity, resulting in mutual contamination of concentrates and low resource utilization efficiency. Flotation remains the most effective method for copper-lead separation, in which selective depression plays a decisive role. However, conventional inorganic depressants, such as chromates and cyanides, are increasingly restricted due to their high toxicity and environmental risks. In this review, the geological occurrence, crystal structures, and surface physicochemical characteristics of galena and chalcopyrite are systematically summarized. The interfacial mechanisms governing the flotation separation of galena and chalcopyrite are critically reviewed, with particular attention to the adsorption behavior, selectivity differences, and structure–activity relationships of collectors and depressants. The molecular structures, action modes, and structure–activity relationships of traditional and novel flotation reagents are classified and compared. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in green organic depressants, including small-molecule compounds, natural polymers, and synthetic polymers, as well as their selective regulation mechanisms in copper-lead flotation systems. In addition, the synergistic effects between collectors and depressants and their implications for improving selectivity are discussed. This review highlights that the rational design of environmentally friendly reagent systems and the integration of collector–depressant synergy are key to achieving efficient and sustainable flotation separation of complex copper-lead sulfide ores. The insights summarized herein aim to provide theoretical guidance and practical references for the development of green flotation reagents and the optimization of copper-lead separation processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110102"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110076
Jonathan Rincon , Nils Jansson , Yousef Ghorbani , Iris McElroy , Helen Thomas , Dominique Brising , Nils-Johan Bolin , Christina Wanhainen
The grinding and flotation performance of Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag ores is highly sensitive to ore mineralogy, host rock composition, and textural variability, factors that are often overlooked in favour of bulk grade values. This study examines the Rävliden North Zn-Cu-Pb-Ag volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit (VMS) deposit in northern Sweden. Two main ore types are identified: massive sphalerite- and galena-rich ore and chalcopyrite-rich vein-dominated ore that coupled with host rock type led to further 6 sub-types. Mineralogical and textural characterisation of flotation feed and products, using Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN®) and element to mineral conversion (EMC) based on multi-element chemical assays, reveals that fine-grained, sphalerite-dominated ore is more amenable to grinding and exhibit better liberation, enhancing flotation efficiency. In contrast, chalcopyrite-rich ore perform better in Cu-Pb flotation but is harder to grind due to its silicate-rich gangue (e.g., quartz). Minerals such as micas, amphiboles, and carbonates affect ore hardness, and ore mineralogy (sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and Ag mineralogy) directly affects flotation efficiency. Blending of poor grade and hard to grind (problematic) ores with better grade and softer to grind (fairly good to good) ore is recommended to improve concentrate quality. Precious, critical, and deleterious elements are mostly recovered in the chalcopyrite-galena flotation circuit in amalgams (Ag, Hg), dyscrasite (Ag, Sb), hessite (Ag), sulphosalts (Ag, Sb, Bi), native Bi, and tellurobismuthite (Bi). These minerals are fine-grained (< 20 µm) and poorly liberated, leading to recovery in both target and non-target flotation concentrates. Nevertheless, established metallurgical methods enable their efficient extraction maximising ore value. This study highlights the importance of process mineralogy for improved beneficiation in concentration circuits, and the understanding of by-products during processing of complex polymetallic ores.
{"title":"The role of ore and host rock mineralogy in the beneficiation of a VMS deposit: Insights from Rävliden North, northern Sweden","authors":"Jonathan Rincon , Nils Jansson , Yousef Ghorbani , Iris McElroy , Helen Thomas , Dominique Brising , Nils-Johan Bolin , Christina Wanhainen","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The grinding and flotation performance of Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag ores is highly sensitive to ore mineralogy, host rock composition, and textural variability, factors that are often overlooked in favour of bulk grade values. This study examines the Rävliden North Zn-Cu-Pb-Ag volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit (VMS) deposit in northern Sweden. Two main ore types are identified: massive sphalerite- and galena-rich ore and chalcopyrite-rich vein-dominated ore that coupled with host rock type led to further 6 sub-types. Mineralogical and textural characterisation of flotation feed and products, using Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN®) and element to mineral conversion (EMC) based on multi-element chemical assays, reveals that fine-grained, sphalerite-dominated ore is more amenable to grinding and exhibit better liberation, enhancing flotation efficiency. In contrast, chalcopyrite-rich ore perform better in Cu-Pb flotation but is harder to grind due to its silicate-rich gangue (e.g., quartz). Minerals such as micas, amphiboles, and carbonates affect ore hardness, and ore mineralogy (sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and Ag mineralogy) directly affects flotation efficiency. Blending of poor grade and hard to grind (problematic) ores with better grade and softer to grind (fairly good to good) ore is recommended to improve concentrate quality. Precious, critical, and deleterious elements are mostly recovered in the chalcopyrite-galena flotation circuit in amalgams (Ag, Hg), dyscrasite (Ag, Sb), hessite (Ag), sulphosalts (Ag, Sb, Bi), native Bi, and tellurobismuthite (Bi). These minerals are fine-grained (< 20 µm) and poorly liberated, leading to recovery in both target and non-target flotation concentrates. Nevertheless, established metallurgical methods enable their efficient extraction maximising ore value. This study highlights the importance of process mineralogy for improved beneficiation in concentration circuits, and the understanding of by-products during processing of complex polymetallic ores.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110076"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146000593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110083
Ruofeng Wang , Shuai Yuan , Jiangang Ku , Qinglong Fan , Yanjun Li
This study systematically investigates the hydrogen-based mineral phase transformation behavior of iron-bearing manganese ore, with particular emphasis on the reduction characteristics of hematite and pyrolusite. One-factor reduction experiments reveal that increasing roasting temperature and reduction time significantly enhance the reduction efficiency of both iron and manganese oxides. Hematite exhibits a temperature-dependent reduction pathway from Fe2O3 to Fe or via FeO at elevated temperatures, whereas pyrolusite undergoes stepwise reduction from MnO2 to MnO. In mixed ore systems, magnetite or ferrous oxide formed during the hematite reduction process promotes the reduction of high-valence manganese oxides, resulting in a higher Mn2+ distribution rate than that obtained in individual pyrolusite reduction. These results demonstrate that the reduction behavior of iron-bearing manganese ore cannot be interpreted as a simple superposition of single-mineral systems.
{"title":"Mechanistic insights into the hydrogen-based phase transformation processes of iron-bearing manganese ores","authors":"Ruofeng Wang , Shuai Yuan , Jiangang Ku , Qinglong Fan , Yanjun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study systematically investigates the hydrogen-based mineral phase transformation behavior of iron-bearing manganese ore, with particular emphasis on the reduction characteristics of hematite and pyrolusite. One-factor reduction experiments reveal that increasing roasting temperature and reduction time significantly enhance the reduction efficiency of both iron and manganese oxides. Hematite exhibits a temperature-dependent reduction pathway from Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> to Fe or via FeO at elevated temperatures, whereas pyrolusite undergoes stepwise reduction from MnO<sub>2</sub> to MnO. In mixed ore systems, magnetite or ferrous oxide formed during the hematite reduction process promotes the reduction of high-valence manganese oxides, resulting in a higher Mn<sup>2+</sup> distribution rate than that obtained in individual pyrolusite reduction. These results demonstrate that the reduction behavior of iron-bearing manganese ore cannot be interpreted as a simple superposition of single-mineral systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 110083"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145995456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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