Mining & Mineral Processing

Article Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering

Improving Energy Management in Deep-Level Mines by Integrating Advanced M&V with Operational Changes

F. J. L. Matthee, J. Pascoe, J. H. van Laar, J. H. Marais

Summary: Advanced measurement and verification (M&V) is a real-time process to determine the impact of energy initiatives. This study proposes a method to accurately predict the energy consumption of deep-level mines, regardless of operational changes. The method is based on the Moving Average (MA) modeling technique and uses the coefficient of variation for the root mean square error (CV(RMSE)) to analyze modeling error. The developed method can predict the future energy consumption of deep-level mines with 99% accuracy, improving energy and finance management.

MINING METALLURGY & EXPLORATION (2023)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

The Impact of Temperature on the Electric, Magnetic, and Thermal Properties in the Selection of Ferromagnetic Materials for Traction Machines

Sigrid Jacobs, Jan Rens

Summary: This study investigates the impact of soft ferromagnetic materials in permanent magnet-assisted synchronous machines and double-rotor single-stator axial flux machines. The study uses a parametric approach and considers a wide range of electric and magnetic material properties. The results demonstrate the changes in magnetization and losses of the soft magnetic material at different temperatures, as well as the influence of these changes on thermal properties.
Review Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Physical Concentration of Heavy Minerals: A Brief Review on Low and High Intensity Magnetic Separation Process Techniques

Nnaemeka Stanislaus Nzeh, Patricia Abimbola Popoola, Abraham Adeleke, Samson Adeosun

Summary: The choice and application of physical beneficiation techniques for heavy minerals (HMs) depend on various factors such as mineralogy, composition, shape, particle size distribution, and physicochemical properties. The increasing demand for HM products in industries, especially in nuclear and power industries, has led to the need for their efficient recovery. However, challenges exist in the recovery and separation of HMs from associated impurities. This review focuses on exploring the applications of magnetic separation process in the beneficiation/recovery of HMs, aiming to improve mineral concentration efficiency and simplify the extraction processes involved.
Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Electrodeposition and Characterization of Fe-P Coating Applied onto Mild Steel Substrate

Arman Zarebidaki, Soroosh Davoodi

Summary: This study successfully electroplated defect-free and eco-friendly Fe-P coatings with a P content of 13 wt% onto a St 12 steel substrate using an optimized acidic bath containing glycine as the complexing agent. The coating exhibited nodular features on the surface, and the interface between the coating and the substrate was perfect. The nanocrystalline microstructure of the coating and the presence of an amorphous iron phosphate hydrate superficial layer contributed to the enhanced corrosion resistance of the substrate.
Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Surface Improvement of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy by Deposition of AlCrCoFeMnNi High Entropy Alloy Using TIG Process

Falih Alazzawi, Hossein Aghajani, Abbas Kianvash

Summary: In this study, a high entropy alloy layer was formed on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy using the TIG cladding process to improve its surface properties. The optimal process parameters for high surface hardness were found to be a current of 50 A, a scanning speed of 0.8 mm/s, and an argon flow rate of 12 L/min. The cladding layers were composed of BCC and FCC and exhibited a dendritic and weave-like mixed structure.
Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Potassium thiocyanate additive for PEDOT:PSS layer to fabricate efficient tin-based perovskite solar cells

Xu Zhao, Shoudeng Zhong, Shuqi Wang, Shaozhen Li, Sujuan Wu

Summary: In this study, potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) was added to regulate the properties of PEDOT:PSS hole transport layers (HTLs) in tin-based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) prepared from diluted PEDOT:PSS solution, resulting in efficient TPSCs with improved power conversion efficiency (PCE).

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINERALS METALLURGY AND MATERIALS (2023)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Microstructure, Particle Size, and Magnetic Property of Fe-6.5 wt.% Si Nanocrystalline Alloys Prepared by Mechanical Alloying

Yang Sun, Yiyue Chen, Chunyao Lan, You Tan, Lin Zhang, Bowen Dong, Song Lan

Summary: Fe-6.5 wt.% Si nanocrystalline alloys with good magnetic softness were prepared by mechanical alloying via a high-energy ball mill. The alloying process results in the formation of a single solid-solution phase with a grain size of about 10 nm. Ball-milling effectively reduces the particle size of the alloy powders and controls the particle size distribution. The Fe-Si alloy powders show good magnetic softness, with a saturation magnetization of about 198 Am-2/kg and coercivity of about 20 A/m.
Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Preparation and Corrosion Resistance of Silicate Phosphate Composite Passivation Film on Zinc Substrate by Simple Chemical Impregnation Method

Yanshaozuo Zhu, Xixun Shen, Qian Chen, Qunjie Xu

Summary: A composite passive film containing silicate and phosphate was formed on zinc through a composite passivation process. The study revealed that the composite passive film exhibited a cyclic film-forming process, promoting the growth and uniformity of the film. Compared to pure silicate passive film, the composite passive film demonstrated better corrosion resistance.
Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Characterization of Fe-6Si Soft Magnetic Alloy Produced by Laser-Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing

Jesse M. Adamczyk, Sarah E. Birchall, Ethan T. Rothermel, Shaun R. Whetten, Erin J. Barrick, Charles J. Pearce, Robert E. Delaney, Jonathan W. Pegues, Kyle L. Johnson, Donald F. Susan, Todd C. Monson, Andrew B. Kustas

Summary: This study investigates the microstructures and magnetic properties of Fe-Si alloys produced using additive manufacturing. The results show that the scan path geometry and thermal treatment have significant effects on the material properties.
Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Unleashing the Potential of NASICON Materials for Solid-State Batteries

Anand Parejiya, Marm Dixit, Rachid Essehli, Ruhul Amin, Ilias Belharouak

Summary: Solid-state batteries are a transformative technology with the potential to redefine energy storage. However, their complex materials and interfaces pose significant challenges. This article highlights the integration of NASICON materials into solid-state battery architectures and the use of machine learning techniques to understand the structure-function relationships governing ion conductivity. The findings show the promise of NASICON-type materials in overcoming compatibility issues and enhancing battery performance.
Article Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering

Dimensioning and Construction of a Sealing Layer Made of Green Liquor Dregs Amended Till-Remediation of Sulfidic Mine Waste

Susanne Nigeus, C. Maurice, J. Lindblom, J. Macsik

Summary: Using non-hazardous industrial residues in mine waste remediation is beneficial for both the mining industry and the providing industry. In this study, green liquor dregs (GLD) from different paper mills were characterized to be used as cover material. The optimal mixture of GLD-amended till was determined for a field application at the Nasliden Mine in Sweden, with the conclusion of 10% GLD-amended till being the optimal recipe.

MINING METALLURGY & EXPLORATION (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Investigation on pH influence for the effective transportation of coal water slurry using experimental design

J. Purushottam Karthik, C. M. Raguraman, C. Tara Sasanka

Summary: The present study aims to identify the influence of pH values on the rheological characteristics and stability of coal water slurry (CWS). The results showed that the impeller type, impeller speed, and the ratio of clearance height with diameter of tank were the key parameters affecting the properties of CWS. pH values have a significant impact on the concentration and stability of CWS.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL PREPARATION AND UTILIZATION (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Synergistic effect of SPS compound surfactant and diesel oil on low-rank coal slime flotation

Ruikang Du, Biyang Tuo, Jianli Wang, Dianfa Gu, Guanghua Nie, Yun Tang

Summary: By using SPS microemulsion as a collector combined with diesel oil, the clean coal yield and combustible recovery of low-rank coal slime flotation can be improved. Through synergistic adsorption and alteration of coal surface properties, SPS microemulsion optimizes the flotation effect of low-rank coal slime.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL PREPARATION AND UTILIZATION (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Collector-assisted efficient coal/gangue recognition based on liquid intervention in longwall top coal caving

Jinwang Zhang, Fengchen Wang, Weijie Wei

Summary: Efficient coal/gangue recognition is crucial for improving top coal recovery in thick seam mining. This study utilizes liquid intervention and different concentrations of three common flotation collectors to enhance the temperature variation and difference between coal and gangue. The results show that these interventions significantly improve recognition efficiency.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL PREPARATION AND UTILIZATION (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Experimental study and molecular simulation of spontaneous combustion of coal gangue by oxidation under different water contents

Wencai Wang, Peng Wang, Zhao Cao, Yongdan Cao, Yingge Ma

Summary: This study investigates the effects of water contents on the oxidation spontaneous combustion of coal gangue. The properties and combustion characteristics of coal gangue were analyzed, and the adsorption isotherms of oxygen and coal gangue under different water molecules were simulated. The results showed that higher moisture content led to higher combustion conversion rate and better spontaneous combustion effect.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL PREPARATION AND UTILIZATION (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Enhancement of ultrafine coal slime flotation using high-shear pretreatment and polyvinylpyrrolidone

Yujie Mei, Qiuyu Lin, Daofan Cao, Junguo Li, Ke Liu

Summary: This paper investigates the influence of high-shear pretreatment and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the flotation performance of ultrafine coal slime (UCS). The results show that with the assistance of HSP and PVP, the flotation concentrate has less gangue entrainment, high combustible recovery, and low ash content.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL PREPARATION AND UTILIZATION (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Understanding the relationship between the wettability of ultrafine coal particles and flotation response

Yujie Mei, Qiuyu Lin, Changning Wu, Ke Liu

Summary: Wetting heat is an important parameter for measuring wettability, and it has a significant impact on the flotation response of ultrafine coal particles (UCP). The reduction in wetting heat and the variance in contact angle are indicators of UCP flotation response, making them excellent parameters for understanding the relationship between wettability and UCP flotation.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL PREPARATION AND UTILIZATION (2023)

Article Geology

Study on the complex magmatic and hydrothermal metallogenic processes in the giant Huayangchuan uranium (U)-polymetallic ore district: Constraints from geochemical and geochronological evidences

Yisu Ren, Xiaoyong Yang, Guangjie Wang

Summary: The Huayangchuan uranium (U)-polymetallic deposit in Central China is known for its unique metallogenic type and complex mineralization processes. This study provides geochemical and geochronological constraints on the magmatic and hydrothermal metallogenic processes in the deposit and offers insights into the REE, Nb, and U mineralization and remobilization mechanism. The carbonatite in the deposit is rich in Ba, Sr, Nb, U, and REE and has unique characteristics of igneous carbonatite. The total REE contents of carbonatite are significantly higher than that of other rock types. The ages of the deposit are determined to be Late Triassic and Early Cretaceous. The hydrothermal fluids during the Early Cretaceous contributed to the remobilization of Nb, U, and Ti.

ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS (2023)

Article Geology

Micro- to nanoscale textures of gold in arsenopyrite and scorodite from the As-Au-Bi assemblage of Drenjak locality (Serbia)

Ivana Jelic, Janez Zavasnik, Marina Lazarov, Alena Zdravkovic, Sabina Kovac, Jovica Stojanovic, Aleksandar Pacevski

Summary: Arsenopyrite and pyrite are important carriers of microscopic and invisible gold, which can be released during the oxidation process of these sulfides. In the studied gold mineralization, native gold is mainly hosted by arsenopyrite and scorodite. The abundance of gold and Bi minerals correlates with the presence of scorodite, suggesting a low-temperature hydrothermal origin. The findings also indicate that colloidal-like gold is co-precipitated with the arsenates.

ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Numerical modelling of spatially and temporally distributed on-fault induced seismicity: implication for seismic hazards

Atsushi Sainoki, Adam Karl Schwartzkopff, Lishuai Jiang, Hani Mitri

Summary: This study aims to develop a method for simulating spatially distributed on-fault seismicity while reproducing a complex stress state in the fault zone. A continuum model based on a discrete fracture network is constructed using crack tensor theory. The model is validated by comparing simulation results with field observations, and it is found to accurately reproduce the spatial and temporal distribution of on-fault seismic events.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (2023)