Minerals Engineering最新文献

{"title":"Mineralogical characteristics of fossil-free steel slags","authors":"R. Kallio ,&nbsp;M. Cantaluppi ,&nbsp;J. Louhisalmi ,&nbsp;V.-V. Visuri","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109396","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109396","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Steel production based on hydrogen direct reduction represents one emerging solution to reach the decarbonization targets of the steel industry. This technological transition will affect the quality and quantity of generated by-products. This study presents the first in-depth results of the mineralogical characteristics of slags originating from Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron as a feed for pilot scale Electric Arc Furnace steel production (H₂-DRI-EAF), complemented by comparison to contemporary scrap-based EAF slags. The results highlight that each slag type has its own characteristics depending on temperature, bulk composition, oxygen partial pressure and cooling. Higher CaO content increases calcium silicate phases and decreases gehlenite content in scrap-based slags. Higher basicity in combination with high Cr₂O₃ content leads to the formation of ellinaite and chromium-containing spinel phases, and more oxidizing process conditions also result in the extensive formation of brownmillerite in scrap-based slags. On the other hand, due to the intrinsic properties of the iron ore, higher TiO₂ and V_tot contents in H₂-DRI-EAF slags lead to the formation of perovskite and calcium vanadate. The documented characteristics are important in evaluating future utilization possibilities, particularly emphasizing usage as Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) and valuable metal recovery but also management of potential environmental impacts. This study underscores the importance of detailed mineralogical analysis and multimethodological characterization work to overcome limitations and reduce misinterpretations based on one characterization method alone. It also forms the basis to evaluate and consider alternative slag formation and processing strategies to maximize the utilization of the steel industry’s future by-products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 109396"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937068","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}

{"title":"The effect of inclined plate motion on the classification efficiency of quartz sand in the Reflux Classifier","authors":"Zhiyuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Dongjiao Gui ,&nbsp;Peng Chen ,&nbsp;Yifei Li ,&nbsp;Ning Han ,&nbsp;Yanfeng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109400","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109400","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In mineral processing, the classification of fine particles remains a critical challenge due to their slow settling velocity, low classification efficiency, and limited processing capacity per unit area. The perennial efforts are devoted to increasing the efficiency of handling these fines. A new technical idea was proposed to solve these problems using an inclined plate motion Reflux Classifier (RC) to improve the movement state of fine particles in the channels. This change produced a much more shear effect, which could disperse particles, reduce agglomeration, and produce significant particle stratification, hence significant enhancement in size classification performance. This paper presents a test investigation into the effectiveness of the inclined plate motion RC for the beneficiation of quartz sand fines. The results showed that the inclined plate motion enhanced the movement difference between particles of varying sizes. When the motion speed of the inclined plates was increased to 0.0175 m/s, the separation size, <em>d₅₀</em>, exhibited only a marginal increase, whereas the classification efficiency improved by approximately 5 %. Hence using the inclined plate motion greatly enhances classification and demonstrates the benefits of the new classification mechanism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 109400"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937069","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}

{"title":"Efficient separation technology for ammonia phase transformation of hematite","authors":"Xinyu Li ,&nbsp;Shuai Yuan ,&nbsp;Cheng Huang ,&nbsp;Jiahao He ,&nbsp;Honghao Zhang ,&nbsp;Peng Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109407","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109407","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the benefits of being inexpensive, easily compressible, storable, and transportable, ammonia is an effective reducing agent for turning weak magnetic minerals into strong magnetic minerals. Furthermore, there is no CO₂ emission in the reduction process, making it a new clean energy with broad application prospects. In this study, a novel ammonia phase transformation technology was proposed, and the ammonia reduction experiments were conducted using hematite as the research subject to investigate the impacts of reduction temperature, time, and ammonia concentration on the reduction products. The magnetic conversion, phase transformation, and microstructural changes during the mineral phase transformation process were systematically characterized. The optimal reduction conditions were determined to be a reduction temperature of 580 ℃, a reduction time of 17 min, and an ammonia concentration of 30 %. Under optimal conditions, an iron concentrate grade of 70.94 % and iron recovery of 98.06 % was obtained. Hematite was transformed into magnetite in ammonia atmosphere in the temperature range of 460 ℃ to 620 ℃. The microstructural changes indicated that micropores and cracks were gradually developed on the surface of the solid particles as the reaction proceeded, which was favorable for the inward diffusion of gases in the particle crevices and accelerated the reaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 109407"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937067","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}

{"title":"Application of dodecylbenzenesulfonate isopropanolamine as an environmentally friendly collector in direct flotation separation of magnesite from quartz","authors":"Xiaoqi Ban ,&nbsp;Jin Yao ,&nbsp;Wanzhong Yin ,&nbsp;Chao Yin ,&nbsp;Wenju Sun ,&nbsp;Weifan Du ,&nbsp;Taozhong Zhang ,&nbsp;Yulian Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109408","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109408","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study introduces a novel, environmentally friendly direct flotation process designed to efficiently purify magnesite from high-silica, low-grade ores, where quartz impurities hinder conventional flotation. By using dodecylbenzenesulfonate isopropanolamine (DBIA) as a collector, successful flotation separation of magnesite from quartz was achieved. Under optimal conditions (pH 11.0, DBIA dosage of 100 mg/L), flotation experiments on artificially mixed minerals consistently achieved magnesite recovery exceeding 97 %, while quartz recovery remained below 12 %. These results demonstrate DBIA’s excellent selective collecting performance. The mechanism of DBIA’s selective adsorption was investigated using advanced characterization techniques, including zeta potential, contact angle, FTIR, XPS, and AFM. The findings reveal that DBIA’s sulfonate group (−SO₃⁻) selectively adsorbs onto magnesite, enhancing its hydrophobicity, while showing minimal adsorption on quartz, leading to efficient flotation separation. Beyond introducing a promising reagent system, this work contributes mechanistic understanding and practical guidance for developing green flotation reagents aimed at sustainable utilization of magnesium-bearing resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"229 ","pages":"Article 109408"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143931722","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}

{"title":"Preparation of powdery reduced iron from high-phosphorus iron ore: Effects of raw material particle size combination","authors":"Hongda Xu ,&nbsp;Xiaojin Wen ,&nbsp;Jue Kou ,&nbsp;Jun Zhang ,&nbsp;Kexin Yu ,&nbsp;Tichang Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109380","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109380","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The direct reduction–magnetic separation process coal-based is considered to be one of the most important methods that can effectively utilize high-phosphorus iron ore. The research reveals the effects of raw material particle size combinations on the mineral composition of reduction products, reduction speed, metallic iron particle morphology, phosphorus distribution, and powdery reduced iron indexes in the direct reduction process of high-phosphorus iron ore by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), milling magnetic separation, and FactSage 8.3. The results showed that the raw material particle size combination does not affect the mineral composition of the reduction products. The limestone particle size had a significant effect on the metallic iron particle shape in the reduction products, with ore particle size being the next largest and anthracite particle size being the smallest. The particle size of the raw material influences the shape and size of the metallic iron particles in the reduction product, which are present in the form of fine dots, larger dots and stripes, and the largest stripes. Metallic iron particles presenting the second form dissociate most readily as monomers. The research conducted in this study is expected to provide a basis for the effective exploitation of complex and refractory iron ores.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"229 ","pages":"Article 109380"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143931594","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}

{"title":"The relationship among pyrite fine grinding by stirred ball mill and tumbling ball mill, the properties of the product and the flotation behavior","authors":"Qingke Li ,&nbsp;Luandong Wu ,&nbsp;Yuankun Yang ,&nbsp;Guohua Gu ,&nbsp;Yanhong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109401","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the increasing complexity of ore texture and refinement of mineral dissemination size, fine grinding has become increasingly necessary. Different types of mills produce grinding products that affect flotation performance differently. Therefore, the relationship among fine grinding mills, the physical and chemical properties of the products, and subsequent flotation performance still needs to be established and understood. In this study, two distinct types of mills, stirred ball mill (SBM) and tumbling ball mill (TBM), with different grinding mechanisms, were employed for pyrite fine grinding. The results of grinding kinetics indicated that both SBM and TBM can produce fine particles, with SBM requiring much less time. When the grinding fineness of both was 90 % passing 25 µm, compared to TBM products, the pyrite obtained using SBM exposed more (2 0 0) surface, had lower particle roundness and more elongated shape. Furthermore, the pyrite surfaces treated with SBM contained lower concentrations of hydrophilic components, Fe-O/OH, O²⁻, and SO₄²⁻, and more hydrophobic components, S²⁻, S₂²⁻, and S_n²⁻/S⁰. Consequently, the change of the chemical and physical properties of the products in SBM caused a 10 % increase in the flotation recovery of fine-ground pyrite compared to TBM. The results of this study provide a fundamental understanding for industry mill selection and subsequent flotation performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"229 ","pages":"Article 109401"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143929060","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}

{"title":"Study of the colloidal-chemical and depressing characteristics of a micro- and nanosized depressant based on magnetite","authors":"Nessipbay Tussupbayev,&nbsp;Dulatbek Turysbekov,&nbsp;Sabira Narbekova,&nbsp;Larissa Semushkina,&nbsp;Nazira Samenova","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109358","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109358","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper, magnetite was proposed as a flotation depressant for the selective separation of chalcopyrite from galena. Micro- and nanosized magnetite particles were synthesized via the chemical co-precipitation method using divalent iron and iron(III) chloride. The chemical composition, surface properties, and morphology of the synthesized magnetite were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The adsorption properties of the surface groups of magnetite on mineral surfaces were examined by measuring the contact angle, including the electrokinetic potential. The ζ-potential measurements indicated that the micro- and nanosized magnetite particles exhibit a selective and strong depressing effect on the flotation of galena, while having a negligible impact on the flotation of chalcopyrite. The contact angle with the galena surface decreased from 94.52° to 42.70° under optimal conditions. A possible model for the adsorption of magnetite particles at the water–solid interface of the two minerals was proposed.</div><div>The article demonstrates that micro- and nano-sized magnetite particles can potentially serve as an effective, non-toxic depressant for the flotation separation of Cu–Pb bulk concentrates from polymetallic sulfide ores containing galena. When using known paramagnetic oxide materials in the form of plates, spirals, or with particle sizes above 100 µm, the separation of copper–lead concentrate into individual fractions occurs within a narrow pH range of 5.6–5.8, without requiring iron sulfate or sodium sulfite. However, to broaden the effective pH range and increase the specific surface area of the paramagnetic material, powder-form magnetite with particle sizes of 5–20 µm was employed. As a result, the separation of copper–lead concentrate occurred more distinctly at a pH range of 5.5–6.5, with a dosage of 1–1.5 kg/t of concentrate.</div><div>In our case, the use of micro- and nanosized magnetite enabled effective separation of copper–lead concentrate within a broader pH range of 5.5–7.5 and at a significantly lower reagent consumption. At an optimal dosage of 15 g/t of the proposed micro- and nanosized magnetite depressant for galena, a copper concentrate with a copper grade of 28.6 % and a recovery of 71.5 % was obtained, and a lead concentrate with a lead grade of 45.3 % and a recovery of 85.3 % was achieved. The content of lead in the copper concentrate and copper in the lead concentrate did not exceed 5 %.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"229 ","pages":"Article 109358"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143929110","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}

{"title":"Leaching behaviour and chemical speciation changes of heavy metals in mixed electroplating sludge during ferrous oxidation‑assisted two‑stage bioleaching","authors":"Lijuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhiyang Li ,&nbsp;Yue Fan ,&nbsp;Zirui Ye ,&nbsp;Fan Zeng ,&nbsp;Lingxiao Ren ,&nbsp;Hongbo Zhou ,&nbsp;Jun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reutilization of electroplating sludge attracts growing interests due to the high concentration of heavy metals. In this study, a suitable microbial consortium was screened for better extraction of Cu, Ni, Zn and Cr from mixed electroplating sludge at a high pulp density of 12 % (w/v) within a short time (24 h) and the influence of microbe–sludge interactions on the bioleaching behaviors and chemical speciation transformation of heavy metals was explored. The results demonstrated that the two-step bioleaching in conjoint with ferrous energy‑enriched microbial consortium achieved superior metal solubilization (&gt;96.1 % for each of Cu, Zn and Ni, and 75.4 % of Cr) in comparison to the sulfur-enriched microbial consortium and ferrous-sulfur mixed energy-enriched microbial consortium. Bioleaching performed better than chemical leaching and involved more leaching mechanisms rather than merely the contributions of H⁺ and Fe³⁺ to the dissolution of different metal species. Based on analysis of bioleaching dynamics and changes in the speciation and distribution of heavy metals and succession of microbial community during the ferrous oxidation‑assisted two-stage bioleaching process, it was speculated that both active microorganisms and their biogenic active substrates (H⁺ or Fe³⁺) directly or indirectly reacted with the sludge; more H⁺ or Fe³⁺ generated by microbial oxidation passed through the solid shell and entered inside the reacted core, disrupted metal compounds in four chemical forms and simultaneously enhanced the transformation of the specific metal chemical speciation from the passive fraction to the unstable exchangeable/acid soluble fraction and reducible fraction. Through these complex processes and alterations, it eventually facilitated more metal release from the sludge. These findings are expected to have significant implications for achieving rapid and deep metal extraction from electroplating sludge through bioleaching. Moreover, they have the potential to create new approaches for the sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment and management of electroplating sludge.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"229 ","pages":"Article 109371"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143929111","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}

{"title":"Synergistic collaboration of stirred mill and saline water to improve flotation decarburization efficiency of coal gasification fly ash","authors":"Zhenchao Ma ,&nbsp;Zhe Li ,&nbsp;Yingying Wang ,&nbsp;Mengdi Xu ,&nbsp;Ying Zhou ,&nbsp;Xuesong Yang ,&nbsp;Lei Wang ,&nbsp;Yaowen Xing ,&nbsp;Bobo Zhou ,&nbsp;Xiahui Gui","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109398","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The presence of unburned carbon seriously restricts the reasonable disposal and utilization of coal gasification fly ash (CGFA), leading to resources waste and environmental pollution. Due to the abundant micropores and hydrophilic structures on the surface of unburned carbon, the conventional flotation decarburization efficiency of CGFA is low. In this study, the stirred mill and saline water were synergistically applied to enhance the flotation decarburization efficiency. The synergistic mechanism between stirred mill and saline water was revealed through comprehensive characterization of surface morphologies, particle size distribution, pore structure evaluation, contact angle measurement, and surface property assessment. The results demonstrated that CGFA achieved a decarburization efficiency of 87.85 % by stirring mill grinding at 600 rpm for 10 min. There are three key reasons: preferential exposure of carbonaceous components, median particle size reduction to 8.11 µm with specific surface area decrease to 21.277 m²/g, and an increase in contact angle of 29.73°. Subsequent saline water treatment further improved efficiency to 94.41 % (0.8 mol/L Na⁺) and 96.16 % (0.4 mol/L Mg²⁺). This is caused by three complementary mechanisms: surface tension reduction, foam stabilization, and Zeta potential modulation. Consequently, the synergistic collaboration of stirred mill and saline water exhibit remarkable performances and can be used as an ideal candidate for flotation decarburization of CGFA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"229 ","pages":"Article 109398"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143929059","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}

{"title":"A Unity3D gamified tool for froth flotation training","authors":"Pedro A. de S. Bergamo ,&nbsp;Emilia S. Streng ,&nbsp;Michael Haas ,&nbsp;Mehdi Safari ,&nbsp;Jan Rosenkranz ,&nbsp;Yousef Ghorbani","doi":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109352","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109352","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the advancement of technology, many educators have started implementing technology enhanced tools like simulators and gamified learning applications to improve the training of industrial production staff. Currently, most operators in the mineral process industry are taught by traditional methods like slide presentations and hand-written exercises with a heavy focus on memorization. To facilitate the knowledge transfer from experienced to novice operators, a gamified educational tool was developed aiming to teach the core knowledge of the froth flotation process, with potential to teach the whole concentration process. Unity3D was used to develop the game based on a first-principles flotation model. This article presents a description of the application, as well as a questionnaire and the evaluation of the game by 25 experts in this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18594,"journal":{"name":"Minerals Engineering","volume":"229 ","pages":"Article 109352"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143921901","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}