Engineering Journal of Satbayev University

The effectiveness of the use of geophysical research in the underground development of ore deposits

2024-07-31T06:58:57+00:00

The article is devoted to reviewing the issues related to the application of geophysical methods for solving the problems of monitoring the development of solid mineral deposits. The problems considered in the work are highly relevant in connection with the recent increase in the frequency of natural and man-made disasters caused by the disturbance of the rock mass during the construction of mine workings and the exploitation of ore deposits developed by underground methods. This is especially pertinent for deposits at a late stage of development. Based on an analysis of foreign and domestic scientific literature, the authors provide a detailed examination of the possibilities of using various modifications of geophysical methods in the mining industry at the stages of deposit development and operation. Particular attention is paid to the efficiency of seismic exploration methods in monitoring the development of ore deposits mined by underground methods at great depths. It is shown that the use of geophysical methods is one of the most effective ways to account for the behavior of natural and technical systems in underground workings, depending on the current state of the geological environment and artificial impacts on rock massifs. A well-founded conclusion is made that systematic monitoring and prevention of the technogenic state of underground workings, as well as the study of the current state of the rock mass and ore deposits in hard-to-reach areas using modern geophysical technologies, form the basis for the effective and safe development of long-exploited solid mineral deposits. The presented review is used for the scientific and practical substantiation of research work carried out by a team of specialists from KazNITU named after K.I. Satpayev, focused on developing a technology for assessing the geomechanical state of mined-out spaces using seismic methods during underground mining of minerals in the complex mining and geological conditions of copper sandstone deposits in Kazakhstan.

Metasomatic zoning and features of mineralization of porphyry copper deposits of the North-Eastern Balkhash region

2024-09-17T14:56:53+00:00

The study is devoted to the analysis of metasomatic zoning and features of mineralization of porphyry copper deposits of the North-Eastern Balkhash region, comparing them with other analogs around the world. Based on geological, mineralogical, and hydrothermal changes, the key characteristics of the Aktogay, Aidarly and Kyzylkiya fields were identified. Methods included rock and mineral analysis, geochemical studies, and comparative analysis with global deposits. The results showed the uniqueness of Kazakhstan deposits in terms of mineral composition and zoning structure. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of these deposits for understanding the formation of porphyry copper systems and the potential for further research in this direction. The copper ore deposit of North-Eastern Balkhash region is located 450 km northeast of Almaty, within the Balkhash-Ili suite of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, an orogenic structure over 800 million years old. The porphyry formations are found within the Koldar plutonic massif, which dates from the Late Devonian to the Early Carboniferous period. Laccolith intrusions of diorite-granodiorites extend 17 km in an east-west direction here. The Koldar plutonic massif includes plates of volcanogenic sedimentary rocks consisting of Carboniferous andesites and dacite-rhyolites. The Aktogay deposit occupies the central plate, composed of volcanic rocks and bounded by magmatic formations. The stocks of porphyritic granodiorites that intrude into the volcanic layers date from the Middle Carboniferous period.

The use of geothermal energy using the example of the Zharkent geothermal water deposit

2024-08-27T05:59:58+00:00

Today, Kazakhstan, like many other countries, is actively seeking ways to adapt to global climate change, seeking to ensure sustainable economic development, social responsibility and environmental protection in the context of international cooperation. In early 2023, the «Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2060» was adopted, which was the result of significant work on the implementation of the «Concept of Transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a Green Economy», as well as the development and implementation of state programs of industrial-innovative development and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The main goal of the Strategy is to achieve sustainable development of Kazakhstan's economy to climate change and carbon neutrality by 2060. There will be a gradual planned reduction in the share of coal-fired generation with an increase in the share of RES and alternative energy, as well as the use of natural gas as an intermediate fuel. In the medium and long term, there is uncertainty about the availability of sufficient water resources, so a long-term vision for the development of hydropower in Kazakhstan will be formed. In this regard, there is a need to develop the production of alternative energy in our country. Among non-conventional energy sources, geothermal energy - heat generated naturally in the Earth's interior - occupies the second place, second only to solar radiation. In recent years, unique factual material on thermal waters of Cretaceous deposits has been obtained in the territory of Zharkent depression. Zharkent depression possesses a huge potential of natural thermo-mineral resources, which have not found rational economic application so far. Development of thermal waters is actual in conditions of development of production of alternative kinds of energy and at transition of the republic on rails of «green economy».

A mini review on key properties and requirements of vanadium electrolytes

2024-08-22T05:55:44+00:00

This article examines the key factors involved in the production of electrolytes for vanadium batteries. It delves into various important parameters, including the optimal concentration of vanadium in the electrolyte, the composition of the electrolyte itself, and the necessity of maintaining appropriate levels of ionic strength, viscosity, temperature, and electrical conductivity in the solution. Moreover, the article highlights the significance of preventing electrode wear and sediment formation, offering insights into different reagents used and their specific mechanisms of action. By providing such valuable information, this article emphasizes the utmost importance of manufacturing high-quality vanadium batteries and their essential electrolytes, especially considering the rapid advancements in this field. This comprehensive study sheds light on the crucial parameters that must be carefully considered during the production of electrolytes for vanadium batteries. It stresses the criticality of maintaining optimal concentrations, proper composition, and suitable levels of ionic strength, viscosity, temperature, and electrical conductivity. It is also underscoring the need to prevent electrode wear and sediment formation. Generally speaking, this article serves as an invaluable resource in the production of top-notch vanadium batteries and their indispensable electrolytes in light of the rapid progress in this domain.

Extraction of zinc from dust from electric arc furnaces by high-temperature chlorinating sintering

2024-06-28T07:42:47+00:00

The paper presents the results of comprehensive studies of the processing of ferrous metallurgy dust by high-temperature sintering together with CaCl₂. Using modern research methods of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy ICP-MS (Agilent 7700s ICP-MS System Technologies), powder X-ray diffraction (Ultima III (Rigaku Corporation, USA), the composition of dust and the forms of metals in them have been studied: zinc in dust is mainly represented in in the form of zincite (ZnO) and in the form of franklinite (ZnFe₂O₄). Zinc chloride hydrates (Zn₅Cl₂·(OH)8·H₂O) were found in a small amount. Lead was found in a metallic form. The results of the influence of temperature and consumption of CaCl₂ on the distribution of Zn, Pb between sintering products (clinker, sublimates) are presented. The optimal process parameters were established: t = 900ºC, τ = 60 minutes, the consumption of CaCl₂ is 1.3 times higher than its consumption from the SRQ. High quality zinc sublimates were obtained, % by weight: 40.87 Zn; 0.16 Pb; 44.82 Cl; 13.04 O; others. A high recovery of zinc in distillates has been achieved – 98.9%. The presence of a minimum lead content in the distillates will not significantly affect their quality. New data on the extraction and distribution of zinc and lead between the products of high-temperature sintering of clinker together with CaCl₂ have been obtained. It was found that at temperatures above 700ºC, the zinc content in the clinker decreases sharply. The minimum zinc content in the clinker of 0.62% corresponds to a temperature of 900ºC. An increase in temperature to 1000ºC only slightly reduces the zinc content in the clinker to 0.6%.

Analysis and research of flocculant reagents for thickening operations of flotation concentrate in the processing technology of fine-dispersed chrome ores

2023-09-28T09:56:51+00:00

This research presents a systematic review of innovative methods for determining the influence of the concentration of flocculant reagents TOPFLOC 714, NALCO 8172PULV, and Magnofloc 5250 in recycled water for the purpose of dewatering sludge from treatment facilities during the processing of fine-dispersed chrome ores using the gravity-flotation method of enriching aged tailings at the Donskoy GOK. It also examines the degree of influence of amine components of flocculants in recycled water on the technological processes of gravity and flotation beneficiation, as well as the corrosion resistance of equipment. A review of modern water treatment methods is provided. A systematic review and analytical assessment of the results of 10 selected scientific studies on the methodology for determining the efficiency of flocculants for dewatering sludge from treatment facilities in the processing of fine-dispersed chrome ores was conducted, covering the period from 2006 to 2023. The study results show the use of easily accessible, safe, and cheap biodegradable polymers through innovative methods. Additionally, the research demonstrates successful examples of thickening oxide minerals after gravity separators and flotation machines to achieve good results in sedimentation of sludge from treatment facilities in fine ore processing. The pH of the solution influences the behavior of polymer chains. The clarification of industrial wastewater from gravity and flotation processes depends on both the type and concentration of the applied flocculants. A systematic review of dewatering methods for sludge from treatment facilities processing fine-dispersed chrome ores was carried out with an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the selected methods. Overall, the results highlight the importance of using flocculant reagents and applying innovative methods for the sedimentation of fine-dispersed chrome ores to enhance beneficiation efficiency and improve resource utilization.