Engineering Journal of Satbayev University

Solutions to improve the mining technology diagram for ore bodies at Vi Kem Copper Mine, Lao Cai province, Vietnam

2025-11-03T14:59:59+00:00

Designing and selecting a mining technology scheme for ore body conditions is complex because it depends on many factors. The technology schemes need to ensure efficiency and safety in the production process. Therefore, it is necessary to propose solutions to improve the mining technology scheme to exploit ore bodies to meet the current production requirements at underground mineral mines of the Vinacomin – Minerals Holding Corporation. Based on the current mining plan and mining technology design scheme of the Vi Kem Copper Mine, the authors conducted a survey, analysis and evaluation, thereby proposing solutions to improve the mining technology scheme for ore bodies at the Vi Kem Copper Mine and selected an area in the mine to conduct design calculations for the proposed solution. To achieve the research results presented in this article, the authors used methods such as data collection, analysis and synthesis, field surveys, analysis of results and evaluation, combined with theoretical approaches to calculate the experimental design area. The proposed options to improve the mining technology diagram are highly feasible when applied. There is a high possibility of applying mechanization in technological stages, increasing productivity and production efficiency of the mine, increasing ventilation capacity, and improving labor safety. The improved technology is basically the same as the preparation plan of the old mining technology diagram. However, each item will be optimized to increase the application of mechanization, bringing about production efficiency and labor safety. The research results show high feasibility when applying the improved technology diagram. Technical calculations show that the mining capacity of each chamber is 1.76 times higher, and labor productivity is nearly 3 times higher than the current technological scheme.

Optimizing Kazakhstan’s water budget through subsurface floodwater recharge

2025-03-29T17:28:19+00:00

The study is dedicated to analyzing the economic efficiency of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) systems as a method of sustainable water supply under the conditions of climate change and water resource scarcity. The work explores the fundamental principles of MAR, its advantages in reducing water supply costs, minimizing water losses, improving resilience to extreme climatic conditions, and maintaining ecosystem balances. Special attention is given to the economic and social benefits that the use of MAR can provide to agriculture and local communities. The research methodology includes an analysis of existing practices, economic modeling, and an assessment of the impact of implementing MAR technologies at the regional level. The results demonstrate that MAR is an effective and economically advantageous strategy for water supply, promoting sustainable use of water resources and improving quality of life. The scientific novelty lies in justifying the economic feasibility of applying MAR systems in the context of climate change, while the practical significance of the study lies in the potential to implement the findings into real-world water resource management practices.

Petrogenesis and mineralogical characteristics of copper-bearing rocks in the Koldar massif, Central Kazakhstan

2025-01-23T07:33:18+00:00

This paper analyzes the increasing global demand for mineral resources, particularly non-ferrous metals, and the growing challenge of finding new deposits as easily accessible ones are depleted. The study focuses on copper-porphyry deposits, which are crucial for meeting this demand. It highlights the importance of improving exploration methods and integrating various geological, geophysical, and geochemical techniques. The research emphasizes the unique metallogenic potential of Kazakhstan, specifically the Dzungar-Balkhash folded region, which hosts significant copper deposits like Kounrad, Bozshakol, Koksai, Aktogay, and Aidarly. The study uses the Koldar massif as a reference site to analyze the geological and mineralogical characteristics of these deposits. The methodology involved field studies, sample collection, and macro- and microscopic mineralogical analysis. A key finding of the study is the identification of widespread kalishpatization and argillitization zones within the Kyzylkiya deposit, which were confirmed through both spectral analysis and micromineralogical studies. The research also details the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of different types of copper-porphyry ores, linking them to specific petrological features of the ore-bearing plutonism. The paper concludes by presenting prospect and prospecting signs for copper-porphyry deposits in various geological settings.

The role of environmental and industrial safety during subsoil development

2025-04-15T10:09:14+00:00

The article examines the environmental problems of the territories of the Republic of Kazakhstan. These problems are associated with the depletion of accessible mineral resources and the growing amount of man-made waste (MMW), which increases the land area occupied by dumps and landfills as well as the negative impact on the environment. Accumulated waste is, on the one hand, the main pollutant of the environment, and on the other hand, a valuable material potentially suitable for processing and reuse in the production of widely demanded building materials. The need for processing technogenic mineral formations is dictated by the fact that they occupy vast territories, are easily dispersed by wind, and pose an increased environmental risk for mining and metallurgical regions. In this regard, the scientific foundations of integrated methodologies for the environmental assessment of MMW and their recycling in the production of building materials and products were developed. The study substantiates the possibility of using these wastes as raw materials for building products while simultaneously addressing environmental challenges in the affected territories. Methods for the disposal of man-made waste and a quantitative assessment of the prospects for introducing resource-saving technologies are presented.

Determination of the optimal technological regime and parameters of the cyanidation process of the flotation concentrate obtained after the enrichment of resistant gold-bearing ores

2025-07-25T12:45:10+00:00

As a result of comprehensive studies of the material composition of the flotation concentrate and the forms of gold presence, it was established that the chemical composition of the concentrate is 55.17% represented by lithophile components with the mass fraction of 55.17%. The main ones are silica and alumina with mass fractions of 36.4% and 8.26%, respectively. Ore mineralization of the flotation concentrate is represented by pyrite with the mass fraction of 40.7%. It has been established that gold in the flotation concentrate sample is present in native form. The bulk of gold grains is represented by particles with a size of 10-38 microns - 82.89%. About 63% of gold is in free form. The proportion of closed grains is 9.23%. The main mineral in the flotation concentrate sample, associated with gold, is pyrite – 25%. The portion of gold associated with quartz is 3.07%. For industrial operation, sorption type of cyanidation of flotation concentrates with a consumption of Norit RO 3520 activated carbon in an amount of 10% of the volume of the liquid phase is recommended as the optimal mode. The parameters for sorption cyanidation of flotation concentrate have been established: flotation concentrate size – P80 10 microns; sodium cyanide concentration – 0.1% (sodium cyanide consumption – 2.3 kg/t); pH – 10.5; pulp density – 40% (solid); duration of the process is 24 hours. With the established parameters, relatively high, at least 86%, extraction of gold into the solution was achieved.

Study of the acoustic properties of new smelted steels alloyed with chromium, vanadium, and manganese

2025-11-03T11:38:32+00:00

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the acoustic, damping, and vibration properties of newly cast steels alloyed with vanadium, chromium, and manganese. The relevance of the work is determined by the growing industrial need to reduce impact noise and vibration generated during the operation of machinery, mining, and metallurgical equipment. Increased acoustic loads lead to accelerated wear of components, reduced reliability of units, and adverse effects on workers, which makes the search for new materials particularly important. The study includes an analysis of literature data on existing noise-reduction methods and demonstrates the advantages of using alloys with enhanced internal damping compared to traditional structural materials. The experimental part was carried out by modeling impact processes using specialized measuring equipment that made it possible to record sound pressure levels, frequency spectra, and vibration decay rates. Special attention was paid to the influence of chemical composition, phase structure, and grain morphology on the acoustic characteristics of the steels. It was established that the optimal combination of alloying elements promotes the formation of a structure that provides more efficient vibration attenuation. The results obtained can be used in the development of new materials and protective components aimed at reducing industrial noise and increasing equipment durability.