Engineering Journal of Satbayev University

Assessment of industrial waste disposal practices in the mining sector of Uzbekistan

A.T. Nizamova — 2025-08-31

As a result of the intensive development of the mining and metallurgical industry, the volume of industrial waste continues to grow year after year. These wastes contain highly toxic heavy metals, aggressive chemical reagents, and other environmentally hazardous components threatening the environment and human health. Among the mining sector's most dangerous yet critical infrastructural elements are tailings storage facilities structures designed to accumulate industrial waste (specifically slurry) and typically built from earthen materials. Such facilities' planning, construction, and operation often lack sufficient technical and financial resources, rendering them high-risk structures. Foundation settlement, internal erosion, filtration, breach risk, and seismic instability are all factors that necessitate continuous monitoring to ensure the safety of these storage facilities. Traditional geodetic and mine surveying techniques provide insufficient monitoring capabilities. In current conditions, these methods must be supplemented by geoinformation technologies (GIS, remote sensing, UAVs), which offer spatial coverage, rapid data acquisition, and the capacity for integrated analysis. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the structure, risk level, and monitoring methods of various waste storage facilities operated by the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combinat (NMMC), utilizing GIS technologies.

Geodynamics of the Shu-Ile ore zone: integration of geophysical, geochemical and cosmogeological methods

A.B. Baibatsha — 2025-08-31

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the Shu-Ile metallogenic zone using modern geophysical, geochemical methods and technologies of remote sensing of the Earth. The purpose of the study was to establish patterns of ore deposits within the zone based on new geodynamic approaches and the integration of multidisciplinary geological data. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to create sound predictive models of mineral deposits, including gold, polymetals and related elements, in conditions of a complicated geological situation and the exhaustion of lightly explored resources. During the research, data from gravimetry, magnetic surveying, electromagnetic sensing and remote sensing data, as well as geochemical characteristics of ore-bearing formations, were analyzed. These data were compared with the results of field observations, stratigraphic and tectonic constructions. A comprehensive analysis made it possible to identify zones of active interaction between the mantle and the earth's crust, manifested in the form of deep faults, subvertical conductive structures and tectonically weakened zones that play a key role in the formation of ore nodes. Based on a set of geophysical and geochemical features, a new approach to forecasting gold-sulfide and polymetallic mineralization is proposed. It involves modeling deep structures and assessing the degree of their influence on the surface manifestations of ore mineralization. The results obtained are of great practical importance: They can be used to optimize exploration activities, increase the efficiency of drilling programs, and minimize financial costs. The proposed methodology can be successfully applied in other metallogenic provinces of Central Asia, which emphasizes the versatility and practical significance of the work performed.

Creation of a complex for the production of heat and electric power based on the geothermal waters of the Zharkent depression

М.К. Absametov — 2025-08-31

The object of this study is renewable energy sources in the Republic of Kazakhstan, with an emphasis on the geothermal resources of the Zharkent field. Geothermal energy is a promising direction in ensuring energy independence and sustainable development, especially in the context of the need to decarbonize the economy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The objective of this work is to develop and scientifically substantiate an integrated complex for the production of heat and electricity based on the geothermal resources of the Zharkent field. The study included an analysis of the hydrogeothermal characteristics of the field, an assessment of the energy potential of existing geothermal wells, and a selection of the most efficient technologies, including binary geothermal units, heat pump systems and direct heat supply systems. A feasibility study of the proposed solutions was carried out considering the climatic, geological and infrastructural features of the region. The research results can be applied in the development of pilot projects in the field of geothermal energy, as well as within the framework of the state strategy for the transition to a «green» economy. The proposed complex is capable of increasing the energy sustainability of the Zhetysu region and becoming an example for the implementation of similar solutions in other regions of Kazakhstan.

Thermodynamic calculations and construction of Ellingham and phase stability diagrams for the W-Ti-C-Co system

A.M. Alimzhanova — 2025-08-31

This study provides a thermodynamic analysis of phase equilibria and compound stability in the W–Ti–C–Co system using ab initio modeling, the Materials Project database, and HSC Chemistry 6. The focus is on identifying stable and metastable phases relevant to composite materials based on refractory metals and carbon with cobalt and titanium as alloying elements. Calculations yielded a list of characteristic phases, quaternary and ternary phase diagrams (Ti–W–C, Co–Ti–C, Co–W–C), Ellingham-type stability diagrams, and interfacial reaction maps. Mechanical properties were assessed via bulk and shear moduli, showing WC as the hardest and TiCo as the most ductile phase. The study predicts the likely formation of ternary carbides (W–Co, W–Ti), which strongly influence material properties. Fourteen interfacial reactions were identified, including carbide and intermetallic formation. Ellingham analysis showed Co₂C is unstable above ~400°C, and Co₇W₆ is unfavorable at all temperatures, while WC remains stable up to ~1400°C, beyond which W2C dominates. These results deepen the understanding of phase behavior in multicomponent metal – carbon systems and support the development of thermally stable, mechanically optimized materials.

Thermomechanical processing of HSLA steels: Overview

U.K. Kakimov — 2025-08-31

Thermomechanical processing of steels is an advanced process for producing high-strength steels. Low-alloy high-strength steel grades have a wide range of applications in the production of large-diameter pipes for transporting oil and gas. The application of API grades like X70 steels in pipe rolling production has led to a reduction in metal consumption and energy expenses for their production. Warm rolling or controlled rolling is one of the advanced technological modes of steel processing, which is described in this article. Therefore, it needs to be emphasized that high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels have gained significant attention due to their superior mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness in various industrial applications. Thermomechanical processing (TMP) plays a crucial role in optimizing the microstructure and mechanical performance of these steels. This paper explores the fundamental principles of TMP, including controlled rolling, accelerated cooling, and precipitation strengthening. The impact of processing parameters on grain refinement, phase transformations, and mechanical properties is discussed. Advances in TMP techniques, such as direct quenching and ultra-fast cooling, are also highlighted. Understanding these processes enables the development of HSLA steels with enhanced strength, toughness, and weldability. The paper also contains experimental part regarding to plane strain compression test results, which is modelling thermomechanical processing of HSLA steels.

Distribution of niobium during chlorine processing of various titanium-containing feedstocks

T.K. Sarsembekov — 2025-08-31

This article presents the results of a study on the distribution of niobium during the chlorination processing of various titanium-containing feedstocks, including titanium slag from JSC «UK TMP», titanium slag from the Norwegian company TiZir Titanium & Iron AS, and their mixtures in different ratios. The titanium slag samples were ground and treated by chlorination using concentrated gaseous chlorine in a molten salt medium composed of alkali metal chlorides (MgCl₂, KCl, NaCl), with finely crushed anthracite as a carbon-based reducing agent. The process was conducted at temperatures from 700 to 820°C. The study focused on the distribution behavior of vanadium and niobium during the chlorination of blended titanium slags in proportions of 60/40, 50/50, and 30/70 (UK TMP/TiZir), as well as in 100% UK TMP slag. The results indicate that most of the niobium accumulates in the dump slag of the titanium chlorinator and in the slurry of the irrigated scrubber. It was also found that an increase in the initial niobium content in the feed leads to its higher concentrations in the sublimate of the dust chamber, in the melt of the salt bath dust-settling chamber, and in the scrubber slurry, while its share in the dump slag decreases.