Engineering Journal of Satbayev University

Structural controls on rare-metal mineralization: Depth-specific mapping of economic deposits in Nigeria Basement Complex

E. Abraham — 2025-12-31

This study aims to identify prospective zones for mineral exploration and enhance understanding of mineralization processes within Precambrian terrains. High-resolution aeromagnetic data were analyzed using integrated geophysical techniques such as Analytic Signal, Tilt Derivative, Phase Symmetry, Source Parameter Imaging, Butterworth bandpass filtering, 3D magnetic anomaly inversion, and Euler Deconvolution to delineate subsurface structures and determine their spatial distribution, depths, and relationships to mineral occurrences. The results revealed NE-SW and NW-SE trending lineaments corresponding to major shear zones and fault systems that govern mineral emplacement. Shallow sources (250-500 m) are associated with industrial minerals such as clay, intermediate depths (500-720 m) relate to rare-metal pegmatites hosting columbite-tantalite and wolframite, while deep-seated structures (>1200 m) indicate potential source regions for mineralizing fluids. High-amplitude analytic signal anomalies (0.04-0.05 nT/m) coincide with geological contacts and structural boundaries marking zones of potential mineralization. This represents the first comprehensive investigation of subsurface mineralized structures in the region, and by applying multiple geophysical processing techniques, previously unmapped structural features were exposed and the vertical continuity of mineralized zones confirmed. The findings provide depth-specific mapping of economic mineral deposits, offering valuable insights for targeted exploration efforts and enabling more precise, cost-effective strategies for locating columbite-tantalite, wolframite, kaolin, and other economically significant minerals in the Basement Complex.

Prospects for utilizing natural gas from the Anabai gas field for synthesis gas production via dry reforming of methane

B.B. Zhaparov — 2025-12-31

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a promising approach for producing synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which serves as a valuable intermediate for energy and chemical applications. In the context of the global energy transition, hydrogen is considered a potential low-carbon energy carrier, while DRM enables the simultaneous utilization of methane and carbon dioxide. This study aimed to assess the prospects of the Anabai gas field for converting produced natural gas into synthesis gas via the DRM reaction and to demonstrate the practical feasibility of methane conversion based on laboratory-scale experiments. To evaluate the potential of methane utilization, data on the methane content of natural gas from the Anabai field under surface and subsurface conditions were analyzed. Surface gas characteristics were determined using 56 wellhead samples from Famennian, Lower, Middle, and Upper Visean, as well as Serpukhovian deposits. Subsurface gas composition was assessed based on 102 samples from the Famennian, Tournaisian, and Visean–Serpukhovian stages. The results indicate a consistently high methane content across the studied stratigraphic horizons. Experimental DRM studies were carried out using a 20Co-10Mg-20Al catalyst synthesized by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method. The catalytic performance was evaluated in terms of methane and carbon dioxide conversion, synthesis gas composition, and temperature dependence. Based on the experimental results, practical recommendations for implementing DRM at the Anabai gas field are proposed, and the prospects for integrating this technology into environmentally oriented energy production schemes are discussed.

Snowmelt water breakthrough into coal mine

N.A. Miletenko — 2025-12-31

The paper addresses the mechanism of flood water inrush from a technogenic ground sinkhole into underground excavation. Basing on computer simulation it was demonstrated that an area of tensile stresses is formed in the zone affected by underground mining. A natural hydrofracture of rocks may develop from the sinkhole into the mine opening under the effect of tensile stresses and water hydrostatic pressure. Hazardous water inflow into underground mine opening may be associated both with direct hydrofracture crack egress into the opening and with preliminary intense filtration water inflow from the crack into the opening if the crack development slows down. On approaching the mine opening the fracture may stop growing due to local rock compression near the opening. The modeling has demonstrated that the actual picture of the catastrophic water inflow into the ventilation gallery cannot be explained by filtration mechanism only. The catastrophic water breakthrough may be caused by development of a major water-conducting crack growing from natural frost crack in the bottom of the sinkhole towards the mine opening.

Investigation of electrodialysis membrane processes for sodium sulfate solutions with alkaline and acid regeneration

B.S. Baimbetov — 2025-12-31

This article considers the possibility of processing sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) solutions generated in various industrial processes into valuable products - sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) using the electrodialysis method. The problem of processing sodium sulphate solutions is relevant due to their significant volume and high content of inorganic impurities, while traditional methods of purification are energy-intensive and economically inexpedient. The authors have analysed the existing methods of obtaining and processing sodium sulphate solutions by electrodialysis using MC-40, MA-41 and MB-2I membranes and Ralex BM membranes. In purpose of electrodialysis the schemes of 3-chamber and 6-section electrodialyzers using cation- and anion-exchange membranes of MC-40, MA-41 (RF) and EDC1R, EAC1R (PRC) grades were applied. The scheme of bench installation of a multichamber electrodialyzer using EDAM and EDCM membrane brands was considered. The conditions of experiments on 3 installations according to the method of probabilistic-deterministic planning of experiments by Malyshev V.P. The dependences for the first installation were obtained: the degree of conversion on the concentration of Na₂SO₄, the duration of the process on the cathodic density and the content of MgSO₄ impurity. Dependences of energy consumption on concentration of initial solution and current density at 3 installations allow to judge about expediency of electrodialysis process.

The effect of iron on the production of ferrosilicon and the volatilization of non-ferrous metals from a mixture of sulfide ores from the Shalkiya and Zhayrem deposits

D.K. Aitkulov — 2025-12-31

The article presents the results of studies on the complex processing of ores from the Shalkiya and Zhayrem deposits, a distinctive feature of which is not only a low degree of floatability (due to close mutual intergrowth of zinc and lead ore minerals with non-metallic minerals), but also a high content (40-50%) of silica. The studies were carried out by thermodynamic modeling methods using the HSC-6.0 software package based on the principle of minimum Gibbs energy, second-order planning and electric smelting in an arc single-electrode furnace of sulfide ores from the Shalkiya and Zhayrem deposits (with a ratio of 1:1) together with carbon (coke) and iron (steel cuttings). The effect of temperature and the amount of iron on the equilibrium distribution of silicon, zinc, lead, the composition of the silicon-containing alloy and sublimates containing zinc and lead was determined. Conditions for the equilibrium formation of grade ferrosilicon with the transition of 60 to 85% silicon, at least 99% zinc and 48-89% lead into sublimates were determined. Ferrosilicon grade FeSi45 was obtained by electric smelting of a mixture of the Shalkiya and Zhayrem ores in the presence of 26% coke and 18% steel cuttings, and ferrosilicon grade FeSi25 was obtained in the presence of 26% coke and 38% iron. Sublimates of electric smelting contain 25.0-26.1% zinc and 10.5-11.8% lead.

Obtaining manganese pellets from manganese-containing technogenic waste

S.S. Temirova — 2025-12-31

Recycling manganese-rich industrial residues is a significant technological and environmental challenge in mining regions because it lowers long-term waste accumulation and provides a valuable supplementary feedstock for ferroalloy production. This study thoroughly examined fine-grained manganese sludge from the Ushkatyn-3 deposit (JSC «Zhayremsky GOK») using particle size analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, ICP-AES, and differential thermal analysis. Nearly all of the original technogenic material, which contained 15.0-18.3% Mn, was composed of barite, quartz, bixbyite, calcite, and braunite. Based on the identified granulometric and mineralogical properties, a gravity-magnetic beneficiation flowsheet was created. Sequential treatment using jigging, concentration tables, and high-intensity magnetic separation produced a finely dispersed manganese concentrate with a Mn content of 34.9-35.2% and a recovery of roughly 61%. Pelletizing mixtures containing calcium oxide, natural iron-bearing diatomite, and, in certain compositions, coke was made using the resultant concentrate. The formation of green pellets during granulation in an Eirich mixer-granulator has been examined in relation to binder content and particle-size distribution. The thermal behavior of the composite mixture was examined using TGA-DTA/DSC and quadrupole mass spectrometry, which revealed dehydration, carbonate breakdown, and polymorphic transformations of manganese phases over the temperature range of 200-1160°C. Because it offers adequate phase consolidation without partial melting, the sintering process proved that 1170°C is the optimal firing temperature. The formation of ferrobustamite (CaFe₂Si₂O₄), hausmannite (Mn₃O₄), and jacobsite (MnFe₂O₄) was verified by X-ray diffraction analysis of the fired pellets. This is the ferrosilicon calcium binding phase, which strengthens the agglomerates’ structural integrity. The sintered pellets’ high mechanical strength (up to 33.8 kg per pellet), apparent density of 1.45-1.91 g/cm³, and open porosity of 27-35% attest to their suitability as feedstock for ferromanganese alloy production. The developed beneficiation and agglomeration method represent an effective way to convert low-grade manganese sludge into useful metallurgical raw materials. The proposed technology reduces the environmental impact of tailings ponds and opens a viable path to the sustainable use of manganese-containing industrial waste.