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By Takashi Ito

Numerous studies have examined the distribution of deep-sea manganese deposits throughout geologic history. Here I summarize the recent results, focusing on the frequency of occurrence, burial age and mechanism, and the paleoceanographic implications.

By S. Ford

The introduction of recent advances in molecular biology into the field of microbial ecology has made available a powerful set of analytical tools for dissecting the structure of microbial communities in natural environments. The use of these approaches, many of them based on DNA-DNA hybridization enables the researcher to assess the occurrence of specific DNA sequences among the natural bacterial flora (Ford and Olson 1987). These techniques promise to have wide application as tools for monitoring the spread of introduced microorganisms (Trevors, 198'): Ford and Olson. 1987) and have been used to examine the response of bacterial communities to environmental contaminants and stressors (Barkay and Olson. 1986. Olson and Ford. 1986. Olson. Ford and Lester 1987) The occurrence of heavy metal resistance among microorganisms has been discussed as a possible tool for the detection of pathfinder elements employed in mineral exploration (Olson and Barkay 1986). In addition, the occurrence of heavy metal resistant bacteria may be utilized in protocols for assessing the occurrence and biological impact of contamination occurring as a consequence of mining operations. In this context the use of DNA hybridization technology enables the investigator to directly quantify the number of heavy metal resistant bacteria by the use of genetic probes specific for those resistance genes. The implementation of a strategy for detection of heavy metal resistance genes by hybridization technology is dependent on the availability of data on the genetic systems which encode resistance The availability of extensive DNA sequence data on mercury resistance genes (Brown et a11986. Barrineau et al 1984) has lead us to use gene probes specific for mercury resistance within natural bacterial populations as a model system for investigating the response of these bacterial populations to the occurrence of mercury In the environment.

Jan 1, 1988

By Junzo Hino

Most of the waste that contains a small portion of copper is landfilled. The recycling process of copper from the waste, such as shredder residue, should be developed in order to save mineral resources and prevent environmental pollution. Shredder residue, generated from disposed automobiles and electric appliances, consists of many types of plastics, glasses and metals. The combustion heat of plastics is efficiently used for smelting in the recycling process that consists of melting and reduction. Because the waste contains numerous components the knowledge of the distribution behaviors of the main components is necessary to develop the recycling process. The distribution behaviors in the recycling process are evaluated by using the thermodynamic calculation program, HSC Chemistry. The calculation results are compared with the practical operation data of the recycling process and discussed.

Jan 1, 2003

By Junzo Hino

Most of the waste that contains a small portion of copper is landfilled. The recycling process of copper from the waste, such as shredder residue, should be developed in order to save mineral resources and prevent environmental pollution. Shredder residue, generated from disposed automobiles and electric appliances, consists of many types of plastics, glasses and metals. The combustion heat of plastics is efficiently used for smelting in the recycling process that consists of melting and reduction. Because the waste contains numerous components the knowledge of the distribution behaviors of the main components is necessary to develop the recycling process. The distribution behaviors in the recycling process are evaluated by using the thermodynamic calculation program, HSC Chemistry. The calculation results are compared with the practical operation data of the recycling process and discussed.

Jan 1, 2003

Thirty six different commodities were recorded from 3708 mineral occurrences in the Atherton 1:250 000 Sheet area, mapped by personnel of the Queensland Department of Resource Industries. Tin, occurring in 56% of all mineral occurrences, is the most common, followed by copper, tungsten, silver, lead, gold, fluorite molybdenum, zinc and antimony. The densest area of mineral occurrences is the Herberton Mineral Field, one of the most intensively mined areas in the state.The majority of occurrences in the sheet area are fracture, fault or shear related vein or lenticular deposits, with subordinate types being pipe, skarn, endogreisen, disseminated and porphyry copper deposits. However the larger mines in the area are commonly of the subordinate types including the Red Dome gold-copper skarn, the Wolfram Camp and Bamford Hill tungsten- m olydbenum endogreisens, and the Vulcan pipe tin deposit. Significant gold prospects occur in quartz-antimony veins, breccia pipes and skarn deposits associated with rhyolitic porphyry dykes. A fluorite-gold association has been noted in several areas on the western side of the sheet.Mineralised fractures are predominantly oriented in a NNW direction which is the major trend in the Hodgkinson Province. Secondary N and NE directions are also present.

Jan 1, 1990

By R. S. Celmer

The distributions of cobalt, molybdenum, copper, and selenium between nickel matte and silica-saturated iron silicate slag have been determined in the region of the metallic saturation boundary, at 1523 K. Results are given as a function of the composition of the coexisting Fe-Ni alloy and the activity of iron in the system. Under strongly reducing conditions, these minor elements display a marked preferential accumulation in the sulphide phase. It is shown that the dissolution of cobalt and molybdenum in slag follows an oxidative mechanism, and distribution equilibria are correlated with the oxygen potential. From these data, the thermodynamic properties of cobalt in nickel matte are computed. Further, comparisons of minor element partitions are made between the nickel and copper matte smelting cases under metal saturation conditions.

Jan 1, 1988

By Hector Henao

To provide thermodynamic data for converting the nickel matte to liquid nickel, an experimental study was conducted in the phase equilibrium between the Ni-S alloy and the CaO-Ah03 based slag melted in a MgO crucible at 1873 K under controlled Pso2 of 10.1 kPa and pO;, in a range between 2.5x,IO,2 and 10.1 Pa by using CO-C02-S0Z gas mixtures. The content of nickel in the slag at POz of 10.1 Pa, above which solid NiO is expected to precipitate in the equilibrium state, was found to be 4.1 mass% and the contents of sulfur and oxygen in the nickel melt were 0.4 and 0.2 mass%, respectively. It was clarified that increase in the temperature reduces the solubility of nickel in the slag and the contents of sulfur and oxygen in the alloy. The distribution of minor elements such as gold, silver, copper, cobalt, iron, arsenic and antimony between the Ni-S alloy and the CaO-AI20) based slag was also studied. The distribution ratios of iron and cobalt, defined by (%X in slag)/[%X in alloy] where X is the minor element, are larger values than that of nickel, while those of copper, silver and antimony are similar to that of nickel. The distribution ratios of arsenic and gold are lower than that of nickel in the higher range of oxygen partial' pressure.

Jan 1, 2003

By Hector Henao

To provide thermodynamic data for converting the nickel matte to liquid nickel, an experimental study was conducted in the phase equilibrium between the Ni-S alloy and the CaO-Al2O3 based slag melted in a MgO crucible at 1873 K under controlled Pso2 of 10.1 kPa and Po2 in a range between 2.5x 10-and 10.1 Pa by using CO-CO2-SO2 gas mixtures. The content of nickel in the slag at Po, of 10.1 Pa, above which solid NiO is expected to precipitate in the equilibrium state, was found to be 4, I mass% and the contents of sulfur and oxygen in the nickel melt were 0.4 and 02 mass%, respectively. ft was clarified that increase in the temperature reduces the solubility of nickel in the slag and the contents of sulfur and oxygen in the alloy, The distribution of minor elements such as gold, silver, copper, cobalt, iron, arsenic and antimony between the Ni-S alloy and the CaO-Al2O3 based slag was also studied. The distribution ratios of iron and cobalt, defined by (%X in slag)/[%X in alloy] where X is the minor element, are larger values than that of nickel, while those of copper, silver and antimony are similar to that of nickel. The distribution ratios of arsenic and gold are lower than that of nickel in the higher range of oxygen partial pressure.

Jan 1, 2003

By J F. C L Costa, J C. Koppe

The goal of this study is to characterise co-processed clinkers by identifying the most common minor elements, their distribution in the clinkers and possible effects on the mineralogical properties of the same. The results show the presence of an elevated content of transition metals, especially manganese concentrated in the matrix (up to three per cent) of the clinkers. Anomalous concentrations of arsenic have also been detected, especially at silicate crystal edges. The results indicate that the tracer elements can perfectly be associated to the mineralogical characteristics of the clinkers.

Jan 1, 2008

By Kimio Itagaki

The distribution ratios of Ag, Pb, As, Sb and Bi for the Cu2S-FeS or Ni3S2-FeS matte / FeOx SiO2, FeOx-SiO2-CaO or FeOx-CaO slag equilibration in a MgO crucible were determined experimentally at 1523~1573K under controlled partial pressures of S2 and O2 at given PSO2 of 10.1, 50.7 and 101.3 kPa (0.1, 0.5 and 1 atm) and be observed dependency of distribution ratio on the matte grade, SO2 pressure and slag basicity were analyzed on the basis of thermodynamics,

Jan 1, 2003

By Kimio Ilagaki

The distribution ratios of Ag, Pb, As, Sb and Bi for the Cu2S-FeS or Ni3S2-FeS matte I FeOx-SiOl, FeOx-Si02-CaO or FeOx-CaO slag equilibration in a MgO crucible were determined experimentally at 1523 ~1573K under controlled partial pressures of S2 and 02 at given PS02 of 10.1,50.7 and 101.3 kPa(O.I, 0.5 and I atm), and the observed dependency of distribution ratio on the matte grade, S02 pressure and slag basicity were analyzed on the basis of thermodynamics.

Jan 1, 2003

By Xian Jian Guo, Lei Li, Hua Wang

The distribution and behavior of As, Pb and Zn elements in the copper smelting process were investigated using thermodynamics. The differences between thermodynamics evaluation and practical smelting processes were analyzed. The main factors affecting the distribution of the elements are oxygen enrichment in blowing, copper matte grade and smelting temperature. In general, the distribution ratio of As, Pb and Zn to off gas increases with the smelting temperature and decreases with oxygen enrichment in blowing. Meanwhile, their distributions in matte decreases and that in slag increases with the increase of copper matte grade. There is some gap in distributions between thermodynamics evaluation and practical smelting processes. INTRODUCTION The copper concentrates usually contain a number of minor elements, the control of which in copper smelting processes is often a key to the quality of the anode copper produced and may also have a bearing on the overall economics of the process (Yang et al., 2017). Knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of the minor elements in slag is very important in the control of the slagging reactions (Takeda Y, Ishiwata & Yazawa, 2007). In addition, the environmental contamination caused by the minor elements associated with copper-bearing ores, such as As, Pb and Zn, has become more and more important (Wang, 2004). Arsenic, lead and antimony, which are all carcinogenic metalloid elements, are usually contained in iron-rich wastes, and theirs emissions are considered to be one of the foremost environmental concerns (Wang, 2004). It is important to elucidate the elements distribution of them in the reducing-matte smelting process. The distributions of As, Pb and Zn elements in the copper smelting process are dependent on many factors, including the temperature, raw material composition, reduction atmosphere, concentration level, and slag chemistry etc. (Chen L Z, Xu X, 2016). Generally, these minor elements mainly distribute in phases of gas, copper matte and slag in the smelting process (Shu, Wang, & Qu, 2016). The arsenic exists mainly in the form of sulfo-arsenides in the copper concentrate, and it will decompose and be oxidized in the smelting process (Chen & Lu, 2016). Part of the products, including AsS, AsO, As2 and As2O3, evaporates into the gaseous state, and some other part enters into slag phase in the form of As2O3 and As2O5 (Wang, Guo, & Tian, 2017). Meanwhile, the As2O3 in the slag phase can also be reduced to metallic As and combine with Cu, S, Fe forming Cu3As2, As2S3 and Fe3As2, and then enter into copper matte. During the copper smelting process, about 50% of zinc enters into slag phase in the form of ZnO and 45% exists in the copper matte in the form of ZnS. Little volatizes into the gas phase. Most lead exists in forms of PbS and PbO in the copper concentrate, and it is mainly distributed in copper matte in the smelting process (Zheng & Lin, 2015).

Jan 1, 2019

By Senlin Xie, Wanlin Wang, Lejun Zhou

"The innovative development of multiphase slag in hot-metal treatment has attracted considerable attention due to the reduction of CaO consumption and minimal environmental emission. In order to improve the efficiency of dephosphorization and to reutilize the waste-slag as an alternative source of phosphate ores, it is important to increase the distribution ratio of P2Os between the solid solution (2CaO· SiO2-3CaO· P2O 5) and liquid slag. An investigation was carried out to study the effects ofNa2O and B2O3 on the distribution ratio of P2Os, the results indicated that the increase ofNa2O would enhance the distribution ratio of P2Os with the formation of solid solution (2CaO·SiO2-Na2O·2CaO·P2Os), while B2O3 has the opposite function, and changes the morphology of solid solution. The study would provide an instructive way for the design of multiphase slag and re-utilization of waste-slag.IntroductionIn order to meet the increasing demand for high quality low-phosphorus steel, it requires a high efficient hot metal dephosphorization process. The current slag system for hot metal treatment contains large amount of solid CaO dispersed in liquid slag, which introduced a large amount of CaO consumption due to its low solubility, especially when CaF2 was restricted due to the environmental concerns. Therefore, new refming method to improve the utilization efficiency of CaO by using a solid/liquid coexisting multiphase slag was proposed, and the studies regarding to solid solution formation mechanism, mass transfer behavior of phosphorus and the phase relationship for multi-phase slag have been conducted. [1-6]Normally, hot metal dephosphorization slag consists of CaO--SiOz-FeO--P2O 5, and it has been approved that 2CaO·SiO2 forms a solid solution with 3CaO·P2Os at the hot metal treatment temperature over a wide range of compositions. [7] Kitamura et al [8] pointed out that the (2CaO·SiO2-3CaO·P2O 5) solid solution plays an important role in dephosphorization, and it has been regarded as an absorbents for phosphorus to lower the phosphorus content in liquid phase, which makes it more capable for future dephosphorization. l Besides, the multiphase slag has the potential to be recycled as a source of phosphorus, if the (2CaO· SiO2-3CaO· P2O 5) solid solution could contain high phosphorus content, and it can be separated from FeiO matrix 8hase due to the large difference of their magnetic properties under the strong magnetic field. [10, 11]"

Jan 1, 2014

By E Jak, G Khartcyzov, M Shevchenko

The increasing complexity of ore resources and recycled materials in the feed of pyrometallurgical processes present a technical challenge to the metallurgical engineers working on maximising the recovery of the valuable elements and minimising the environmental impact of the processes. To address this challenge, the availability of computational tools that can predict the mass and energy balance in complex systems is required. Then the accurate description of phase equilibria in the complex multicomponent systems describing the chemistry of the pyrometallurgical processes becomes critical for the correct implementation of the indicated tools and facing the outlined industrial challenges. In the present study the distribution of selected elements (Pb, Zn, Fe, As, Sn, Sb, Bi and Ni) between oxide liquid and metal in the ‘CuO0.5’-CaO-AlO1.5 system in equilibrium with Cu metal at 1400°C (liquidus of CaAl2O4) was experimentally studied using the equilibration and quenching technique followed by the electron probe X-ray microanalysis of the resulted samples. The study covered a wide range of effective p(O2) over the system from 10-11 to 10-3.5 (corresponding to formation of immiscible CuO0.5-rich slag). To avoid loss of volatile elements (Pb, Zn, As, Sn, Sb and Bi), a correlation between ‘CuO0.5’ in oxide liquid and p(O2) in open system was obtained first, followed by studying the volatile elements distribution in closed conditions (Al2O3 crucible sealed in SiO2 ampoule), where ‘CuO0.5’ concentration was used as a marker to evaluate the effective p(O2) over the system. The experimental results were then used for the optimisation of the thermodynamic model parameters of the system as part of the integrated experimental and self-consisting thermodynamic modelling research program of phase equilibria in the Cu-Pb-Zn-Fe-Ca-Si-Al-Mg-O-S-(As, Sn, Sb, Bi, Ag, Au, Ni, Cr, Co and Na) gas/oxide liquid/matte/speiss/metal/solids system.

Jun 19, 2024

By James C. Barker

Near Rainbow Mountain in the east-central Alaska Range an ultramafic complex forms a sill-like intrusion composed of dismembered bodies exposed along the south side of the Denali Fault and Broxson Gulch Thrust. The complex comprises dunite and peridotite with lesser gabbro, which together exhibit poorly defined, steeply-dipping compositional layering. The complex hosts four types of copper-nickel occurrences which have characteristic platinum-group elements (PGE), gold, and cobalt distributions. Three of the occurrence-types are considered to have formed as a result of primary mineral segregations which developed during intrusion of the complex. The fourth type of copper-nickel occurrence formed as a result of post-magmatic hydrothermal fluids at intrusive contacts. Scanning electron microscope examination indicates that PGE occur as micron-size telluride and arsenide minerals.

Jan 1, 1987

By Hector M. Henao

There is an increasing trend in the copper smelters to recycle electronic materials, which contain relatively high concentration of precious metals. As a consequence, the amount of precious metals lost in the slag phase is increasing. To determine the portion of the precious metals chemically dissolved and that associated with the mechanically trapped matte in the slag will be a key factor to improve the recovery of those metals. Thus, an experimental study was carried out to determine the distribution of precious metals (Au, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru) between the equilibrated copper matte and iron-silicate slag phases. The experiments were made in a magnesia crucible at 1573 K and a fixed partial pressure of SO2 of 0.1 atm for the matte grades between 40 and 70 mass% of copper. It was found that the distribution ratios (defined as mass% X in slag/mass% X in matte, where X represents the precious metal) are around 10-2 for Ru, 10-3 for Au, Pt and Pd and 10-4 for Rh. The distribution ratios show a tendency to increase when the grade of matte is increased.

Jan 1, 2006

By V. M. Hamza

Analysis of ground and airborne radiometric measurements in the Saquarema region (Rio de Janeiro) provides new insights into the breakdown and transport of mineral aggregates containing monazites, under sub-tropical weathering conditions. The breakdown process, accompanied by loss of low-density clay fractions in weathered materials is considered responsible for the observed patterns in relative enrichment of thorium and uranium along the migration paths of radionuclides. The characteristic features of these patterns provide clues as to the time and distance scales associated with processes of weathering and erosion. It is also possible to determine approximate locations of concentrations of accessory minerals. In this context, we advance the hypothesis that large under-water monazite deposits may be present along the offshore sand banks, in the coastal region of the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Sep 14, 2011

By John G. Groppo, James C. Hower, Cortland F. Eble, Rick Q. Honaker, Alireza Valian, Stephen F. Greb

Coal and coal combustion byproducts are potential candidates for alternative resources of REEs (rare earth elements). The Illinois Basin is a major coal-producing district in the USA, but little work is available on speciation of REEs in the basin’s coals. In this study, a total number of 382 samples from known locations in the Illinois Basin coal beds were acquired, analyzed for their REE contents, and investigated for any spatial trends or chemical correlations. This study includes Springfield, Herrin, and Baker coal beds—the most heavily mined coals in the basin. An average coal ash from the basin contains 320 ppm REE, with Baker being the highest (407 ppm on average). However, the distribution of REEs in the coal beds was laterally and vertically heterogeneous. A number of trends were found in the REE variations. The most important trend was the relationships of the REE concentrations and fractionations with the distance from the syndepositional sandstones. The total REE concentrations were higher in the proximity of the sandstones, likely due to the increased deposition of detrital material. This increase was the most significant in Springfield coal (90%) and least in Baker (6%). Those coal samples from the Springfield and Herrin coal beds distal from the syndepositional sandstones had a heavy to light REE ratio (H/L ratio) of 0.40 on average, whereas in proximal locations, the ratio was dropped to an average of 0.30. This trend was not significant in the Baker coal bed. In general, higher mineral matter in the coals was associated with higher REEs. In coal preparation plants, refuse rocks can have up to 360 ppmREE. However, the ashes of the cleanest coals had higher REE levels. Such ashes also have a higher ratio of heavy to light REEs. The highest REE concentrations were found in the claystones and the shales associated with the coal beds. Since the naturally occurring calcite, quartz, and pyrite samples were depleted in REEs, an association of REEs with the clay minerals can be suggested.

Jul 20, 2020

By Daniel Hodouin, Mélanie Proulx, Claude Bazin

"Collector and frother are commonly used to induce the floatability of valuable minerals in flotation plants. These reagents are usually distributed down a flotation bank or sometimes added in a single location at the top of the bank. A review of the literature and some experimental results obtained from laboratory and full scale trials indicate that the way flotation reagents are distributed down a flotation bank may influence the flotation response of coarse particles. The paper summarizes these observations which show that the distribution of reagents is a potential tuning variable for process optimization.IntroductionFlotation is in many cases the only way to concentrate sulphide and some oxide minerals. Flotation is a concentration process that uses particle surface composition to induce the selectivity by mean of hydrophobic reagents. The influence of particle size on flotation was firstly analyzed in the 50's1·2 and intensively investigated in the 70's, early 80's and 90's3-18. Most of the observed results show the existence of an optimum flotation size range9 whose recovery is not significantly influenced by a reduction of collector dosage""18. This result brought the idea of using a small portion of the total collector dosage at the top of a rougher bank and to distribute the remaining through the end of the bank to ensure sufficient collection of the coarse particles that need more hydrophobic coverage to attach to air bubbles and be lifted to the surface.This paper discusses the idea of using the distribution of reagents down a flotation bank to tune the operation of the process. Unlike the literature on the effect of reagents (collectors, frother...) dosage that is dense, little attention has been put on the distribution of reagents in a flotation bank. Although research on this subject has not been pushed very far, some operators have recognized the potential of a strategic addition of reagents down a flotation bank19. Except for a few exceptions, the proportions of the reagents to be distributed down a flotation bank are decided according to operator's experience instead of process analysis in relationships with particle size. This paper recalls observations made by different researchers that lead to the idea of using the distribution of reagents as a tuning variable for the flotation process. The paper does not present a detailed analysis or optimization scheme for tuning the distribution of reagents, but analyzes some plant and laboratory results with a view toward the development of a testing methodology and ultimately a validation or rejection of the idea."

Jan 1, 1998

By D. Harper

The National Pocahontas Mine in Wyoming County, WV, has been developed in the Pocahontas No. 3 coal. During 14 months of ventilation surveys, the locations of large rockfalls, many in areas infrequently visited by mine personnel, were mapped. Several dozen rockfalls were later studied in detail. Kettlebottoms, rider seams, root-penetrated roof strata, slicken sides, and shales that spall are common in areas with a high density of rockfalls. Large-scale crossbedding and micaceous and carbonaceous films in sandstones are less common. Density of rockfalls in any area is related to the time elapsed since mining, thickness of overburden, and orientation of entries and panels. Some linear features overlie areas where rockfalls are densest. Most rockfalls occur during summer.

Jan 1, 1983