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Keywords = tungsten mineralization

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31 pages, 15084 KiB  
Article
Tempo-Spatial Tungsten Metallogeny in the Xing’an–Mongolia Orogenic Belt: Insights from the Early Cretaceous Shamai Tungsten Deposit Case Study in Northeastern China
by Zhenjiang Liu, Jianping Wang, Shaobo Cheng and Jiajun Liu
Minerals 2025, 15(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010080 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 287
Abstract
The Xing’an–Mongolia Orogenic Belt (XMOB) is located in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The region’s notable tectonic complexity and extensive tungsten mineralization offer a unique opportunity to explore metallogeny mechanisms in orogenic areas. This study focuses on the [...] Read more.
The Xing’an–Mongolia Orogenic Belt (XMOB) is located in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The region’s notable tectonic complexity and extensive tungsten mineralization offer a unique opportunity to explore metallogeny mechanisms in orogenic areas. This study focuses on the Shamai tungsten deposit as a case study, presenting results from LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating of fine-grained, medium-grained, and porphyritic biotite monzogranite samples from the deposit, along with in situ zircon Hf isotopic and plagioclase Pb isotopic analyses. The fine-grained, medium-grained, and porphyritic biotite monzogranite were emplaced at 142.5, 141.9, and 140.2 Ma, respectively. These samples contain zircons with εHf(t) values ranging from 3.2 to 7.9 and 4.2 to 7.6, respectively, yielding TDM2 model ages from 996 to 692 Ma and 923 to 708 Ma. These findings suggest that the magmas in the Shamai deposit were produced by partial melting of juvenile crustal material mixed with mantle-derived components. The tungsten mineralization periods in the Eastern XMOB region can be divided into three stages: Early Paleozoic (ca. 520–475 Ma), Triassic (ca. 250–200 Ma), and Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (ca. 190–130 Ma). The highest concentration of tungsten mineralization in the XMOB occurs within the Xing’an Block during the Jurassic to Early Cretaceous period. Yanshanian magmatism and the most significant tungsten metallogenic events are likely influenced by an extensional setting and oceanic slab rollback, shaped by the tectonic evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean and the Paleo-Pacific Ocean. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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10 pages, 696 KiB  
Article
Sintering with Sodium Carbonate and Leaching of Wolframite Cakes
by Bolotpay Baimbetov, Yeleussiz Tazhiyev, Akmaral Yeleuliyeva, Gulnara Moldabayeva, Adelya Dauletbakova, Yelena Yakob and Akbota Taimassova
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 12031; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142412031 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 420
Abstract
Focuses on the processing of tungsten raw materials through various operations, including sintering, leaching, purification, and the production of technical tungstic acid. Modern research aims to enhance these processes, particularly the sintering of wolframite concentrates with alkali metal compounds and the leaching of [...] Read more.
Focuses on the processing of tungsten raw materials through various operations, including sintering, leaching, purification, and the production of technical tungstic acid. Modern research aims to enhance these processes, particularly the sintering of wolframite concentrates with alkali metal compounds and the leaching of concentrates and cakes. Experiments revealed that reactions between tungsten minerals and sodium carbonate from Akchatau ores commence at temperatures above 520–550 °C, intensifying between 750 and 850 °C. The concentrates were sintered at 750, 800, and 850 °C with a sodium carbonate excess coefficient of 1.05 to 1.2 to evaluate the effect on sodium tungstate extraction. Water leaching was conducted under a probabilistic–deterministic experimental design, analyzing five factors at four levels. Tungsten extraction was assessed based on solution density and the composition of the insoluble residue. Data processing established polynomial trends for tungsten trioxide extraction, and a material balance for sinter leaching was calculated from experiments using 100 g samples with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 2:1. The findings can be applied to improve tungsten processing technologies. Full article
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15 pages, 1836 KiB  
Article
Influence of Environmental Conditions on the Behaviour of Tailings from Tungsten Mining for Sustainable Geotechnical Applications and Storage
by João Pedro Oliveira, Luís Araújo Santos, Joana Ribeiro, Paulo Coelho and António M. G. Pedro
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10987; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410987 - 14 Dec 2024
Viewed by 798
Abstract
Modern societies require increasingly large amounts of minerals and metals for their development. Therefore, huge amounts of waste must be stored in safe and cost-effective massive tailing storage facilities that would benefit from using tailings in sustainable geotechnical applications within the context of [...] Read more.
Modern societies require increasingly large amounts of minerals and metals for their development. Therefore, huge amounts of waste must be stored in safe and cost-effective massive tailing storage facilities that would benefit from using tailings in sustainable geotechnical applications within the context of the circular economy. However, to consider tailings as assets, the long-term behaviour of these unconventional geomaterials under realistic environmental conditions must be assessed. This paper focuses on the effects of the environmental conditions on the behaviour of tailings from tungsten mining by experimentally determining their major physical and mechanical properties for three different conditions: twenty-months-aged undisturbed samples and reconstituted samples, with the latter being fresh and three months. The results confirm that twenty-months-aged undisturbed and fresh reconstituted tailings have significantly different mechanical behaviour, while three-months-aged reconstituted samples show an in-between behaviour as if the material regenerates and improved its behaviour with time due to physical and chemical processes. These ageing processes are experimentally confirmed by measuring the electrical conductivity in the samples. The results confirm that optimising the design of tailing storage facilities and using these geomaterials in sustainable geotechnical applications must consider the existing environmental conditions and the potential tailings’ mechanical changes due to ageing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Resources and Sustainable Utilization)
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32 pages, 7429 KiB  
Article
Isotope Geochemistry and Metallogenic Model of the Bailugou Vein-Type Zn-Pb-Ag Deposit, Eastern Qinling Orogen, China
by Yan Yang, Hui Chen, Nana Guo, Donghao Wu, Zhenshan Pang and Yanjing Chen
Minerals 2024, 14(12), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14121244 - 6 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 472
Abstract
The large-scale vein-type Zn-Pb-Ag deposit in the Eastern Qinling Orogen (EQO) has sparked a long-standing debate over whether magmatism or metamorphism was the primary control or factor in its formation. Among the region’s vein-type deposits, the large-sized Bailugou deposit offers a unique opportunity [...] Read more.
The large-scale vein-type Zn-Pb-Ag deposit in the Eastern Qinling Orogen (EQO) has sparked a long-standing debate over whether magmatism or metamorphism was the primary control or factor in its formation. Among the region’s vein-type deposits, the large-sized Bailugou deposit offers a unique opportunity to study this style of mineralization. Similar to other deposits in the area, the vein-type orebodies of the Bailugou deposit are hosted in dolomitic marbles (carbonate–shale–chert association, CSC) of the Mesoproterozoic Guandaokou Group. Faults control the distribution of the Bailugou deposit but do not show apparent spatial links to the regional Yanshanian granitic porphyry. This study conducted comprehensive H–O–C–S–Pb isotopic analyses to constrain the sources of the ore-forming metals and metal endowments of the Bailugou deposit. The δ34SCDT values of sulfides range from 1.1‰ to 9.1‰ with an average of 4.0‰, indicating that the sulfur generated from homogenization during the high-temperature source acted on host sediments. The Pb isotopic compositions obtained from 31 sulfide samples reveal that the lead originated from the host sediments rather than from the Mesozoic granitic intrusions. The results indicate that the metals for the Bailugou deposit were jointly sourced from host sediments of the Mid-Late Proterozoic Meiyaogou Fm. and the Nannihu Fm. of the Luanchuan Group and Guandaokou Group, as well as lower crust and mantle materials. The isotopic composition of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen collectively indicate that the metallogenic constituents of the Bailugou deposit were contributed by ore-bearing surrounding rocks, lower crust, and mantle materials. In summary, the study presents a composite geologic-metallogenic model suggesting that the Bailugou mineral system, along with other lead-zinc-silver deposits, porphyry-skarn molybdenum-tungsten deposits, and the small granitic intrusions in the Luanchuan area, are all products of contemporaneous hydrothermal diagenetic mineralization. This mineralization event transpired during a continental collision regime between the Yangtze and the North China Block (including syn- to post-collisional settings), particularly during the transition from collisional compression to extension around 140 Ma. The Bailugou lead-zinc-silver mineralization resembles an orogenic-type deposit formed by metamorphic fluid during the Yanshanian Orogeny. Full article
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33 pages, 7624 KiB  
Article
Tungsten Skarn Quantitative Mineral Resource Assessment and Gold, Rare Earth Elements, Graphite, and Uranium Qualitative Assessments of the Kuldjuktau and Auminzatau Ranges, in the Central Kyzylkum Region, Uzbekistan
by Joshua Coyan, Federico Solano, Cliff Taylor, Carol Finn, Steven Smith, Christopher Holm-Denoma, Laura Pianowski, Kelsey Crocker, Rustam Mirkamalov, Fareed Divaev, Abdulla Baratov, Botir Khakimov, Jurabek Azimov, Akram Goipov, Jamshid Avulov, Shokir Akhmadov, Nurbek Inatov, Xurshid Janiev and Nafisa Dulabova
Minerals 2024, 14(12), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14121240 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 856
Abstract
A new quantitative mineral resource assessment for tungsten skarn was conducted for the Auminzatau and Kuldjuktau mountain ranges in Central Uzbekistan, along with qualitative assessments of orogenic gold, rare earth elements (REEs), amorphous graphite, and uranium. By integrating a variety of geological, geochemical, [...] Read more.
A new quantitative mineral resource assessment for tungsten skarn was conducted for the Auminzatau and Kuldjuktau mountain ranges in Central Uzbekistan, along with qualitative assessments of orogenic gold, rare earth elements (REEs), amorphous graphite, and uranium. By integrating a variety of geological, geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing data sets, estimates of undiscovered tungsten skarn deposits in permissive tracts are combined with grade and tonnage distributions of known deposits to generate probabilistic estimates of undiscovered resources. Undiscovered deposits in Auminzatau are estimated to contain median resources of 98 thousand metric tons (kt) of WO3 with a 70 percent (%) probability of at least 28 kt and a 10% probability of at least 468 kt, of which 16 kt to 293 kt may be economic to extract. In Kuldjuktau, the undiscovered deposits are estimated to contain median resources of 27 kt of WO3 with a 60% probability of at least 12 kt and a 10% probability of at least 208 kt, of which 5 kt to 132 kt may be economic to extract. Our results suggest that the Auminzatau–Kuldjuktau Mountains area is highly prospective for additional discovery of significant Au and U resources and has low prospectivity for discovery of significant REE and graphite resources. Full article
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18 pages, 4260 KiB  
Article
Metallogenic Chronology and Prospecting Indication of Tiechanghe Granite and Polymetallic Molybdenum Mineralization Types in Jiulong Area, Western Sichuan, China
by Shuang Yang, Hongqi Tan, Zhongquan Li, Junliang Hu, Xinyan Wang and Daming Liu
Minerals 2024, 14(9), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14090909 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 706
Abstract
The Songpan–Ganzi Orogenic Belt (SGOB) is bounded by the South China, North China, and Qiangtang blocks and forms the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The Tiechanghe Granite is located at the junction of the southeast margin of the SGOB and the western [...] Read more.
The Songpan–Ganzi Orogenic Belt (SGOB) is bounded by the South China, North China, and Qiangtang blocks and forms the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The Tiechanghe Granite is located at the junction of the southeast margin of the SGOB and the western margin of the Yangtze Block. To elucidate the genetic relationship between the Tiechanghe Granite and the surrounding molybdenum deposits in Western Sichuan, in this study, we conducted zircon U-Pb and molybdenite Re-Os isotopic dating. The results indicate that the Tiechanghe Granite predominantly consists of monzogranite, with minor occurrences of syenogranite, while the molybdenum deposits are mainly found in skarn and quartz veins. The laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U-Pb ages of the Tiechanghe Granite range from 162.9 ± 0.7 Ma (MSWD = 0.31, n = 25) to 163.4 ± 0.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.85, n = 26), and the LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age of the pegmatite veins is 164.1 ± 0.9 Ma (MSWD = 1.3, n = 19). These ages are consistent with the weighted average Re-Os age of the Ziershi molybdenite (160.3 ± 1.6 Ma, n = 2) within the error margins. These findings and previously obtained magmatic and metallogenic ages for the region suggest that a magmatic and mineralization event involving granite, molybdenum, tungsten, and copper occurred at around 162–164 Ma in the study area. This discovery broadens the exploration perspective for mineral resources in the Jiulong area of Western Sichuan and the entirety of Western Sichuan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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22 pages, 23123 KiB  
Article
Geological Study Based on Multispectral and Hyperspectral Remote Sensing: A Case Study of the Mahuaping Beryllium–Tungsten Deposit Area in Shangri-La
by Yunfei Hu, Zhifang Zhao, Xinle Zhang, Lunxin Feng, Yang Qin, Liu Ouyang and Ziqi Huang
Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156387 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1271
Abstract
This study applied Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) multispectral data and ZY1-02D hyperspectral data to map the structural distribution and hydrothermal alteration in the polymetallic ore district in southern Shangri-La City, Yunnan Province, China. The study area hosts several polymetallic [...] Read more.
This study applied Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) multispectral data and ZY1-02D hyperspectral data to map the structural distribution and hydrothermal alteration in the polymetallic ore district in southern Shangri-La City, Yunnan Province, China. The study area hosts several polymetallic deposits, including the Mahuaping tungsten–beryllium deposit, which has significant mineral exploration potential. The deposit type is mainly magmatic–hydrothermal, with average grades of 0.41% WO3 and 0.22% BeO, and substantial reserves, prominently controlled by faults. Based on this, this study employed ASTER data for the visual interpretation of structures through false-color composites combined with DEM data. Additionally, ASTER and ZY1-02D data were processed using the principal component analysis and spectral angle mapper methods to extract anomalies related to tungsten mineralization such as carbonate alteration, sericitization, chloritization, and hematization of the hydrothermal origin. The results indicated that the structural trends in the study area predominantly align in north–south and northeast directions, with alteration anomalies concentrated in the central and fold areas. Our analysis of typical deposits revealed their close association with north–south faults and east–west joints, as well as the enrichment level of alteration anomalies, identifying five high-potential target areas for mineral exploration. Further evaluation involved field validation through the spectral scanning of samples, field verification, and a comparison with known lithology. These assessments confirmed that the spectral curves matched those in the USGS database, the structural interpretations aligned with the field observations (84% accuracy from 25 sampling points, with 21 matching extracted alteration types), and the alteration results corresponded well with the lithological units, indicating high accuracy in alteration extraction. Finally, a comparative discussion highlighted that the results derived from ZY1-02D data were more applicable to the local area. The outcomes of this study can support subsequent mineral exploration efforts, enhancing the sustainability of important mineral resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Mineral Potential Mapping of Key Mineral Resources)
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21 pages, 7318 KiB  
Article
Characteristics and Mechanism of the Ore-Forming Fluids in the Shimensi Tungsten Polymetallic Deposit in Southeastern China
by Peng Wang, Zhanghuang Ye and Xiaohua Zong
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070640 - 23 Jun 2024
Viewed by 955
Abstract
The Shimensi super-large tungsten polymetallic deposit is located in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Porphyry–Skarn tungsten ore belt in the south Yangtze metallogenic belt. There are three types of mineralization: veinlet-disseminated type, thick quartz vein type and hydrothermal cryptoexplosive breccia type. Based on geological [...] Read more.
The Shimensi super-large tungsten polymetallic deposit is located in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Porphyry–Skarn tungsten ore belt in the south Yangtze metallogenic belt. There are three types of mineralization: veinlet-disseminated type, thick quartz vein type and hydrothermal cryptoexplosive breccia type. Based on geological studies, this paper presents new petrographic, microthermometric, laser Raman spectroscopic and hydrogen and oxygen isotope research on the fluid inclusions from the deposit. The results show that there are five different types of fluid inclusions: liquid-rich inclusions, vapor-rich inclusions, pure liquid inclusions, pure vapor inclusions, and fluid inclusions containing a solid crystal. The homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusion range from 140 °C to 270 °C, the salinities are 3 wt.%–5 wt.% NaCleq and the densities of ore-forming fluid range from 0.64 g/cm3 to 0.99 g/cm3. For the analyses of laser Raman spectroscopy, the ore-forming fluids can be approximated by a Ca2+-Na+-SO42−-Cl fluid system with small amounts of CO2, CH4 and N2. Otherwise, the data of the pressure, pH and Eh show a fluid metallogenic environment of low pressure, weak acid and weak reduction. The values of the homogenization temperature in the three types of orebodies suggest that the mineralization is characterized by a decrease in temperature under the conditions of fluid immiscibility. The H-O isotope values are interpreted to indicate that the ore-forming fluids are mainly composed of magmatic water, and meteoric water is added with the process of magma rising. Full article
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19 pages, 17953 KiB  
Article
An Experimental Study Focusing on the Filling Process and Consolidation Characteristics of Geotextile Tubes Filled with Fine-Grained Tungsten Tailings
by Xiaowen Liu, Zeming Wu, Haisong He and Qing Xu
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 5270; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125270 - 20 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1027
Abstract
With advancements in mineral processing technology, the disposal of fine-grained tailings has increasingly become a significant challenge. The geotextile tube method, characterized by its use of a permeable fabric and its cost-effectiveness, has gradually been applied in dam construction and other engineering projects [...] Read more.
With advancements in mineral processing technology, the disposal of fine-grained tailings has increasingly become a significant challenge. The geotextile tube method, characterized by its use of a permeable fabric and its cost-effectiveness, has gradually been applied in dam construction and other engineering projects involving tailings. This method offers a novel approach to addressing the storage issues of fine-grained tailings and promotes sustainable utilization. In this paper, the fine tailings that remained after the cyclone classification of Ganzhou tungsten ore were taken as the research object. Specifically, this research endeavored to evaluate the effects of various filling heights and concentrations on the geotextile tube-filling and consolidation process. The results revealed that the filling concentration had a significant impact on the filling benefit of the geotextile tubes, while the filling height had a minimal effect. During the consolidation drainage stage, the dry density, internal friction angle, cohesion, and compression modulus of the tailings in the bags increased with an increasing consolidation time and filling concentration. However, the physical and mechanical properties of the tailings in the geotextile tubes decreased with an increased filling height. Ultimately, this research developed a hyperbolic equation that makes it possible to forecast the ultimate settlement value at various filling heights and concentrations, better representing how the settlement of geotextile tubes changes over the consolidation time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil Conservation and Sustainability)
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19 pages, 39343 KiB  
Article
Conditions and Mechanism of Crystallization of Hydrous W-Fe Oxides with a Pyrochlore-Type of Structure (Elsmoreite Group) in the Oxidation Zone of Ore Deposits
by Mihail Tarassov and Eugenia Tarassova
Minerals 2024, 14(4), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040422 - 19 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1460
Abstract
The purpose of the article is to elucidate the conditions and mechanism of crystallization of W-Fe oxide minerals with a pyrochlore-type structure (formerly ferritungstite, now elsmoreite group minerals) based on (1) a study of representative samples of secondary tungsten minerals from the oxidation [...] Read more.
The purpose of the article is to elucidate the conditions and mechanism of crystallization of W-Fe oxide minerals with a pyrochlore-type structure (formerly ferritungstite, now elsmoreite group minerals) based on (1) a study of representative samples of secondary tungsten minerals from the oxidation zone of the Grantcharitsa tungsten deposit (Bulgaria) and (2) laboratory experiments under conditions suggested by the study of natural samples. It has been shown that crystallization of W-Fe pyrochlores occurs easily and effectively when treating WO3·xFe2O3·nH2O compounds (meymacite and tungstite) with W-Fe-containing solutions with pH 2.5–6.5 (70 °C); at the same time, direct crystallization (direct low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis) of these phases from aqueous solutions is unlikely. The crystallization of W-Fe pyrochlores under natural and laboratory conditions occurs through the oriented attachment of their nanocrystals to the {111} faces of growing crystals. The nucleation of such nanocrystals occurs in the bulk of the solution as a result of the interaction of the W-Fe solution with the W-(Fe) oxide hydrate precursor. The Fe/W ratio in the resulting W-Fe pyrochlore phase depends on the Fe/W ratio in the solution and precursor, as well as on the pH of the solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Evolution and Mineralization during Weathering)
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20 pages, 12915 KiB  
Article
Discussion of the W-Sn-REE Metallogenic Background in the Nanling Region of South China: Evidence from Satellite Gravity and Magnetic Data
by Fan Luo, Jiayong Yan, Sheng Zhang, Jian Liang, Guangming Fu, Dehai Wu and Guogang Reng
Minerals 2024, 14(3), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14030215 - 20 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1206
Abstract
The Nanling region is located at the intersection of the Yangtze Block and Cathaysia Block and is characterized by complex geological and tectonic processes, as well as distinct W-Sn-REE mineralization. Despite extensive research on the mineralization of W-Sn and REE deposits in the [...] Read more.
The Nanling region is located at the intersection of the Yangtze Block and Cathaysia Block and is characterized by complex geological and tectonic processes, as well as distinct W-Sn-REE mineralization. Despite extensive research on the mineralization of W-Sn and REE deposits in the Nanling region, the factors impacting the distribution pattern of eastern tungsten and western tin deposits, as well as the mechanism of REE enrichment in the parent rocks, remain uncertain. Deep structural and tectonic variability plays a crucial role in the formation of mineral deposits in the upper crust. Information on deep structural and tectonic variability is contained in the Moho depth, Curie depth, effective elastic thickness, lithospheric density, and thermal structure derived from the processing and inversion of satellite gravity and magnetic data. In this paper, we comprehensively analyse satellite gravity and magnetic data from the Nanling region, integrating the processing and inversion results with the tectonic evolution of this region and relevant geological information. It is hypothesized that the Chenzhou–Linwu fault serves as a channel for mineral and thermal transfer in the Sn ore aggregation zone, facilitating the material transport from the deep mantle to the surface and ultimately leading to the formation of Sn-enriched granite. The collection area of tungsten ore is more weakly associated with the Chenzhou–Linwu fault, and through deep heat transfer, tungsten components are primarily concentrated in the Earth’s crust to produce W-enriched granite. The primary source of REE enrichment in the parent rocks associated with REE mineralization is predominantly derived from the felsic crust, and the rapid intrusion of deep magma resulting from the subduction and retraction of the Palaeo-Pacific Plate is a contributing factor to the contrasting enrichment of light and heavy rare-earth elements. Mineral crystalline differentiation is relatively high, leading to the formation of ore-forming parent rocks with high heavy rare-earth element contents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Deep Ore Prospecting)
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18 pages, 4774 KiB  
Article
Prospects of Processing Tungsten Ores from the Akchatau Deposit
by Bolotpay Baimbetov, Gulnara Moldabayeva, Akmaral Yeleuliyeva, Saltanat Jumankulova, Akbota Taimassova, Zhanargul Adilzhan, Rinat Baisultanov, Elena Yakob and Valery Serikbayev
Processes 2024, 12(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12010077 - 28 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1473
Abstract
An overview of the composition of wolframite ores of the Akchatau deposit and the technologies for processing concentrates using NaOH and Na2CO3 by hydro- and pyrometallurgical methods is given, and the disadvantages associated with both the technology and the equipment [...] Read more.
An overview of the composition of wolframite ores of the Akchatau deposit and the technologies for processing concentrates using NaOH and Na2CO3 by hydro- and pyrometallurgical methods is given, and the disadvantages associated with both the technology and the equipment are noted. To develop a technology for processing Akchatau wolframite concentrates, samples of ore materials were taken, the chemical and mineralogical composition of the samples was studied, and enrichment was carried out to obtain rich concentrates. The kinetics of the sintering of the wolframite concentrate with soda was investigated, the dependences of the degree of transformation of the tungsten minerals into sodium tungstate were obtained, and the rate constants, the order of the reaction, and the values of the apparent activation energy were calculated. The results of sintering an enlarged sample of wolframite concentrate with soda in a muffle furnace are presented. After the subsequent leaching, studies were carried out to purify the obtained solutions of sodium tungstate from the impurities while eliminating the operations of the neutralizing solutions through the use of electrodialysis with an MK-40 cation-exchange membrane. The scheme of processing the wolframite ores of Akchatau is proposed. Full article
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14 pages, 4800 KiB  
Article
Floatability of Fluorite and Calcite Inhibited by Sodium Hexametaphosphate via Ultrasonic Activation
by Zhehui Yang, Maolin Li, Yingxin Lin, Wei Yao, Yue Wu and Rui Cui
Minerals 2023, 13(12), 1504; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13121504 - 30 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1247
Abstract
In order to separate fluorite and calcite inhibited in tungsten tailings, the effect and mechanism of using ultrasonic external field activation to separate fluorite and calcite inhibited by sodium hexametaphosphate in a sodium oleate system were investigated. After pretreatment with an ultrasonic external [...] Read more.
In order to separate fluorite and calcite inhibited in tungsten tailings, the effect and mechanism of using ultrasonic external field activation to separate fluorite and calcite inhibited by sodium hexametaphosphate in a sodium oleate system were investigated. After pretreatment with an ultrasonic external field with a frequency of 40 kHz and sound intensity of 0.56, 0.50 and 0.40 W/cm2, the flotation recovery of calcite could be increased from 16.08% to about 80%, while the flotation recovery of fluorite was only increased from 7.5% to about 20%, with a difference of 60% between the two flotation recoveries, and the larger the sound intensity, the shorter the pretreatment time and the smaller the ultrasonic input energy. The contact angle of the calcite surface increased, sodium oleate adsorption increased, and zeta potential decreased after ultrasonic pretreatment, while the contact angle, sodium oleate adsorption, and zeta potential of fluorite surface were less changed. The results of heat of adsorption and XPS measurements showed that more heat was released from the interaction between sodium hexametaphosphate and fluorite, and the Ca2p peaks on the surface of fluorite were shifted to a greater extent after the interaction, which inferred that the adsorption of fluorite and sodium hexametaphosphate was relatively easier and stronger. It is presumed that the ultrasonic pretreatment can bring the mineral surface to different degrees of desorption according to the adsorption strength of sodium hexametaphosphate, exposing Ca2+ active sites for sodium oleate adsorption, while expanding the floatability difference between fluorite and calcite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy)
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24 pages, 8308 KiB  
Article
Metallogenic Mechanism of Carlin-Type Gold Deposit in Zhen’an-Xunyang Basin, in the South Qinling of China: Constraints of In Situ Trace Elements and S Isotopes from Newly Discovered Wangzhuang Gold Deposit
by Wuyi Meng, Jiajun Liu, Huanhuan Wu, Zhen Zhang, Weidong Tang, Yongbao Gao, Liyong Wei, Bin Jia, Xin Zheng and Ningbo Liu
Minerals 2023, 13(11), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13111459 - 20 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1549
Abstract
The Zhen’an-Xunyang Basin is a late Paleozoic rifted basin with a series of Au-Hg-Sb deposits that have been found, mostly along the Nanyangshan fault. Recently discovered large- and medium-sized gold deposits such as the Xiaohe and Wangzhuang deposits exhibit typical characteristics of Carlin-type [...] Read more.
The Zhen’an-Xunyang Basin is a late Paleozoic rifted basin with a series of Au-Hg-Sb deposits that have been found, mostly along the Nanyangshan fault. Recently discovered large- and medium-sized gold deposits such as the Xiaohe and Wangzhuang deposits exhibit typical characteristics of Carlin-type gold deposits. Therefore, it is imperative to select a typical deposit for an in-depth study of its metallogenic mechanism to support future prospecting efforts targeting the Carlin-type gold deposits within the area. Based on detailed field investigation and microphotographic observation, four ore-forming stages are identified: I, low-sulfide quartz stage, characterized by euhedral, subhedral pyrite, and fine veins of quartz injected parallel to the strata; II, arsenopyrite–arsenian pyrite–quartz stage, the main mineralization stage characterized by strongly silicified zones of reticulated quartz, disseminated arsenopyrite, fine-grained pyrite; III, low-sulfide quartz stage, characterized by large quartz veins cutting through the ore body or fine veins of quartz; Ⅳ, carbonate–quartz stage, characterized by the appearance of a large number of calcite veins. In situ analysis of trace elements and S isotopes of typical metal sulfides was carried out. The results show significant variations in the trace element compositions of metal sulfides in different stages, among which the main mineralization stage differs notably from those of the Au- and As-low surrounding strata. In situ S isotope analysis reveals δ34S values ranging from 15.78‰ to 28.71‰ for stage I metal sulfides, 5.52‰ to 11.22‰ for stage II, and 0.3‰ to 5.25‰ for stage III, respectively, revealing a gradual decrease in S isotopic values from the pre-mineralization stage to post-mineralization stage, similar to those observed in the Xiaohe gold deposit. These features indicate a distinct injection of relatively low 34S hydrothermal fluids during the mineralization process. The element anomalies of the 1:50,000 stream sediment in the region revealed ore-forming element zonation changing in W→Au (W)→Hg, Sb (Au) anomalies from west to east, manifested by the discovery of tungsten, gold, and mercury–antimony deposits in the area. Moreover, conspicuous Cr-Ni-Ti-Co-Mo anomalies were observed on the western side of the Wangzhuang and Xiaohe gold deposits, indicating a potential concealed pluton related to these deposits. These lines of evidence point to a magmatic–hydrothermal origin for the Carlin-type gold deposits in this area. Furthermore, hydrothermal tungsten deposits, Carlin-type gold deposits, and low-temperature hydrothermal mercury–antimony deposits in this region are probably controlled by the same magma–hydrothermal system. Full article
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16 pages, 7280 KiB  
Article
Automatic P-Phase-Onset-Time-Picking Method of Microseismic Monitoring Signal of Underground Mine Based on Noise Reduction and Multiple Detection Indexes
by Rui Dai, Yibo Wang, Da Zhang and Hu Ji
Entropy 2023, 25(10), 1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/e25101451 - 16 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1419
Abstract
The underground pressure disaster caused by the exploitation of deep mineral resources has become a major hidden danger restricting the safe production of mines. Microseismic monitoring technology is a universally recognized means of underground pressure monitoring and early warning. In this paper, the [...] Read more.
The underground pressure disaster caused by the exploitation of deep mineral resources has become a major hidden danger restricting the safe production of mines. Microseismic monitoring technology is a universally recognized means of underground pressure monitoring and early warning. In this paper, the wavelet coefficient threshold denoising method in the time–frequency domain, STA/LTA method, AIC method, and skew and kurtosis method are studied, and the automatic P-phase-onset-time-picking model based on noise reduction and multiple detection indexes is established. Through the effect analysis of microseismic signals collected by microseismic monitoring system of coral Tungsten Mine in Guangxi, automatic P-phase onset time picking is realized, the reliability of the P-phase-onset-time-picking method proposed in this paper based on noise reduction and multiple detection indexes is verified. The picking accuracy can still be guaranteed under the severe signal interference of background noise, power frequency interference and manual activity in the underground mine, which is of great significance to the data processing and analysis of microseismic monitoring. Full article
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