Features of interaction between potassium salts mining and the environment

 Alexander Brodt

Eco-Safe Mining Corp., 510 Reeves Drive, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA
Corresponding author: alexander.brodt@gmail.com

 ABSTRACT. Unlike the vast majority of minerals, the gangue in all types of halurgic raw materials is represented by a water-soluble material – rock salt, contaminated clay and other impurities insoluble in water. Thus, the storage of water-soluble waste from the enrichment of ground-based sylvinite enrichment plants out in the open air, in addition to the disfigurement of natural landscapes, is accompanied by the dissolution of waste congestions due to atmospheric precipitation, with the formation of gigantic volumes of excess brines, causing soil salinisation and contamination of drinking water sources. This paper proposes prevention of the harmful impact of the potassium salts industry on the environment, achieved by enriching the initial water-soluble raw materials in underground conditions based on new environmentally friendly technologies using fire- and explosion-proof non-aqueous heavy liquids with a given set of physical and physiologically inert properties with a full cycle of their energy-efficient regeneration.

Key words: mining of potash salts; underground processing minerals without harming to environment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2654

References

Andrejchuk, V. & Rózkowski, J. (2000): Hydrogeological conditions and environmental hazard of salt dumps with special reference to potassium salt deposits in Vierchniekamsk, the Middle Ural Mountain, Russia. – Proceedings, 7th International Mine Water Association Congress: 38-48.  https://www.imwa.info/imwaconferencesandcongresses/imwa-congresses/152-proceedings-2000.html
Bołoz, Ł. (2019). The analysis of shaft sinking progress as a function of technical and organisational parameters. Multidisciplinary Aspects of Production Engineering, 2(1), 203-212.  DOI:10.2478/mape-2019-0020
Cecala, A.B., O’Brien, A.D., Schall, J., Colinet, J.F., Franta, R.J., Schultz, M.J., Haas, E.J, Robinson, J., Patts, J., Holen, B.M., Stein, R., Weber, J., Strebel, M., Wilson, L., & Ellis, M. (2019). Dust control handbook for industrial minerals mining and processing. 2^nd ed. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH, Publication No. 2019–124, RI 9701, Pittsburgh PA.https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2019124
Eminov, E., Mirzakulov, K., Melikulova, G., Arifdjanova, K., Boymatova M. (2026). Reverse flotation for enhanced desliming of low-grade sylvinite ores from the Khojaikon deposit. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Engineering and Technology,13(5), 25060-25065. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://www.ijarset.com/upload/2026/may/29-e_eminov-35.pdf
Florkowska, L., & Bryt-Nitarska, I. (2025). Natural and anthropogenic rock mass deformations as threats to sustainable development, In Sokoła-Szewioła & Jarczyk (Eds.), Mine Surveying and Mining Area Protection (1st ed.), CRC Press. DOI: 10.1201/9781003655558-6
Ilin, S., Adorska, L., Samusia, V., Kolosov, D., & Ilina, I.  (2019). Conceptual bases of intensification of mining operations in mines of Ukraine based on monitoring and condition management of mine hoisting systems. E3S Web of Conferences – Essays of Mining Science and Practice 2019, 109, 00030. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/201910900030
Jasinski, S.M. (2026) Potash. In U.S. Geological Survey, 2026, Mineral commodity summaries (ver. 1.3, May 2026). U.S. Geological Survey, pp. 146-147. https://doi.org/10.3133/mcs2026
Latipov, Z., Uzoqov, Z.Z., & Bobomurodov, A. Yu. (2023). Development of recommendations for chemical fixation of salt waste. Universum: tekhnicheskie nauki: elektron. nauchn. zhurnal 10(115). https://7universum.com/ru/tech/archive/item/16103).
Liles, K. J., Brown, J. W., & Sullivan, G. V. (1973). Continuous heavy liquid concentration of high-clay potash ores. Washington, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Mines.
Liskova, M. Yu. (2017). Negative impact on the environment caused by companies that mine and process potassium and magnesium salts. Bulletin of PNRPU. Geology. Oil & Gas Engineering & Mining, 16 (1), 82–88. DOI: 10.15593/2224-9923/2017.1.9
Morachevskii, St. A.G., & Sladkov I.B. (1996).  Fiziko-himicheskie svojstva molekulyarnyh neorganicheskih soedinenii (Physicochemical properties of molecular inorganic compounds). Petersburg, Khimiya.
Tryon, G. H., & McKinnon, G. P., (1969). Fire protection handbook (13th ed.), Published by National Fire Protection Association.
United Nations (2025). The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 – revision August 2025. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, New York. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2025/The-Sustainable-Development-Goals-Report-2025.pdf
United Nations. (2024). World population prospects 2024: Summary of Results (UN DESA/POP/2024/TR/NO. 9). New York, United Nations. https://desapublications.un.org/publications/world-population-prospects-2024-summary-results
Ushakova, E., Perevoshchikova, A., Menshikova, E., Khayrulina, E., Perevoshchikov, R., & Belkin, P. (2023). Environmental aspects of potash mining: a case study of the Verkhnekamskoe potash deposit. Mining, 3(2), 176–204. https://doi.org/10.3390/mining3020011
Wakeel, A., & Ishfaq, M. (2022). Potash for quality of agricultural commodities. In Potash use and dynamics in agriculture, Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-6883-8_6
Wills, B. A., & Napier-Munn, T. (2006). Mineral processing technology, an introduction to the practical aspects of ore treatment and mineral recovery Elsevier Science & Technology Books.

GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS USING SEISMIC REFLECTION METHOD IN THE AREA WITH THE GEOTHERMAL WATERS

Blagica Doneva, Zoran Panov, Radmila Karanakova Stefanovska, Risto Popovski

Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia, blagica.doneva@ugd.edu.mk
Corresponding author: blagica.doneva@ugd.edu.mk

ABSTRACT. Reflection seismic investigations in the „Podlog-Banja“ geothermal field are the first investigations of this kind planned to perform „pilot“ doublet-system for using of geothermal energy in the Republic of Macedonia. The selection of the “Podlog–Banja” geothermal field for the installation of a pilot doublet system was based on its favourable geothermal characteristics and the availability of an established team of qualified experts who could manage, monitor and operate the system effectively. Reflection seismic surveys were conducted within a metamorphic rock complex overlain by sedimentary and volcano-sedimentary formations with a thickness of approximately 300–500 m. Under such geological conditions, the quality of the seismic reflection data is expected to be lower than that typically achieved in geological environments characterised by horizontal layers. The effectiveness of the studies is further limited by the inclined spatial orientation of the geological structures and the low seismic velocity contrasts among the lithological units in the investigated metamorphic complex. These factors reduce the resolution and interpretability of the acquired seismic data. Due to the inclined spatial orientation of the geological units, the litho-spaces identified through reflection seismic investigations have not been adequately documented by previous drilling activities within the “Podlog–Banja” geothermal field. As a result, the litho-physical interpretation of the reflection seismic results should therefore be regarded as “forecasting”.

Key words: Podlog – Banja, seismic, reflection, geothermal.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2655

References

Babaei, M., & Nick, M. H. (2019). Performance of low-enthalpy geothermal systems: Interplay of spatially correlated heterogeneity and well-doublet spacings. Applied Energy, 253, 113569. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113569
Gascuel, V., Rivard, C., & Raymond, J. (2024). Deep geothermal doublets versus deep borehole heat exchangers: A comparative study for cold sedimentary basins. Applied Energy, 361, 122826. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122826
Mahbaz, B., Yaghoubi, A., Dehghani-Sanij, A., Sarvaramini, E., Leonenko, Y., & Dusseault, M. (2021). Well-Doublets: A First-Order Assessment of Geothermal SedHeat Systems. Applied Sciences, 11(2), 697. DOI: 10.3390/app11020697
Mirakovski, G., & Aleksovski, D. (2008). Geophysical investigation work by using seismic reflexion method in the area of the geothermal waters bed “Podlog–Banja”. Final report of the Project: Ecological sanitation and energetic rationalization of geothermal system “Geoterma” – Kocani.
Rakikevik, T., Dumurdzanov, N., & Pekovski, P. (1965 – 1968). Basic geological map of SFRJ, sheet Stip, 1 : 100000. Geological institute Skopje.
Satman, A., Sustainability of geothermal doublets. Thirty-Sixth Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, January 31 – February 2, 2011, SGP-TR-191. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:// gondwana.stanford.edu/ERE/pdf/IGAstandard/SGW/2011/satman.pdf
Torres, L. (2019). Technical and economic evaluation of geothermal doublet systems designs and configurations for heat production from low enthalpy sedimentary aquifers. Master thesis. Politecnico di Torino. Danish Hydrocarbon Research and Technology Center – Denmark Technical University.
Vardon, P. B. (2020). A Geothermal Well Doublet for Research and Heat Supply of the TU Delft Campus. Delft, Netherland: 10.48550/arXiv.2003.11826.
Vizintin, G., Sporin, J., & Vukelic, Z. (2024). Geothermal potential of pumping–injecting doublet wells. Energies, 17(5), 980. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17050980
Wang, J., Zhihong, Z., Guihong, L., & Haoran, X. (2022). A robust optimization approach of well placement for doublet in heterogeneous geothermal reservoirs using random forest technique and genetic algorithm. Energy, 254, 124427. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.124427
Wu, X., Yonghong, J., Hongyuan, M., Jing, K., Xiao, L., & Chao, J. (2021). Well spacing optimization of hydrothermal doublet. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science: 651 032046. DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/651/3/032046
Xia, Y., Plummer, M., Mattson, E., Podgorney, R., & Ghassemi, A. (2017). Design, modeling, and evaluation of a doublet heat extraction model in enhanced geothermal systems. Renewable Energy, 105, 232-247. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.12.064

DEVELOPMENT OF A NON-LINEAR LEAST-SQUARES KINETIC MODEL FOR HEAP LEACH CHEMICAL EXTRACTION USING COLUMN LEACH DATA

Naci Umut Duru

University of Nevada Reno, USA; E-mail: nduru@nevada.unr.edu

ABSTRACT. Mathematical modelling plays a central role in the interpretation of hydrometallurgical extraction processes. Laboratory experiments generate valuable information regarding the dissolution behaviour of minerals; however, meaningful interpretation of experimental results requires quantitative models capable of describing extraction kinetics. In this study, a non-linear kinetic model describing gold extraction by cyanide was developed using experimental column recovery data and parameter estimation through least-squares regression. Experimental recovery measurements obtained from column leach tests were fitted to an exponential extraction model expressed as, F(t) = K₂ * [1 – exp (K₁ * t)], where F represents fractional extraction, K₁ is the kinetic rate constant, K₂ represents the asymptotic maximum extraction, and t denotes time. Model parameters were estimated by minimising the sum of squared differences between experimental observations and model predictions using spreadsheet-based optimisation. The resulting model successfully reproduces the non-linear extraction behaviour observed in the experimental dataset and demonstrates the capability of exponential kinetic models to represent the rapid initial dissolution and subsequent asymptotic recovery typical of hydrometallurgical systems. Statistical validation of the fitted model gave squared correlation coefficient (R²) as 0.9904 and root mean square error (RMSE) as 0.0168 in fractional extraction units. Direct comparison with reaction-control and diffusion-control shrinking-core alternatives showed that the selected single-exponential model gave the lowest RMSE for this dataset, and residual analysis showed no persistent bias after the initial ore wetting period.

Key words: heap leach, column test work, reaction kinetics, process simulation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2656

References

Botz, M., & Marsden, J. (2019). Heap leach production modeling: a spreadsheet-based technique. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 36, 1041 – 1052. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-019-00129-0
Crundwell, F. (2011). Extractive metallurgy of nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals. Elsevier. Amsterdam.
Dixon, D. G., & Hendrix, J. L. (1993). A mathematical model for heap leaching of one or more solid reactants from porous ore pellets. Metallurgical Transactions, 24, 1087 – 1102. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02661000
Fogler, H. S. (2006). Elements of chemical reaction engineering. Prentice Hall.
Ghorbani, Y., Franzidis, J. P., & Petersen, J. (2015). Heap leaching technology – current state, innovations, and future directions: A review. Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review, 37(2), 73-119. doi https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2015.1115990
Habashi, F. (1999). Textbook of hydrometallurgy. Metallurgie Extractive Québec.
Levenspiel, O. (1999). Chemical reaction engineering, John Wiley & Sons.
Marsden, J. O., & Botz, M. M. (2017). Heap leach modeling – A review of approaches to metal production forecasting. Minerals & Metallurgical Processing,  34(2), 53-64. DOI https://doi.org/10.19150/mmp.7505
Muller, B., & Newton, T., Look Before You Leach: Dynamic Simulation of Heap Leach Flowsheets, ALTA Copper Conference,” ALTA Metallurgical Services, 2008, Perth, Australia.
Petersen, J. (2016). Heap leaching as a key technology for recovery of values from low-grade ores – A brief overview. Hydrometallurgy, 165, 206–212. doi https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2015.09.001
Sohn, H. Y., & Wadsworth, M. E. (1979). Rate processes of extractive metallurgy. Plenum Press.

EFFICIENCY AND SELECTIVITY OF COPPER PRECIPITATION AS COPPER OXALATE FROM SOLUTIONS FROM THE MINING INDUSTRY

Plamen Georgiev, Marina Nicolova

University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”, 1700 Sofia; E-mail: ps_georgiev@mgu.bg
Corresponding author: ps_georgiev@mgu.bg

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of calcium and ferrous iron ions on the removal of copper-to-copper oxalate from a model solution containing 0.0069 M Cu²⁺. Copper oxalate was synthesised under optimal experimental conditions (solution pH of approximately 2.5, temperature of 50 °C, and a stirring rate of 250 rpm). This was an effective process for removing copper from the model solution, and the resulting particles were larger than 200 µm and exhibited excellent filtration characteristics. In contrast, higher concentrations of calcium ions (0.036 M) and ferrous iron ions (0.045 M) decreased the selectivity and efficiency of copper removal, respectively.

Key words: copper, pregnant solutions, copper oxalate, selectivity

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2657

References

 Aref, R., Jantunen, N., & Virolainen, S. (2026). Recovery of high-purity cobalt oxalate from acidic effluents with solvent extraction technology. Chemical Engineering Science, 330, 23878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2026.123878
Bohner, B., Schuszter, G., Berkesi, O., Horváth, D., & Tóth, Á. (2014). Self-organization of calcium oxalate by flow-driven precipitation. Chemical Communications, 50(33), 4289–4291. https://doi.org/10.1039/c4cc00205a
Botta, M. P., Attina, B., Ravera, M., & Gabano, E. (2025). Becoming aware of endangered and critical elements: spent batteries as metal mines. Journal of Chemical Education, 0102 (5), 2103-211. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c01535
Chen, X., Huang, K., & Wang, C. (2018). Facile synthesis of monodispersed copper oxalate flaky particles in the presence of EDTA. International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy, and Materials, 25(7), 762–769. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-018-1624-5
Cheng, S., Vaughan, J., Wang, G., Ma, X., Lyu, X., & Peng, H. (2026). Slag to product: Unlocking titanium-bearing slag value via selective leaching of amorphous titanium phase. Minerals Engineering, 235, 109846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109846
Cismasu, A. C., Michel, F. M., Tcaciuc, A. P., Tyliszczak, T., & Brown, J. G. E. (2011). Composition and structural aspects of naturally occurring ferrihydrite. Comptes Rendus. Géoscience, 343(2-3), 210–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crte.2010.11.001
Gylliene, O., & Saulkaskas, M. (1995). Metal recovery from spent electroless plating solutions by oxalate precipitation. Plating & Surface Finishing, 61-63.
Gyliene, O., Saulkaskas, M., & Juskenas, R. (1997). The use of organic acids as precipitants for metal recovery from galvanic solutions. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology 70(1), 111-115. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-4660(199709)70:1<111::AID-JCTB691>3.0.CO;2-9
Joseph, E., Cario, S., Simon, A., Wörle, M., Mazzeo, R., Junier, P., & Job, D. (2012). Protection of metal artefacts with the formation of metal–oxalates complexes by Beauveria bassiana. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2011.00270
Krajanova, V., & Lalinska-Volekova, B. (2025). Hydrometallurgical leaching experiments on selected minerals and materials by oxalic acid. Proceedings of 25 SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference 2025, 29 June – 06 July 2025 – Albena, Bulgaria, pp. 319-324. https://doi.org/10.5593/sgem2025/1.1/s03.39
Korneev, A. V., Izatulina, A. R., Kuz’mina, M. A., & Frank-Kamenetskaya, O. V. (2022). Solid Solutions of Lindbergite–Glushinskite Series: Synthesis, Ionic Substitutions, Phase Transformation and Crystal Morphology. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(23), 14734. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232314734
Lee, K. R., Kim, J., & Jang, J. G. (2017). Recovery of zinc in spent pickling solution with oxalic acid. Korean Chemical Engineering Research 55(6), 785-790. DOI:10.9713/kcer.2017.55.6.785
Lee, S. I., Kim, H. R., Park, J. K., J.K., Oh, W., Kim, J., Kim, C., Lee, J., Kim, K.-C., & Lee, B.-C. (2022). Precipitation of ferrous oxalate from ferrous ammonium sulphate in oxalic acid solution. Processes, 10(11), 2420. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10112420
Li, X., Ma, B., Wang, C., & Chen, Y. (2024). Sustainable recovery and recycling of scrap copper and alloy resources: a review. Sustainable Materials & Technologies, 41, e01026. doi.org:1016/j.susmat.2024/e01026
Martins, L. S., Rovani, S., Botelho, A. B. J., & Espinosa, D. C. R. (2023). Sustainable approach for critical metals recovery through hydrometallurgical processing of spent batteries using organic acids. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 62(44), 18672-18682. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.3c03048
Mustafa, L., Usman, M., Ali, S., Ali, A., & Naveed, A. (2025). Recycling technologies for extracting gallium from light-emitting diodes. Photonics, 12 (8), 808. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12080808
Palmieri, F., Estoppey, A., House, G. L., Lohberger, A., Bindschedler, S., Chain, P.S.G., & Junier, P. (2019). Oxalic acid, a molecule, at the crossroads of bacterial-fungal interactions. Advanced Applied Microbiology, 106, 49-77. DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2018.10.001
Roy, J. J., Srinivasan, M., & Cao, B. (2021). Bioleaching as an eco-friendly approach for metal recovery from spent NMC-based lithium-ion batteries at a high pulp density. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 9(8), 3060-3069. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c06573
Rumble, J. (2018). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (99 ed.). CRC Press. pp. 5–188. ISBN 978-1138561632
Shlesinger, M.E., Sole, K.C., Davenport, W.G., & Alvear Flores, G.R.F. (2021). Extractive metallurgy of copper. (6^th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN-13: 978-0128219034
Tita, A.M., Mends, E.A., Kar, U., Hussaini, S., & Chu, P. (2025). Leaching of Li-bearing sedimentary claystones using organic acids. Green and Smart Mining Engineering, 2(2), 156-167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsme.2025.06.002
Verma, A., Kore, R., Corbin, D.R., & Shiflett, M.B. (2019). Metal recovery using oxalate chemistry: a technical review. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 58(34), 15381-15393 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.iecr.9b02598#
Wen, Y., Tribby, E.L., & Tang, Y. (2025). Intensified and selective recovery of critical metals from aqueous extracts: Fundamentals and system design. Chemical Engineering Journal, 512, 162661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.162661
Werner, H., Bapat, S., Schobesberger, M., Segets, D., & Schwaminger, S. P. (2021). Calcium oxalate crystallisation: Influence of pH, energy input, and supersaturation ratio on the synthesis of artificial kidney stones. ACS Omega, 6(39), 26566–26574. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c03938
Yang, Y., Song, W., Ferrier, J., Liu, F., Csetenyl, L., & Gadd, G.M. (2020). Biorecovery of cobalt and nickel using biomass-free supernatants from Aspergillus niger. Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology, 104, 417-425. DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10241-2
Ye, C., Wang, Z., & Shen, Y. (2022). Preparation of iron-copper oxalates and oxides for the oxygen evolution reaction. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 169, 064503. DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ac7259
Zeng, L., Deng, S., Yang, X., & Zhang, W. (2026). Valorisation of pyrite in coal refuse into battery-grade ferrous oxalate: A sustainable pathway. Chemical Engineering Journal, 534, 174699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2026.174699

Non-ferrous metal bioleaching from copper slag with a spent medium of sporosarcina ureae

Plamen Georgiev, Marina Nicolova, Irena Spasova

University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”, 1700 Sofia; E-mail: ps_georgiev@mgu.bg Corresponding author: ps_georgiev@mgu.bg

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study is the indirect bioleaching of non-ferrous metals from pyrometallurgical copper slag containing 0.36% Cu, 1.93% Zn, and 0.09% Co using a spent culture medium from the bacterial strain Sporosarcina ureae CCM 981 with a pH of 9.43. Bioleaching was performed using the flask shaking technique at 150 rpm for 72 hours, yielding the best results for the extraction of copper (21.5%), zinc (21.2%), and cobalt (41.3%) at 55 °C and a pulp density of 7.5%. Iron and silicon co-leached, resulting in selectivity values of 0.307 and 0.98, respectively, for non-ferrous metal extraction from the copper slag sample under these experimental conditions.

Key words: bioleaching, non-ferrous metal, copper slag, selectivity

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2658

References

Abraham, A. P., & Shopf, S. (2026). Bioleaching as a biotechnological tool for metal recovery: from sewage to space mining. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 13, 01-23. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1712157
APHA. 1995. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. (19^th ed.). American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C
Chiang, Y. W., Santos, R.M., Monballiu, A., Ghyselbrecht, K., Martnes, J. A., Mattos, M. L. T., Gerven, T. V., & Meeschaert, B. (2013). Effects of bioleaching on the chemical, mineralogical, and morphological properties of natural and waste-derived alkaline materials. Minerals Engineering, 48, 116-125. doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2012.09.004
Coelho, M.A., Mesquita, A., Fusconi, R., Fernando, L., Roesch, W., & Ferreira, A. (2022). Ammonia volatilization and Sporosarcina genus abundance in an Oxisol enriched with urea, compost and biochar. Applied Soil Ecology, 176, 104494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2022.104494
Deng, T., & Ling, Y. (2007). Processing of copper converter slag for metals reclamation. Part I: Extraction and recovery of copper and cobalt. Waste Management & Research, 25(5), 440-448. doi: 10.1177/0734242X07077613
Duarte- Nass, C., Rebolledo, K., Valenzela, T., Kopp, M., Jeison, D., Rivas, M., Azocar, L., Torres-Aravena, A., & Ciudad, G. (2020). Application of microbe-induced carbonate precipitation for copper removal from copper-enriched waters: challenges to future industrial application. Journal of Environmental Management, 256, 109938. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109938
Dzinomwa, G., Mapani, B., Nghipulile, T., Maweja, K., Kurasha, J. T., Amwaama, M., & Chigayo, K. (2023). Mineralogical characterization of historic copper slag to guide the recovery of valuable metals: A Namibian case study. Materials, 16, 6126. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202307.2016.v1
Georgiev, P., Spasova, I., Groudeva, V., Nicolova, M., Lazarova, A., Iliev, M., Ilieva, R., & Groudev, S. (2017). Bioleaching of valuable components from a pyrometallurgical final slag. Solid State Phenomena, 262, 696 – 699. DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.262.696
Georgiev, P., Nicolova, M., Spasova, M., Iliev, M., & Ilieva, R. (2025a). Non-ferrous metal bioleaching from pyrometallurgical copper slag using spent medium of different fungal species. Metals, 15(12), 1359. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15121359
Georgiev, P., Nicolova, M., & Spasova, I. (2025b). Biological leaching of non-ferrous metals from copper slag using a strain of silicate-solubilising bacteria. Sustainable Extraction and Processing of Raw Materials, 6, 19-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/dw18920762
Gu, T., Rastegar, S.O., Mousavi, S.M., L,i M., & Zhou, M. (2018). Advances in bioleaching for recovery of metals and bioremediation of fuel ash and sewage sludge. Bioresource Technology, 261, 428-440. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.04.033
Huang, X., Zhang, R., Cui, M., & Lai, H. (2022). Experimental investigation on bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated solution by Sporosarcina pasteurii under some complex conditions. Water, 14, 595. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14040595
Kang, C.-H., Shin, Y., Anbu, P., Nam, I.-H., & So, J.-S. (2016). Biosequestration of copper by bacteria isolated from an abandoned mine using microbial induced calcite precipitation. Journal of General and Applied Microbiology, 62, 206–212. doi 10.2323/jgam.2016.03.001
Kumar, V., Singh, G. & Dwivedi, S.K. (2023). Application of bioleaching for metal recovery. In Sillanpää, M.K.., Khadir, A., & Gurung, K. (Eds.), Resource Recovery in Industrial Waste Waters, 1^st ed.; Publisher: Elsevier, 2023, pp. 295-318. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95327-6.00033-6
Ma, L., Pang, A-. P., Luo, X., & Lin, F. (2020). Beneficial factors for biomineralization by ureolytic bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii. Microbial Cell Factories, 19, 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12934-020-1281-z
Mikoda, B., Potysz, A., & Kmiecik, E. (2019). Bacterial leaching of critical metal values from Polish copper metallurgical slags using Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. Journal of Environmental Management, 236, 436-445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.02.032
Phiri, T., Singh, P., & Nikoloski, A.N. (2022). The potential for copper slag waste as a resource for a circular economy. A review – part I. Minerals Engineering, 180, 107474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107474
Prince, S., Young, J., Ma, G., & Young, C. (2016). Characterization and recovery of valuables from waste copper smelting slag. Advances in Molten Slags, Fluxes, and Salts: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Molten Slags, Fluxes and Salts 2016, 889-898.
Radmehr, V., Koleini, S. M. J., Khalesi, M. R., & Mohammadi, M. R. T. (2014). Ammonia leaching: a new approach of copper industry in hydrometallurgical processes. Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series D, 94(2), 95–104. doi: 10.1007/s40033-013-0029-x
Ramanathan, T., & Peng, Y.-T. (2016). Alkaline bioleaching of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash by autochthonous extremophiles. Chemosphere, 160, 54-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.06.055
Rehmanji, M., Sceffington, A., Hudson-Edwards, K.A., & Newsome, L. (2025). Circular economy approaches to microbially-induced carbonate precipitation for bioprocessing of geothermal brine for lithium recovery. RSC Advances, 15, 43263-43.274. doi: https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA06824J
Rezza, I., Salinas, E., Elorza, M., de Tosetti, M. S., & Donatti, E. (2001). Mechanisms involved in bioleaching of an aluminosilicate by heterotrophic microorganisms. Process Biochemistry, 36, 495-500. doi:10.1016/S0032-9592(00)00164-3
Wang, Z., Lu, X., Zhang, X., Yuan, Z., Zheng, M., & Hu, S. (2024). Ammonium-based bioleaching of toxic metals from sewage sludge in a continuous bioreactor. Water Research, 256, 121651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.121651
Watkin E.L.J., Nancucheo, I., & Schippers, A. (2024). Editorial: Acidophile microbiology: from extreme environments to biotechnological applications. Frontiers in Microbiology, 15, 1454559. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1454559
Weng, W., Lan, Y., Tang, D., Chen, H., Xia, J., Chen J., & Zhong, S. (2025). Acid leaching of copper from copper slag based on machine leaching analysis. Separation and Purification Technology, 379(3), 135025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.135025
Willcher, S., & K. Bosecker (2003). Studies on the leaching behaviour of heterotrophic microorganisms isolated from an alkaline slag dump. Hydrometallurgy, 71(1), 257-264. doi: 10.1016/S0304-386X(03)00164-6
Whitworth, A. J., Vaughan, J., Southam, G., van der Ent, A., Nkrumah, P. N., Ma, X., & Parbhakar-Fox, A. (2022).Review on metal extraction technologies suitable for critical metal recovery from mining and processing wastes. Minerals Engineering, 182, 107537-107537. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107537
Yee, N., & Fein, J. (2001). Cd adsorption onto bacterial surfaces: a universal adsorption edge? Geochimica et. Cosmochimica Acta, 65(11), 2037-2042. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7037(01)00587-7
Yin, S., Wang, L., Wu, A., Kabwe, E., Chen, X.,& Yan, R. (2018). Copper recycle from sulphide tailings using combined leaching of ammonia solution and alkaline bacteria. Journal of Cleaner Production, 189, 746–753. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.116

Influence of the construction of a biosensor based on sediment microbial fuel cells on its sensitivity to WATERs contaminated with heavy metals

Rosen Ivanov

University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”, 1700 Sofia

Corresponding author: r.ivanov@mgu.bg

ABSTRACT. Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFC) based biosensors can be a simpler and cheaper alternative to traditional methods for monitoring and early warning of water pollution with heavy metals. However, to make the transition from the laboratory to application in the environment, more research is needed on the influence, durability, and cost-effectiveness of their constructive elements. In the present study, three types of SMFC-based biosensors were constructed – with stainless steel electrodes without a separator, with graphite electrodes without a separator, and with graphite electrodes and a bentonite separator placed in the sediment. The last variant showed the highest sensitivity to the investigated pollutants – copper, chromium, nickel and zinc, as well as the highest correlation coefficient R² – over 0.99.

Key words: sediment microbial fuel cells, biosensor, real time monitoring, heavy metals

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2659

References

Abbas, S. Z., Choi, S. H., Bruck, W. M., Samannan, B., Jang, J. K,. & Kim, T. (2026). Basswood-anode soil microbial fuel cell-based biosensor for self-sustained and wide-ranged heavy metal detection, Bioresource Technology, 444, 134013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134013
Abbas, S., Wang, J., Wang, H., Wang, J., Wang, Y., & Yong, Y. (2022). Recent advances in soil microbial fuel cells based self-powered biosensor. Chemosphere, 303, 135036. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135036
Azri, Y. M., Sadi, M., Tou, I., Mehareb, F., Berouaken, A., & Tebbouche, L. (2026). Development of an eco-friendly and cost-effective biosensor for monitoring dissolved oxygen based on a ceramic-sediment microbial fuel cell, Journal of Water Process Engineering, 81, 109312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.109312
Bose, D., Bhattacharya, R., Pillai, M., Ray, A., Kaur, T., Mondal, S., & Mondal, A. (2026). State-of-the-art review on sediment microbial fuel cells: evolution, innovations, challenges, scalability, and policy implications for sustainable development, Water-Energy Nexus, 9, 30–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wen.2025.12.005
Chauhan, N., Sah, N., Saxena, K., & Jain, U. (2025). A review on biosensor approaches for the detection of hazardous elements in water, Talanta Open, 12, 100536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talo.2025.100536
Dai, Z., Yu, R., Zha, X., Xu, Z., Zhu, G., & Lu, X. (2021). On-line monitoring of minor oil spills in natural waters using sediment microbial fuel cell sensors equipped with vertical floating cathodes. Science of the Total Environment, 782, 146549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146549
Danhassan, U. A., Lin, H., Lawan, I., Zhang, X., Ali, M., Muhammad, A., & Sheng, K. (2023). Critical insight into sediment microbial fuel cell: Fundamentals, challenges, and perspectives as a barrier to black-odour water formation. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 11, 109098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2022.109098
Li, C., Li, X., Li, T., Su, Y., Zhong, W., Han, C., Jiang, Y., & Deng, H. (2024). Sediment microbial fuel cell monitoring repeated Cr(VI) shocks in different wetlands for a year: Performance and mechanism, Journal of Cleaner Production, 452, 142147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142147
Liu, L., Lu, Y., Zhong, W., Meng, L., & Deng., H. (2020). On-line monitoring of repeated copper pollutions using sediment microbial fuel cell based sensors in the field environment, Science of the Total Environment, 748, 141544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141544
Nandy, A., Farkas, D., Pepio-Tarrega, B., Martinez-Crespiera, S., Borras, E., Avignone-Rossa, C., & Di Lorenzo, M. (2023). Influence of carbon-based cathodes on biofilm composition and electrochemical performance in soil microbial fuel cells. Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, 16, 100276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2023.100276
Simeon, M., & Freitag, R. (2022). Influence of electrode spacing and fed-batch operation on the maximum performance trend of a soil microbial fuel cell, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 47, 12304-123016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.11.110
Song, N., & Jiang, H. (2018). Effects of initial sediment properties on start-up times for sediment microbial fuel cells, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 43, 10082-10093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.04.082
Sun, F., Chen, J., Tang, M., & Yang, Y. (2024). Recent research progress, challenges and future directions of sediment microbial fuel cell: A comprehensive review, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 50, 870-886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.09.112
Turker, O. C., & Yakar, A. (2025). Sediment-based microbial fuel cell sensor for detecting boron mine effluent pollution in aquatic habitats, Microchemical Journal, 218, 115355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2025.115355

Wang, C., & Jiang, H. (2019).  Real-time monitoring of sediment bulking through a multi-anode sediment microbial fuel cell as reliable biosensor, Science of the Total Environment, 697, 134009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134009

Wang, G., Yu, M., Xie, K., Zhao, R., Fu, Y., & Chen, T. (2019). Graphene modified polyacrylonitrile fibre as high-performance cathode for marine sediment microbial fuel cells, Journal of Power Sources, 438, 227002. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2019.227002

Wang, H., Ye, Y., Zhang, J., Ning, H., Xiang, Y., Song, X., Zhao, W., & Guo, F. (2023a). Power performance improvement in sediment microbial fuel cells: Recent advances and future challenges, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 48, 24426-24446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.03.291

Wang, S., Wang, J., Zhao, L., Abbas, S., Yang, Z., & Yong, Y., (2023b). Soil microbial fuel cell based self-powered cathodic biosensor for sensitive detection of heavy metals, Biosensors, 13, 145. https://doi.org/10.3390/ bios13010145

Zhao, S., Liu, P., Niu, Y., Chen, Z., Khan, A., Zhang, P., & Li, X. (2018). A novel early warning system based on a sediment microbial fuel cell for in situ and real time hexavalent chromium detection in industrial wastewater, Sensors, 18, 642. https://doi.org/10.3390/s18020642

Study of Strength Reduction in Natural Stone under Repeated Non-Destructive Dynamic Loading

Valentyn Korobiichuk¹, Sergii Iskov¹, Vasyl Mamrai^1,2, Volodymyr Shamrai¹, Dmytro Bilobrov¹

¹Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, 10005 Zhytomyr, Ukraine; E-mail: korobiichykv@gmail.com, serga.iskov@ztu.edu.ua, vmamray@ztu.edu.ua, kgt_shvi@ztu.edu.ua, dimabelobrov86@gmail.com
² Kütahya Dumlupınar University, 43100 Kütahya; E-mail: vmamray@gmail.com

Corresponding author: korobiichykv@gmail.com

ABSTRACT. This paper investigates the reduction of strength in natural stone under repeated non-destructive dynamic loading, which is essential for assessing the suitability of deposits for selective extraction of block stone in crushed stone quarries. A laboratory testing methodology is proposed based on repeated impacts of a spherical striker on stone samples, simulating the development of tensile stresses and accumulation of microcracks in the rock mass. Numerical modelling using Ansys AUTODYN was applied to establish relationships between the impact kinetic energy and induced tensile stresses. Experimental studies were carried out on granite, gabbro, and labradorite samples from more than ten deposits in Ukraine. Strength degradation was evaluated using an ultrasonic method by measuring the propagation velocity of surface waves after each loading cycle. The results indicate that most rocks fail when their strength decreases by 11% to 41.5%. Based on the obtained data, natural stone was classified into three groups according to resistance to repeated dynamic loading: high, medium, and low durability. It was found that fatigue strength is significantly influenced by quartz content and rock structure. Coarse-grained rocks and those with a high content of accessory minerals exhibit lower resistance to cyclic loading. The practical significance of the study lies in predicting disturbed zones within quarry rock masses, which enables optimisation of block stone extraction.

Key words: natural stone, dynamic loading, fatigue strength, ultrasonic testing, selective extraction.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2660

References

Akesson, U., Stigh, J., Lindqvist, J. E., & Göransson, M. (2004). The influence of foliation on the fragility of granitic rocks, image analysis and quantitative microscopy. Engineering Geology, 73(3–4), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2004.01.003
Bagde N., & Petros V. (2005). Fatigue properties of intact sandstone samples subjected to dynamic uniaxial cyclical loading. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 42, 237–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2004.08.008
Bagde, M. N., & Petroš, V. (2009). Fatigue and dynamic energy behaviour of rock subjected to cyclical loading. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 46(1), 200–209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2008.05.002
Korobiichuk, V. (2016). Study of ultrasonic characteristics of Ukraine red granites at low temperatures. International Conference on Systems, Control and Information Technologies, 653–658. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48923-0_69
Li, R., Zhu, J. B., Qu, H., Zhou, T., & Zhou, C. (2022). An experimental investigation on fatigue characteristics of granite under repeated dynamic tensions. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 158, 105185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2022.105185
Momeni, A., Karakus, M., Khanlari, G.R., & Heidari, M. (2015). Effects of cyclic loading on the mechanical properties of a granite. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 77, 89–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2015.03.029
Shadabfar, M., Gokdemir, C., Zhou, M., Kordestani, H., & Muho, E. V. (2021). Estimation of damage induced by single-hole rock blasting: a review on analytical, numerical, and experimental solutions. Energies, 14(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14010029
Singh, S.K. (1989). Fatigue and strain hardening behaviour of graywacke from the flagstaff formation. New South Wales Engineering Geology, 26(2), 171–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7952(89)90005-7
State Committee of Ukraine for Technical Regulation and Consumer Policy Kyiv (2004) Natural stone test methods – Determination of rupture energy (DSTU EN 14158:2004).
Stavrogin, A. N., & Tarasov, B. G. (2001). Experimental physics and rock mechanics [Monograph]. CRC Press, 356.
Vaneghi, G. R., Ferdosi, B., Okoth, A. D., & Kuek, B. (2018). Strength degradation of sandstone and granodiorite under uniaxial cyclic loading. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 10(1), 117–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2017.09.005
Vasconcelos, G., Lourenço, P. B., Alves, C. A. S., & Pamplona, J. (2008). Ultrasonic evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of granites. Ultrasonics, 48(5), 453–466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultras.2008.03.008
Xiao, J. Q., Ding, D. X., Jiang, F. L., & Xu, G. (2010). Fatigue damage variable and evolution of rock subjected to cyclic loading. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 47, 461–468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2009.11.003
Yang, S., Nong, Z., Feng, X., Kan, J., Pan, D., & Qian, D. (2018). Experimental investigation of sandstone under cyclic loading: damage assessment using ultrasonic wave velocities and changes in elastic modulus. Shock and Vibration, 2018, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7845143
Yu, Z., Zhao, D., Tang, Q., & Wang, M. (2020). Experimental and numerical investigation of the fatigue behaviour and crack evolution mechanism of granite under ultra-high-frequency loading. Royal Society Open Science, 7(4), 200091. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.200091
Zhou, T., Dong, S. L., Zhao, G. F., Zhang, R., Wu, S. Y., & Zhu, J. B. (2018). An experimental study of fatigue behaviour of granite under low-cycle repetitive compressive impacts. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 51(10), 3157–3166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-018-1515-0

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR URANIUM REMOVAL FROM MINE WATER: COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ZERO-VALENT IRON NANOPARTICLES, CONVENTIONAL SORBENTS, AND FUNCTIONALISED MAGNETIC NANOMATERIALS

Alexandre Loukanov^1,2

¹Laboratory of Engineering NanoBiotechnology, Department of Eng. Geoecology, University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”, Sofia, Bulgaria, E-mail: a.loukanov@mgu.bg
²Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, National Institute of Technology, Gunma College, 580 Toriba, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8530 Japan, E-mail: loukanov@gunma-ct.ac.jp

ABSTRACT. Uranium contamination of mine water and groundwater represents a significant environmental challenge associated with mining activities, ore processing, and radioactive waste management. In this study, uranium removal from aqueous solutions was comparatively evaluated using zero-valent iron nanoparticles (ZVINs), ligand-functionalised magnetic nanoparticles, water works sludge (WWS), and apatite under near-neutral conditions. The results revealed substantial differences in uranium immobilisation behaviour among the investigated materials. Water works sludge and apatite exhibited rapid uranium removal and reached near-equilibrium within a relatively short period, whereas ZVINs demonstrated slower but sustained uranium uptake over extended reaction times. This behaviour suggests that uranium immobilisation in Fe⁰ systems is influenced by progressive nanoparticle aging and the formation of iron corrosion products. The observed trends are consistent with uranium immobilisation mechanisms previously reported for Fe⁰-based systems, including adsorption onto iron oxides and hydroxides, co-precipitation with corrosion products, and possible reductive transformation of U(VI). In addition, amino-functionalised magnetic nanoparticles coated with a silsesquioxane polymer exhibited effective uranium adsorption and enabled rapid magnetic separation from aqueous solutions. Treatment of a 0.040 M uranium solution reduced the uranium concentration to approximately 0.014 M after 24 h, corresponding to about 64–65% removal efficiency, whereas uncoated magnetic nanoparticles exhibited negligible adsorption. Equilibrium adsorption data analysed using the Langmuir model indicated adsorption behaviour consistent with a finite number of active binding sites and confirmed the affinity of the amino-functionalised surface toward uranyl species within the investigated concentration range. The comparative results demonstrate that iron-based nanomaterials, particularly magnetically recoverable systems, may provide useful approaches for uranium removal and recovery from contaminated water. Although the experiments were conducted under simplified laboratory conditions, the findings provide a basis for further investigations in more complex mine-water systems, including the effects of competing ions, pH variability, sorbent regeneration, and long-term stability of immobilised uranium species.

Key words: uranium removal; zero-valent iron nanoparticles; magnetic nanoparticles; uranium immobilisation; mine water remediation; iron corrosion products.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2661

References

Abdessamed, D., Jodar-Abellan, A., Ghoneim, S. S. M., Almaliki, A., Hussein, E. E., & Pardo, M. Á. (2023). Groundwater quality assessment for sustainable human consumption in arid areas based on GIS and water quality index in the watershed of Ain Sefra (SW of Algeria). Environmental Earth Sciences, 82(21), Article 510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-023-11183-9
Afrikaner, L. C., Mapani, B., & Amwele, H. (2025). Groundwater in arid environments: A review of uranium occurrence and impacts. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 62, Article 102814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2025.102814
Akash, S., Sivaprakash, B., Vadivel Raja, V. C., Rajamohan, N., & Muthusamy, G. (2022). Remediation techniques for uranium removal from polluted environment – Review on methods, mechanism and toxicology. Environmental Pollution, 302, Article 119068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119068
Anang, E., Hong, L., Fan, X., & Asamoah, E. N. (2022). Attapulgite supported nanoscale zero-valent iron in wastewater treatment and groundwater remediation: synthesis, application, performance and limitation. Environmental Technology Reviews, 11, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622515.2021.2010131
Arahangelova, V., & Loukanov, A. (2023). Phytoremediation and extraction of colloidal contaminants from mine effluents through legume plants. Sustainable Extraction and Processing of Raw Materials Journal (SEPRM), 4, 6–10. https://doi.org/10.58903/u17190823
Fu, W., Liu, Z., Yang, Z., Li, Y., & Pan, B. (2025). Confined iron-based nanomaterials for water decontamination: Fundamentals, applications, and challenges. Fundamental Research, 5(2), 612–623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fmre.2023.07.011
Gheju, M. (2025). Mechanisms of contaminant removal with metallic iron (Fe0): A comprehensive and critical review. Separation and Purification Technology, 364(Part 3), Article 132503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.132503
Helal, A. S., Hémadi, M., Lomas, J. S., Ammar, S., Abdelhafiz, A., El-Sheikh, S. M., Sheta, S. M., Galanek, M., Hassan, M. H., Chang, J.-K., & Li, J. (2025). Uranium removal from environmental water and nuclear waste: Nanomaterial solutions and their environmental sustainability. Chemical Engineering Journal, 507, Article 160298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.160298
Hua, Y., Li, D., Zou, J., Wang, W., Wu, X., Zhang, X., Liu, Q., Zhao, G., Li, M., Zhang, W-x., & Yang, J. (2023). Evolutional solid phase and solid-liquid interface uranium immobilisation mechanisms by nanoscale zero-valent iron and enhanced uranium stability control strategy. Chemical Engineering Journal, 453, 139924. 10.1016/j.cej.2022.139924
Kairullova, M., Bakhtin, M., Ilbekova, K., & Ibrayeva, D. (2026). Migration and accumulation of uranium-associated heavy metals in mining-affected ecosystems (water, soil, and plants). Biology, 15(6), Article 502. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15060502
Kong, L., Zhu, Y., Wang, M., Li, Z., Tan, Z., Xu, R., Tang, H., Chang, X., Xiong, Y., & Chen, D. (2016). Simultaneous reduction and adsorption for immobilisation of uranium from aqueous solution by nano-flake Fe-SC. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 320, 435–441. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.08.060
Li, Z.-J., Wang, L., Yuan, L.-Y., Xiao, C.-L., Mei, L., Zheng, L.-R., Zhang, J., et al. (2015). Efficient removal of uranium from aqueous solution by zero-valent iron nanoparticle and its graphene composite. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 290, 26–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.02.028
Lin, K., Wan, Y., Chang, H., Yu, H., Yang, H., & Qu, F. (2026). Advances and challenges in remediation technologies for uranium/radium-contaminated groundwater. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, 12, 769–788. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EW00910C
Loukanov, A. (2025). Magnetic nanoparticle-assisted remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils. Sustainable Extraction and Processing of Raw Materials Journal (SEPRM), 6, 51–59. https://doi.org/10.58903/dw18922073
Loukanov, A., Udono, H., Takakura, R., Mladenova, P., Kobayashi, N., Kawamura, R., & Nakabayashi, S. (2017). Monitoring and extraction of uranium in polluted acid mine drainage by super-paramagnetic nanoparticles coated with carbon nanodots. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 314, 1149–1159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5471-z
Mahfouz, M. G., Galhoum, A. A., Gomaa, N. A., Abdel-Rehem, S. S., Atia, A. A., Vincent, T., & Guibal, E. (2015). Uranium extraction using magnetic nano-based particles of diethylenetriamine-functionalised chitosan: Equilibrium and kinetic studies. Chemical Engineering Journal, 262, 198–209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2014.09.061
Ngerem, E. C., Sanusi, I. A., Dalu, T., & Suinyuy, T. N. (2026). Sustainable acid mine drainage wastewater remediation: A comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis. Environmental Science Advances, 5(3), 681–710. https://doi.org/10.1039/d5va00266d
Riba, O., Scott, T. B., Ragnarsdottir, K. V., & Allen, G. C. (2008). Reaction mechanism of uranyl in the presence of zero-valent iron nanoparticles. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 72(16), 4047–4057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2008.04.041
Roberts, H., Morris, K., Law, G., Mosselmans, J., Bots, P., Kvashnina, K., & Shaw, S. (2017). Uranium(V) Incorporation Mechanisms and Stability in Fe(II)/Fe(III) (oxyhydr)Oxides. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 4, 421–426. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.7b00348
Sheng, G., Shao, X., Li, Y., Li, J., Dong, H., Cheng, W., Gao, X., & Huang, Y. (2014). Enhanced removal of uranium(VI) by nanoscale zerovalent iron supported on Na–bentonite and an investigation of mechanism. Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 118(16), 2952–2958. https://doi.org/10.1021/jp412404w
Skierszkan, E. K., Dockrey, J. W., Helsen, J., Findlater, L.-L., Bataille, C. P., de Laplante, G., McBeth, J. M., Mayer, K. U., & Beckie, R. D. (2021). Persistence of uranium in old and cold subpermafrost groundwater indicated by linking 234U-235U-238U, groundwater ages, and hydrogeochemistry. ACS Earth and Space Chemistry, 5(12), 3474–3487. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.1c00307
Sun, Y.-P., Li, X.-Q., Cao, J., Zhang, W.-X., & Wang, H. P. (2006). Characterization of zero-valent iron nanoparticles. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 120(1–3), 47–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2006.03.001
Verma, Y., Verma, A., Bhaskaralingam, A., Dhiman, P., Wang, T., Kumar, A., & Sharma, G. (2025). Application of zero-valent iron and its derivatives in the removal of toxic metal ions from groundwater. Water, 17(10), Article 1524. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17101524
Wazne, M., Korfiatis, G. P., & Meng, X. (2003). Carbonate effects on hexavalent uranium adsorption by iron oxyhydroxide. Environmental Science & Technology, 37(16), 3619–3624. https://doi.org/10.1021/es034166m
Wu, R., Wang, X., He, S., Wu, M., Li, P., Show, P.-L., Han, P., Hamzah, M. H., Zhang, Y., & Chen, J. (2026). Robust immobilisation of uranium using biogenic FeS with lignocellulose from green plant waste. Chemical Engineering Journal, 528, Article 172352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.172352
Xiao, Y., Helal, A. S., Mozario, E., Mayoral, A. et al. (2023). Functionalized maghemite nanoparticles for enhanced adsorption of uranium from simulated wastewater and magnetic harvesting. Environmental Research, 216(2), 114569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.114569
Zhang, X., Liu, X., Peng, Y., Wu, X., Tan, Y., Zeng, Q., Song, Z. & Li, M. (2022). Controllable shell corrosion of coated nanoscale zero valent iron induces long-term potentiation of its reactivity for uranium removal. Separation and Purification Technology, 287, 120550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2022.120550
Zhao, X., Liu, W., Cai, Z., Fu, J., Duan, J., Zhao, D., Bozack, M.& Feng, Y. (2020). Reductive immobilisation of uranium by stabilised zero-valent iron nanoparticles: Effects of stabilisers, water chemistry and long-term stability. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 604, 125315. 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.125315
Zhu, N., Ji, H., Yu, P., Niu, J., Farooq, M. U., Akram, M. W., Udego, I. O., Li, H., & Niu, X. (2018). Surface modification of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Nanomaterials, 8(10), Article 810. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8100810)

REHABILITATION AND RECONVERSION OF COAL MINING SITES: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY TRANSITION IN THE PERNIK REGION

Petar Petrov, Veneta Stefanova, Zhivko Vasilev, Stanimira Ivanova, Iva Stamenova-Yordanova, Elena Georgieva

University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria, petargpetrof@gmail.com, venistefanova3@gmail.com, zhivko.vasilev@mail.bg, ivanova.stanimiraa@gmail.com, ivastamenovaa@gmail.com, eli1307@abv.bg  

Corresponding author: zhivko.vasilev@mail.bg

ABSTRACT. This study assesses the rehabilitation and reconversion potential of coal mining sites in the Pernik region, Bulgaria, within the context of the energy transition and post-mining land-use planning. An integrated multi-criteria framework was applied, combining site inventory, regulatory review, spatial interpretation and expert-based assessment. The framework evaluates post-mining land according to geotechnical stability, contamination-related suitability, infrastructure accessibility, ecological suitability and land-use constraints. The analysis identifies a heterogeneous post-mining landscape, including ash disposal sites, spoil heaps, residual mining areas, underground mining zones and former industrial platforms. The results show that stabilised technogenic landforms are most suitable for controlled renewable energy applications, particularly photovoltaic development combined with containment and monitoring. Former industrial platforms demonstrate potential for industrial and energy-related reuse, while underground mining zones affected by subsidence and hidden voids require restricted use and long-term control. Lower-risk or partially restored sites are suitable for ecological restoration and nature-based solutions. Notably, two site groups with identical aggregate suitability scores lead to fundamentally different reconversion pathways depending on their underlying criterion profile, indicating that the framework should be applied as a profile-based screening tool rather than as a one-dimensional ranking. The proposed suitability-based framework supports decision-oriented planning by linking site-specific constraints with feasible reconversion pathways and contributes to the sustainable transformation of coal regions under transition.

 Key words: rehabilitation, mine closure, coal, Pernik.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2662

References

Council of Ministers (n.d.). National Concession Register. (in Bulgarian) Centralised electronic information system. https://nkr.government.bg/ (accessed on 08.06.2026)
Deshaies, M. (2020). Metamorphosis of mining landscapes in the Lower Lusatian lignite basin (Germany): New uses and new image of a mining region. Les Cahiers de la recherche architecturale urbaine et paysagère, 7. doi:10.4000/craup.4018
Eastman, J. R., Weigen, J., Kyem, P. A. K., & Toledano, J. (1995). Raster procedures for multi-criteria ⁄ multi-objective decisions. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing 61(5), pp. 539–547
European Commission. (2020). Toolkits for coal regions in transition. Platform for Coal Regions in Transition, Directorate-General for Energy. https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/ener/items/678083
European Parliament and Council (2006). Directive 2006/21/EC on the management of waste from extractive industries. Official Journal of the European Union, L102, 15–34.
Executive Environment Agency (EEA). (n.d.). Inventory of closed mining waste facilities, inactive mines and quarries as part of the National Environmental Monitoring System (in Bulgarian): https://eea.government.bg/bg/nsmos/soil/opis-na-zakriti-saorazheniya-za-minni-otpadatsi.html
Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). (2020). Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). https://globaltailingsreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-industry-standard-on-tailings-management.pdf
ICMM (2019). Integrated mine closure: Good practice guide (2nd ed.).
https://hub.icmm. com/website/publications/ pdfs/environmental-stewardship/2019/guidance_integrated-mine-closure.pdf
IGF (2022). Mine closure: A toolbox for governments. Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development. https://www.igfmining.org/resource/
Kostadinova-Slaveva, A. G. (2026). Harakteristika na minnite otpadatsi ot vagledobivnata promishlenost i tyahnoto ekologosobrazno upravlenie [Characteristics of mining waste from the coal mining industry and their environmentally sound management]. Publishing House at the University of Forestry, Sofia (in Bulgarian).
LMBV (2020). Post-mining landscape development in Lusatia. Lausitzer und Mitteldeutsche Bergbau-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH.
Malczewski, J. (2004). GIS-based land-use suitability analysis: A critical overview. Progress in Planning, 62(1), 3–65. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progress.2003.09.002
Mandausová, K. (2021). Místo dolu jezero, hotel a rodinné domy. Sokolovská uhelná představuje svou vizi [Instead of a mine: a lake, a hotel and family houses. Sokolovská uhelná presents its vision]. Forbes Česko, 26 August 2021. https://forbes.cz/misto-dolu-jezero-hotel-a-rodinne-domy-sokolovska-uhelna-predstavuje-svou-vizi/.
Ministry of Energy. (2016). The concession agreement for the “Gladno pole” mining area in Pernik will not be extended (in Bulgarian). https://www.me.government.bg/bg/news/ koncesionniyat-dogovor-za-plosht-gladno-pole-v-grad-pernik-nyama-da-bade-udaljen-2231.html.
Ministry of Energy. (2026). Register of active concessions for extraction of underground resources (updated as of 17.03.2026) (in Bulgarian). https://www.me.government. bg/themes/koncesii-za-dobiv-735-1613.html
Ministry of Energy. (n.d.). List of closed and abandoned mining waste facilities under Article 22m(5) of the Subsurface Resources Act (1999, in Bulgarian). Available at: https://www.me.government.bg/bg/themes/spisak-na-zakritite-vklyuchitelno-i-naizostavenite-saorajeniya-za-minni-otpadaci-2158-0.html.
Ordinance No. 26 on the Reclamation of Disturbed Lands, Improvement of Low-Productivity Lands, and Removal and Utilization of the Humus Layer (State Gazette No. 89/1996, amended State Gazette No. 30/2002).
Ordinance on the Management of Mining Waste (State Gazette No. 5/2016, amended and supplemented in State Gazette No. 58/2019).
Pagouni, C., Pavloudakis, F., Kapageridis, I., & Yiannakou, A. (2024). Transitional and Post-Mining Land Uses: A Global Review of Regulatory Frameworks, Decision-Making Criteria, and Methods. Land 13, 1051. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071051
Panayotov, K. (2024). Rekultivatsiya na Sgurootval „Sedmi Septemvri“: Otsenka i Preporaki [Rehabilitation of the “Sedmi Septemvri” Ash Disposal Site: Assessment and Recommendations]. Expert report. AgroVar SS Ltd. https://www.zazemiata.org/resources/rekultivatsiya-na-sgurootval-sedmi-septemvri/
PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna (PGE GiEK). (2022). Integrated Report 2021. Warsaw: PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A. https://raportzintegrowany2021.gkpge.pl/en/.
Prach, K., Řehounková, K., Lencová, K., Jírová, A., Konvalinková, P., Mudrák, O., Študent, V., Vaněček, Z., Tichý, L., Petřík, P., Šmilauer, P., & Pyšek, P. (2011). Vegetation succession in restoration of disturbed sites in Central Europe: The direction of succession and species richness across 19 series. Applied Vegetation Science, 14(2), 193–200. doi:10.1111/j.1654-109X.2010.01110.x
Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water – Sofia (RIEW Sofia) (2021). Decision No. SO-97-PR/2021 concerning investment proposal for technical closure and rehabilitation of “7th September” ash disposal site (in Bulgarian).
Řehounková, K., & Prach, K. (2008). Spontaneous vegetation succession in gravel-sand pits: A potential for restoration. Ecological Engineering, 33(3–4), 305–312. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2008.05.006
River Basin Directorate “West Aegean Region”. (2024). Opinion on an investment proposal for “Technical liquidation and mitigation of the adverse impacts from the cessation of coal mining activities within the city of Pernik – Zone II, Klepalo district”. 16.09.2024. (in Bulgarian). https://wabd.bg/content/ wp-content/uploads/2024/09/%D0%9F-01-312-1.pdf
State Archives Agency. (2023). Archival records on mining activities in the Pernik coal basin (in Bulgarian). https://archives.government.bg/51
State Gazette. (2005). Decision No. 242 of 5 April 2005 for granting concession for coal extraction (in Bulgarian).
Subsurface Resources Act. (1999). Subsurface Resources Act (State Gazette No. 23/1999, last amended and supplemented in State Gazette No. 95/2025).
UNESCO. (2001). Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/975/
Vráblík, P., Vráblíková, J., & Wildová, E. (2019). Hydrological Mine Reclamations in the Anthropogenically Affected Landscape of North Bohemia. In M. Zelenakova, J. Fialová, & A. M. Negm (Eds.), Assessment and Protection of Water Resources in the Czech Republic (pp. 203–223). Cham: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18363-9_9
World Bank. (2018). Managing Coal Mine Closure: Achieving a Just Transition for All. Washington, DC: World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/31020.

INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING UAV-BASED MINE SURVEYING ACCURACY

Dmytro Polischuk¹, Andrii Panasiuk¹, Vasyl Mamrai^1,2

¹ Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, 10005 Zhytomyr; E-mail: kgt_pds@ztu.edu.ua, kgt_pav@ztu.edu.ua, vmamray@gmail.com
² Kütahya Dumlupınar University, 43100 Kütahya; E-mail: vmamray@gmail.com

Corresponding author: kgt_pav@ztu.edu.ua

ABSTRACT. The adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for mine surveying has increased significantly within the extractive industry due to their high operational efficiency, superior measurement accuracy, and reduced susceptibility to human error. The primary application of UAV-based surveying is the volumetric estimation of mined-out spaces and stockpile measurement at mining enterprises. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of flight altitude and weather conditions on the accuracy of UAV-assisted mine surveying, and to determine the optimal operational parameters for its implementation. The study was conducted at an amber deposit in the Korosten district. Surveying of the extracted rock mass was performed using a DJI Phantom 4 quadcopter at different flight altitudes under two meteorological conditions. Three repetitive measurements were carried out for each combination of parameters, yielding a total of 30 observations. The reference volume was obtained using a Sokkia 550RXL total station, with subsequent processing in Civil 3D, while UAV data were processed in Agisoft Metashape. The analysis demonstrated that all investigated survey configurations produce deviations within the permissible error tolerance for mine surveying operations. The key factors affecting UAV-based surveying accuracy were identified, and the optimal flight altitude and meteorological conditions were established. The objectivity of the images obtained and the automation of processing ensure high quality results when using UAVs.

Keywords: mine surveying, UAV, photogrammetry, flight altitude, survey accuracy.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2663

References

Arroyo-Mora, J. P., Kalacska, M., Løke, T., Schläpfer, D., Coops, N. C., Lucanus, O., & Leblanc, G. (2021). Assessing the impact of illumination on UAV pushbroom hyperspectral imagery collected under various cloud cover conditions. Remote Sensing of Environment, 261, 112480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2021.112396
Burdziakowski, P. (2021). UAV photogrammetry under poor lighting conditions — Accuracy considerations. Sensors, 21(10), 3531. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21103531
Hajjar, M., Zappa, E., & Bolzon, G. (2025). The state of the art and potentialities of UAV-based 3D measurement solutions in the monitoring and fault diagnosis of quasi-brittle structures. Sensors, 25(16), 5134. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25165134
Hassanalian, M., & Abdelkefi, A. (2017). Classifications, applications, and design challenges of drones: A review. Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 91, 99–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paerosci.2017.04.003
Jarahizadeh, S., & Salehi, B. (2024). A comparative analysis of UAV photogrammetric software performance for forest 3D modelling: A case study using AgiSoft Photoscan, PIX4DMapper, and DJI Terra. Sensors, 24(1), 286. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24010286
Kozuba, J., Marcisz, M., & Maliszewski, Ł. (2025). Influence of cloud cover and light intensity on the quality of photographic material obtained during nadir photogrammetric flights. Transport Problems, 20(1), 47–58. https://doi.org/10.20858/tp.2025.20.1.04
Lee, S., & Choi, Y. (2016). Reviews of unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) technology trends and its applications in the mining industry. Geosystem Engineering, 19(4), 197–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/12269328.2016.1162115
Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry (2018) Order No. 604, Ukraine.
Nguyen, Q. L., Goyal, R., Bui, K. L., Le, V. C., Cao, X. C., Pham, V. C., Bui, N. Q., & Bui, X.-N. (2020). Influence of flight height on the accuracy of UAV-derived digital elevation model at complex terrain. Inżynieria Mineralna, 1, 101–127. https://doi.org/10.29227/IM-2020-01-27
Polishchuk, D. S., Panasyuk, A. V., & Kalchuk, S. V. (2025). Optymizatsiia marshrutiv polotiv pry obrobtsi danykh za dopomohoiu prohramnoho zabezpechennia Agisoft Metashape [Optimisation of flight routes in data processing using Agisoft Metashape software]. Tekhnichna Inzheneriia, 1(95), 206–211. https://doi.org/10.26642/ten-2025-1(95)-206-211
Pomortseva, O., Kobzan, S., & Steshenko, P. (2022). Processing of geodesic data obtained with the help of UAVs. Collection of Scientific Papers ΛΌГOΣ, 162–165. https://doi.org/10.36074/logos-16.09.2022.47
Ren, H., Zhao, Y., Xiao, W., & Hu, Z. (2019). A review of UAV monitoring in mining areas: Current status and future perspectives. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, 6(3), 320–333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40789-019-00264-5
Shahmoradi, J., Talebi, E., Roghanchi, P., & Hassanalian, M. (2020). A comprehensive review of applications of drone technology in the mining industry. Drones, 4(3), 34. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones4030034
Szypuła, B. (2024). Accuracy of UAV-based DEMs without ground control points. GeoInformatica, 28, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10707-023-00498-1
Zapico, I., Laronne, J. B., Sánchez Castillo, L., & Martín Duque, J. F. (2021). Improvement of workflow for topographic surveys in long highwalls of open pit mines with an unmanned aerial vehicle and structure from motion. Remote Sensing, 13(17), 3353. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13173353

INTENSIFICATION OF THE PROCESS OF BENEFICIATION OF MINERALS BY VIBRATION-IMPACT ACTIVATION

Yu. Svietkina, O. V. Fedoskina

 Dnipro University of Technology, Dnipro, Ukraine
Emails: svietkina.o.y@nmu.one,  fedoskina.ev@gmail.com
Corresponding author: svietkina.o.y@nmu.one

ABSTRACT. Experimental data are presented on the use of vertical vibrating mills (MVV) for the preparation of mineral feedstock for the beneficiation process. The influence of optimising the vibro-impact loading process on the parameters of the mineral beneficiation process is examined. Galena (PbS) was selected as the experimental sample. This is because the surface energy characteristics of PbS depend on the number and nature of defects in the crystal lattice, which is a key feature of material activation in MVV. The relationship between the degree of liberation (f) and the technological parameters of grinding in the vibro-mill (vibro-impact loading dose (D) and collision velocity (V_imp)) is demonstrated. It has been found that even a slight change in the interplanar distances between atoms in the crystal lattice and the presence of a small number of impurity atoms of a foreign element significantly affect the chemical and adsorption activity of this mineral particle with respect to the components of the pulp’s liquid phase and, ultimately, — the flotation activity.

Key words: mechanochemistry, beneficiation, vertical vibrating mill, galena

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/MPIG2664

References
Anciferov, A., & Draban, D. (2011). Raschet tehnologicheskih rezhimov vertikalnoj vibracionnoj melnicy [Calculation of operating parameters for a vertical vibrating mill]. Vibracii v tehnike i tehnologiyah, 2 (62), 59 – 60 (in Russ.).
Andrić, L., Živanović, D., & Milošević, S. (1999). Change of the physical — chemical characteristics of the materials by mechanical activation. In: Stojanović, B.D., Skorokhod, V.V., & Nikolić, M.V. (eds) Advanced Science and Technology of Sintering. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8666-5_27
Bakil, S.N.A., Dibrova, S., Breitung-Faes, S., & Mucsi, G. (2025). Optimizing coal gangue reactivity for geopolymer applications: A comprehensive study on high-energy grinding parameters, Powder Technology, 466, 121441, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2025.121441
Bond, F. C. (1961). Crushing and Grinding Calculations, British Chemical Engineering, 6, 378-385. https://www.911metallurgist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/ 11/Bond-F-C-1961-Crushing-and-Grinding-Calculations.pdf
Bouchard, J., LeBlanc, G., Levesque, M., Radziszewski, P., & George-Filteau, D. (2017). Breaking down energy consumption in industrial grinding mills. Canadian Mineral Processors Conference. 17-19 January 2017, Ottawa, Canada.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 315148304_Breaking_down_energy_consumption_in_industrial_grinding_mills
Butyagin, P., & Pavlichev, I. (1986) Determination of energy yield of mechanochemical reactions. Reactivity of Solids, 1, Issue 4, 361-372, ISSN 0168-7336. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-7336(86)80027-4
Corlett, C.A., Frontzek, M.D., Obradovic, N., Watts, J.L. & Fahrenholtz, W.G. (2022). Mechanical activation and cation site disorder in MgAl₂O₄. Materials, 15(18), 6422.  https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15186422
Elbendari, A.M., & Ibrahim, S.S. (2025). Optimizing key parameters for grinding energy efficiency and modelling of particle size distribution in a stirred ball mill. Scientific Reports, 15, 3374. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87229-8
Franchuk, V. P. (2010). Vybratsyonnaia tekhnyka v malykh proyzvodstvakh [Vibration technology in small industries]. Geo-Technical Mechanics, 85, 290-296 (in Russ.).
Kondratets, V., Matsui, A., Yatsun, V., & Lichuk, M. (2019). Identification of energy efficiency of ore grinding and the liner wear by a three-phase motion of balls in a mill. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 3(5 (99), 21–28. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2019.167046
Korkmaz, A.V., & Kayıran, H.F. (2022). Investigation of mechanical activation effect on high-volume natural pozzolanic cements. Open Chemistry, 20(1), 1029-1044. https://doi.org/10.1515/chem-2022-0217
Loudari, C., Cherkaoui, M., Harraki, I. E., Bennani, R., Adnani, M. E., Abdelwahed, L. H., Benzakour, I., Bourzeix, F., & Baina, K. (2025). Optimization of grinding mill parameters using genetic algorithms for energy efficiency in mining industry. Journal of Mining and Environment (JME) 16 (6), 1867-1879 https://doi.org/10.22044/jme.2025.15869.3095
Ma, S., Li, H., Shuai, Z., Yang, J., Deng, X., & Xu, W. (2022b) Research on grinding law and grinding parameters optimization of polymetallic complex ores. Minerals, 12 (10), 1283.  https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101283
Ma, S., Li, H., Shuai, Z., Yang, J., Xu, W., & Deng, X. (2022a) Research on grinding characteristics and comparison of particle-size composition prediction of rich and poor ores. Minerals, 12(11), 1354. https://doi.org/10.3390/ min12111354
Malyarov, P., & Kuzminyh, A. (2008). Otsenka-effektivnosti-izmelcheniya-i-raspredeleniya-potreblyaemoy-energii-mezhdu-stadiyami-izmelcheniya [Efficiency assessment of the grinding process and distribution of energy consumption across the grinding stages]. Izvestiya vuzov. Severo-Kavkazskij region. Seriya: Tehnicheskie nauki. 2. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/otsenka-effektivnosti-izmelcheniya-i-raspredeleniya-potreblyaemoy-energii-mezhdu-stadiyami-izmelcheniya (in Russ.)
Malyarov, P., Sysoev, N., Manaka, V., Mironova, S., & Braginec, I. (2012). Sovremennoe sostoyanie i perspektivy razvitiya tehniki i tehnologii v izmelchitelnyh otdeleniyah obogatitelnyh fabric [The modern state and prospects for the development of machinery and technology in the crushing departments of mineral processing plants]. Izvestiya vysshih uchebnyh zavedenij. Severo-Kavkazskij region. Tehnicheskie nauki, (2), 96-101. (in Russ.). https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovremennoe-sostoyanie-i-perspektivy-razvitiya-tehniki-i-tehnologii-v-izmelchitelnyh-otdeleniyah-obogatitelnyh-fabrik
Mañosa, J., Alvarez-Coscojuela, A., Maldonado-Alameda, A., & Chimenos, J.M. (2024). A lab-scale evaluation of parameters influencing the mechanical activation of kaolin using the design of experiments. Materials, 17(18), 4651. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17184651
Nkadimeng, M., Manono, M.S., & Corin, K.C. (2023). Developing a relationship between ore feed grade and flotation performance. Engineering Proceedings, 37, 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/ECP2023-14651
Őze, C, & Makó, É. (2023). Optimization of grinding parameters for the mechanochemical activation of kaolin with the addition of trass. Minerals, 13(7), 915. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13070915
Shan, Z., Jiugang, H., Chenhu, Z, Song, L., & Na, A. (2022). Study on optimization and mechanism of mechanical activation process of titanium-bearing blast furnace slag, Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 19, 3130-3144, ISSN 2238-7854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2022.06.038.
Stamboliadis, E., Emmanouilidis, S., & Petrakis, E. (2011). A new approach to the calculation of work index and the potential energy of a particulate material. Geomaterials, 1(2), 28-32. DOI: 10.4236/gm.2011.12005
Svetkina, E. (2008). Parametry optimizacii processa vibroudarnoj aktivacii  [Optimization parameters for the vibro-impact activation process] Naukovyi visnyk Natsionalnoho hirnychoho universytetu, 11, 58 – 60 (in Russ.).
Svietkina, O., Bas K., Haddad, J., Ziborov, K., Olishevska, V. (2020). Mechanochemical Activation of Polymetallic Ore and Further Selective Floatation, Key Engineering Materials, 844, 65-76. Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland. https://www.scientific.net/Paper/Preview/548983
Vugrin, L., Carta, M., Lukin, S., Meštrović, E., Delogu, F., & Halasz, I. (2023). Mechanochemical reaction kinetics scales linearly with impact energy. Faraday Discussions, 241, 217-229. DOI https://doi.org/10.1039/D2FD00083K
Wentao, Z., Yuexin, H., Yanjun, L., Jinlin, Y., Shaojian, M., & Yongsheng, S. (2020). Research on prediction model of ore grinding particle size distribution. Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology, 41(4), 537–546. https://doi.org/10.1080/01932691.2019.1592688