Kompleksnoe Ispolzovanie Mineralnogo Syra = Complex use of mineral resources

Physicochemical and commercial properties of a microelement-containing nitrogen fertilizer based on ammonium nitrate and spent lithium-ion batteries

M.Kh. Fazilova — 2026-08-04

The results of a comprehensive study of the physicochemical and commercial properties (hygroscopic point, sorption kinetics, sorption moisture capacity) of trace-containing nitrogen fertilizers based on ammonium nitrate (AN) melt and cathode powder from used lithium-ion batteries are presented. The use of cathode powder as a polymicroelement additive (PMА) is shown, and they were introduced into the saltpeter melt at various mass ratios of NА: PMА from 100 (0.5-3.0). The prepared samples of fertilizers with a granule size of 2-3 mm were tested to determine the hygroscopic point, sorption kinetics, and sorption moisture capacity at relative air humidity of 60, 70, 85, and 100%. The samples of fertilizers were studied at a relative humidity of 60%, and it was proved that at such a relative humidity, the samples do not get moistened, but rather dry out. The results of the study of samples with a 4-hour exposure are given and it is found that fertilizer granules have a low hygroscopic point from 50 to 60% and a high moisture absorption rate in the order of 1.860; 5.920 and 6.710; 2.052; 6.790 and 9.451, as well as 3.481; 6.954 and 9.906 mg/(g min) at relative air humidity of 70, 85 and 100%, respectively. Due to the fact that the process of sorption of the investigated granules of products lasts up to 30 days (or 720 hours), they have a hygroscopic point of 60 to 70%, related to hygroscopic substances. Appropriate conclusions are drawn due to the properties of the studied fertilizers: they have a low moisture capacity, and their physical properties begin to deteriorate sharply only at a moisture content of about 2%. The resulting fertilizers are not inferior to known fertilizers in their characteristics. Recommendations are given for packaging the finished product in plastic bags for storage and transportation over long distances.

Functionalized Chitosan-Modified PVDF-co-HFP Polymer Inclusion Membrane for Enhanced Au(III) Extraction

N.Z. Nor'Azmi — 2026-08-05

Gold recovery from aqueous solutions requires environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional cyanide-based extraction processes. This study aimed to develop the polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) by incorporating functionalized chitosan into a poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP) membrane to enhance the transport and extraction efficiency of Au(III) The membrane consisted of PVDF-co-HFP as the base polymer, Aliquat-336 as the carrier, and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as the plasticizer, while functionalized chitosan was incorporated at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 wt.%. The fabricated membranes were prepared using the solvent-casting techniques and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), contact angle, and ion exchange capacity (IEC). The membrane containing 2.0 wt.% functionalized chitosan (M5) exhibited the highest Au(III) extraction efficiency of 98.19%.The improved extraction performance was attributed to enhanced membrane hydrophilicity, increased ion exchange capacity, and more efficient carrier-mediated transport. These findings demonstrate that the developed PIM system is a promising and sustainable membrane-based technology for high-efficiency gold recovery.

Application of bank protection structures for regulation of channel processes in the lower reaches of the Shu River

N.K. Yerzhanova — 2026-07-10

The article presents the application of bank protection structures for regulating channel processes in the lower reaches of the Shu River under conditions of high hydrological variability. The analysis is based on long-term hydrological observations conducted at the Tashutkul (Tasotkel) hydrological station over the period 1967–2022. A statistical assessment of annual maximum and mean discharges, including measures of variability, skewness, and exceedance probability, revealed the occurrence of rare but extreme flood events that significantly influence channel deformation and bank erosion in reaches composed of sandy–gravel alluvial deposits. A probabilistic hydrological analysis was applied to justify the design hydraulic loads acting on river training structures. Based on the identified hydrological and morphological risks, an improved prefabricated modular floating bank protection spur was developed for river engineering and channel regulation. The proposed structure provides adjustable permeability, promotes flow energy dissipation, and reduces local scour intensity under different flow conditions. The obtained results may be applied in the design and operation of adaptive bank protection structures for the lower reaches of the Shu River and other rivers characterized by pronounced channel instability and hydrological variability.

Geochemical Partitioning and Correlation of Rare Earth Elements, Thorium, and Uranium in Ion-Adsorption Clays from the Gemang Area, West Kelantan, Malaysia

S.C. Chang — 2026-07-13

This study aimed to determine the geochemical partitioning of total rare earth elements (ΣREE), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) in ion-adsorption clays (IACs) from the Gemang area, West Kelantan, Malaysia, and to evaluate how this partitioning may influence selective REE recovery with limited radionuclide mobilisation. An eight-step sequential extraction procedure was applied to representative saprolitic IAC samples, and the extracted fractions were analysed by ICP-OES. Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were further used to examine associations among ΣREE, Th, U, and selected major elements. The sequential extraction results showed that ΣREE were concentrated mainly in the ion-exchangeable fraction (average 22.0%), with additional contributions from the residual fraction (15.3%) and a notably high proportion in the primary sulphide step (53.4%). In contrast, Th and U were concentrated mainly in the primary sulphide fraction (54.4% and 41.3%, respectively) and the residual fraction (26.2% and 45.0%, respectively). Major elements such as Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Na showed distributions consistent with clay, oxide, and refractory mineral hosts. Statistical analysis indicated a positive association between ΣREE and Ca-Na, whereas Th and U were more closely associated with Fe-Mn-bearing fractions, indicating different host controls and different mobilisation behaviour. These results suggest that a recoverable REE pool is present in the exchangeable fraction, while most Th and U remain in less labile phases under the tested operational scheme. The study therefore provides geochemical evidence that mild ammonium-salt leaching may favour selective REE recovery from Gemang IACs while limiting the release of naturally occurring radioactive materials, although further mineralogical validation and dynamic leaching tests are still required.

Mineralogical characteristics of oxidized copper-porphyry ores at the Koktaszhal deposit

K.E. Toleubek — 2026-07-24

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive mineralogical study of oxidized copper-porphyry ore from the Koktashal deposit. Optical microscopy, silicate analysis, and quantitative phase analysis were used to characterize the mineral composition and forms of copper occurrence in the oxidation zone. The ore contains 0.735% total copper, of which 89.8% occurs in oxidized form, 6.39% in primary sulfides, 2.72% in secondary sulfides, and 1.09% in water-soluble form. The principal ore minerals are malachite (1.5–2.0%) and azurite (0.3–0.4%), accompanied by hematite with magnetite (0.5%), goethite (0.2%), and pyrite (0.2%), whereas copper sulfides and native copper occur only in trace amounts. The integration of classical mineralogical methods with quantitative phase analysis provides new insights into the distribution of copper occurrence forms and their relationship to oxidation processes. Malachite and azurite occur as well-crystallized vein and nest aggregates as well as colloform earthy masses developed along microcracks in association with iron hydroxides. Their close association with iron hydroxides and the near absence of copper sulfides represent a diagnostic feature of the oxidation zone in copper-porphyry systems. These findings improve the assessment of supergene alteration during exploration and support the classification of oxidation-zone ores as a distinct geological and industrial type for reserve estimation, ore body delineation, and processing scheme selection.

Radioactivity as a prospecting indicator of rare earth, gold and polymetal deposits in eastern Kazakhstan and an indicator of increased radioecological hazard during their development

G.D. Berkinbayev — 2026-07-30

This study evaluates the role of natural radioactivity as an exploration indicator for rare-metal, gold, and polymetallic mineralization in Eastern Kazakhstan, as well as its significance as a factor of radioecological hazard. The analysis is based on the results of regional radiohydrolithochemical surveys conducted at a scale of 1:1,000,000, including bottom sediment sampling within microbasins. The study focuses on key natural radionuclides (U-238, Ra-226, Th-232, Ra-228, K-40) and their spatial distribution. Factor analysis was applied to identify anomalous geochemical associations and to assess their relationship with metallogenic structures. As a result, 80 potentially radioecologically hazardous zones were identified across Kazakhstan, including 5 zones within Eastern Kazakhstan. Within the study area, 12 anomalous sites were distinguished, characterized by 3–5 factors with cumulative explained variance ranging from 62.8% to 83.6%. The identified anomalies show spatial correspondence with major metallogenic zones, particularly the Rudny Altai and Kalba-Narym regions, which are associated with polymetallic and rare-metal mineralization. The results demonstrate that natural radioactivity can serve both as an effective exploration indicator and as an important factor of environmental risk. The study highlights the potential of integrating radioactivity parameters into exploration criteria and emphasizes the need to consider radiation safety in geological exploration and mining activities.