What are the environmental consequences of mining operations in Arctic regions?

The problems of geoenvironmental consequences of mining operations are especially acute in the arctic and subarctic regions, where the spread of permafrost significantly reduces the buffering capacity of landscapes. The research, the results of which are published in the journal Mining Science and Technology, demonstrates data on the content of heavy metals in the soil cover of the transient zone between the middle taiga and north taiga landscapes of Western Yakutia under the conditions of mining operations. The authors proposed new approaches to evaluation assesses the resistance of different types of soils to heavy metals pollution. The heavy metals content was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Among the studied pollutants the greatest tendency to binding by natural organic ligands was revealed for such elements as lead and copper. Zinc and nickel will actively migrate in the ionic form. Cadmium occupies an intermediate position in terms of the ratio of ionic and organically bound forms. The data presented in the study can be used in monitoring the state of the soil cover in the mining zone.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Titov A.S., Toropov A.S. Geoenvironmetal assessment of different types of cryolithic soils in Western Yakutia under the conditions of diamond-mining operations. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2024;9(2):170-182. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2023-12-188

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We present the articles of the first issue of scientific journal "Mining Science and Technology” (Russia) for 2025:

Scientists have developed a new method for producing adsorbents to extract heavy metals from mining wastewater. Mining and metallurgical operations generate large volumes of liquid waste containing valuable components. Processing copper-zinc ores produces metal-laden effluents with a wide range of accompanying elements, complicating treatment due to low concentrations of individual components and pH fluctuations. Heavy metals such as Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Fe²⁺ are highly toxic, non-biodegradable, and can accumulate in living organisms, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Researchers proposed using zeolites based on kaolin and bentonite as an efficient alternative to chemical precipitation. These adsorbents exhibit high ion-exchange capacity, are easily regenerated, and release non-toxic Na⁺ cations into the environment. The novelty of the method lies in using waste Al₂O₃–NaAlO₂ suspension to adjust the composition of the alkaline alloy during zeolite synthesis, ensuring a specific crystalline structure. The technology involves alkaline fusion of bentonite or kaolin with sodium hydroxide, followed by dissolving the alloy in water, filtration, and hydrothermal crystallization. Optimized synthesis conditions achieved a metal recovery rate of 95% from model solutions with initial concentrations of 150 mg/L Cu²⁺, 180 mg/L Zn²⁺, and 125 mg/L Fe²⁺. The resulting zeolite adsorbents can be used to treat metal-contaminated water in closed-loop water systems, reducing environmental impact and conserving resources.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Mirzaeva E.N., Isaeva N.F., Yalgashev E.Ya., Turdiyeva D.P., Boymonov R.M. Preparation of adsorbents for the extraction of heavy metals from mining wastewater. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2025;10(1):45-55. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2024-02-224

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🔥 Coming soon: new issue of "Mining Science and Technology" Journal!

📅 Expert analysis, innovations, and practical case studies – coming soon!"

This issue features:

📌 Talgamer B. L., Meshkov I. A., Murzin N. V., Roslavtseva Yu. G. Justification of the optimal width of a front bank;
📌 Sekerina D. D., Saitgaleev M. M., Senchina N. P., et al. Role of strike-slips and graben-rifts in controlling oil and gas reservoirs in deep horizons of the Russko-Chaselsky Ridge (West Siberian Province);
📌 Boyarko G. Y., Bolsunovskaya L. M. Mineral resource base of Russia’s cobalt: current state and development prospects;
📌 Indrupskiy I. M., Sukhinina E. A., Alekseeva Yu. V. Analysis of the mechanism of cyclic geomechanical treatment to increase well productivity in carbonate reservoirs;
📌 Rastanina N. K., Golubev D. A., Perfiliev A. V., et al. Assessment of the elemental status of the young population in Solnechny, Khabarovsk krai, as part of mining environmental monitoring;
📌 Ovchinnikov N. P. Reducing mine water contamination at the local drainage facility of a kimberlite mine;
📌 Yurak V. V., Ignatyeva M. N., Komarova O. G. Economic incentive instruments for the development of technogenic deposits.

📅 The issue will be released in the coming days!

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