Dry technologies for processing and enrichment of mineral raw materials - pros and cons!

The use of dry methods of processing and beneficiation of mineral raw materials is one of the promising areas, as this approach to concentrate production is less energy-consuming, less labor-intensive, and economically beneficial. However, this method of enrichment is not always technologically effective. Experimental studies on the experimental studies on preliminary dry separation of Arkachan deposit ores to determine the quality of beneficiation of the separation products are presented in an article in the journal Mining Science and Technology. The results of the study showed, dry beneficiation as applied to the ores of Arkachan deposit is technologically inefficient. Additional laboratory studies of pneumatic separation processes at high degree of ore materials grinding are required. The authors of the study are confident that their methodological approach will be useful for colleagues in substantiating technologies for processing and beneficiation of mineral raw materials.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Matveev А.I., Lebedev I.F., Vinokurov V.R., Lvov E.S. Comparative processing studies of the Arkachan deposit gold-bearing ores using dry separation and classical wet gravity separation methods. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2024;9(2):158-169. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2023-10-168

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

Scientists studied finely ground tailings from the flotation processing of slags at the Sredneuralsky Copper Smelter ("SUMZ technical sands"), which contain zinc (3.3–3.9%) and copper (0.4–0.5%). These wastes can serve both as a source of valuable metals and as a potential environmental hazard. The study examined the material composition of the magnetic fractions of the "technical sands" and evaluated the efficiency of wet magnetic separation for extracting valuable components. Chemical and phase analyses revealed that zinc and copper were distributed relatively evenly across the fractions, with a slight increase in copper in the non-magnetic fraction and zinc in the weakly magnetic fraction. The application of wet magnetic separation under standard conditions proved insufficiently effective, indicating the need for further research to optimize the technology. The results are important for developing new methods of processing copper smelting waste and reducing its environmental impact.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Kotelnikova А.L., Zolotova E.S. Material composition of magnetic fractions of copper-smelting slag flotation tailings. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2025;10(1):56-66. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2023-08-142

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How to increase diamond recovery using froth separation?

A new study reveals innovative methods to improve the efficiency of froth separation for diamond-bearing kimberlites. Researchers have proposed solutions that could reduce diamond losses by up to 20%!

🔹 Key Findings:
1. Restoring diamond hydrophobicity by removing mineral coatings through combined treatment: thermal, ultrasonic, electrochemical, and reagent conditioning.
2. Optimal temperature regime:
- heating the feed to 85–90°C for preparation;
- conditioning at 30–40°C;
- separation at 20–24°C.
3. Collector optimization:
- adding low- and medium-molecular fractions increases collector efficiency by 16%;
- ketone additives enhance adhesion activity up to 87%.
4. Closed-loop water recycling with clarification reduces reagent consumption by 8% without compromising concentrate quality.

🔗 Read the full article:
Morozov V.V., Kovalenko E.G., Dvoychenkova G.P., Pestryak I.V., Lezova S.P. Current trends of improving the efficiency of froth separation of diamond-bearing kimberlites. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2024;9(2):134-145. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2023-07-136

💬 Which mineral processing technologies do you find most promising? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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