Journal Description
Minerals
Minerals
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of natural mineral systems, mineral resources, mining, and mineral processing. Minerals is published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), GeoRef, CaPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, Astrophysics Data System, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Mining & Mineral Processing) / CiteScore - Q2 (Geology)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journal: Mining
Impact Factor:
2.5 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.7 (2022)
Latest Articles
Influence of Mineralogy and Mineralogy Approach to Optimize Processing: A Case Study of Tin–Copper Polymetallic Ore
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060554 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Tin-Copper polymetallic ore is a type of typical ore that cassiterite is closely associated with sulfide minerals. In mineral processing of tin–copper polymetallic ore, flotation is generally used to recover valuable sulfide minerals, while gravity separation is used to recover cassiterite. A mine
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Tin-Copper polymetallic ore is a type of typical ore that cassiterite is closely associated with sulfide minerals. In mineral processing of tin–copper polymetallic ore, flotation is generally used to recover valuable sulfide minerals, while gravity separation is used to recover cassiterite. A mine in Yunnan, China, uses the traditional “flotation–gravity separation” process to recover copper and tin but faces several problems during processing, such as an insufficient copper grade in Cu concentrate, a much higher grade of As in S concentrate, and a grade of S in Sn concentrate that exceeds the standard. A process mineralogy study was conducted, with a focus on Cu–S mixed concentrate, S concentrate, and Sn rough concentrate. It was determined that the main cause of these problems is not the liberation or size distribution of valuable minerals but the superstructure of pyrrhotite, which represents one of the most abundant minerals in the products. Based on EMPA, SEM-EDS, and XRD data, both monoclinic pyrrhotite and hexagonal pyrrhotite occurred in all samples. The abundance of different superstructures of pyrrhotite in one sample was determined by means of particle extraction and area calculation from microscopic images, and the distribution characteristics of monoclinic pyrrhotite and hexagonal pyrrhotite in the whole process were clarified. This process mineralogy study indicates that the strong magnetic hexagonal pyrrhotite mainly affects the copper recovery during flotation, and the hexagonal pyrrhotite mainly affects the recovery of cassiterite during gravity separation. Strong magnetic monoclinic pyrrhotite and weak magnetic hexagonal pyrrhotite should be fully considered in the optimization of mineral processing, and the magnetic separation of pyrrhotite should be adopted to optimize the overall environment of copper flotation and tin gravity separation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy)
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Open AccessArticle
Dynamic Loading Characteristics of Cemented Paste Backfill with Recycled Rubber
by
Yang Li, Xiaolong Wang, Xiaobo Song and Jie Yang
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060553 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of rubber powder from tire recovery on the dynamic loading performance of CPB. Finally, it is concluded that using recycled rubber material to backfill mine paste is helpful in reducing
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of rubber powder from tire recovery on the dynamic loading performance of CPB. Finally, it is concluded that using recycled rubber material to backfill mine paste is helpful in reducing waste tire pollution and improving the impact resistance of the backfill body. The dynamic compressive strength, Dynamic Increase Factor (DIF), peak dynamic load strain, and dynamic load elastic modulus of the samples composed of slag, Portland cement, wastewater, and rubber powder were determined. Through the analysis of the experimental data, it can be seen that the recycled rubber reduces the dynamic compressive strength and DIF of the specimen but increases the peak dynamic load strain and dynamic load elastic modulus and other characteristics, and enhances the ability of the filled body to absorb elastic strain energy. The results show that recycled rubber can increase the deformation ability of the filler and improve the impact resistance of the filler. The results of this study provide valuable information and industrial applications for the effective management of solid waste based on sustainable development and the circular economy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Cemented Tailings Backfill)
Open AccessArticle
Recycling Feldspar Mining Waste as Buffering Agent for Acid Mine Drainage Mitigation
by
Giovanni Grieco, Giuseppe Cocomazzi, Stefano Naitza, Micol Bussolesi, Matteo Luca Deidda, Elena Silvia Ferrari and Enrico Destefanis
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060552 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) prevention or remediation is a major issue of the environmental management of sulfide-bearing active and abandoned mining sites, the main sources of acidic waters being wastes and tailings. The present work intends to check a circular economy approach to
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Acid mine drainage (AMD) prevention or remediation is a major issue of the environmental management of sulfide-bearing active and abandoned mining sites, the main sources of acidic waters being wastes and tailings. The present work intends to check a circular economy approach to such issues in the mining region of Sardinia, where environmental pollution, due to AMD, is a major concern. Tests were conducted on basic drainage-producing feldspar mining wastes that could be recycled as buffering agents of sulfide-bearing tailings. Among the sulfide-bearing abandoned mining sites investigated, Furtei epithermal gold deposit tailings are the most polluting and those that can better test the buffering agent efficacy. Buffering test results show that buffering to near-neutral conditions can be attained following steps similar to those of pure calcite buffer. The buffering potential of the recycled waste is due to both the buffer calcite content, which provides short-term buffering, enhanced by feldspar content that can provide long-term buffering. Buffered waters show a dramatic decrease in the concentration of most of the metals present in the leachate, down to conditions that meet the requirements for the discharge of industrial waters according to Italian legislation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Mineralogy and Biogeochemistry)
Open AccessReview
A Review of Tailings Dam Safety Monitoring Guidelines and Systems
by
Masoud Zare, Florida Nasategay, Jose A. Gomez, Arsham Moayedi Far and Javad Sattarvand
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060551 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The awareness of tailings dam safety monitoring has widened due to the recent disasters caused by failures of such structures. The failure rate of tailings dams worldwide (i.e., the percentage of failed dams out of total) is estimated at 1.2%, compared to the
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The awareness of tailings dam safety monitoring has widened due to the recent disasters caused by failures of such structures. The failure rate of tailings dams worldwide (i.e., the percentage of failed dams out of total) is estimated at 1.2%, compared to the 0.01% rate for traditional water dams. Most of the tailings dam monitoring guidelines suggest that the owner develops a robust surveillance program to detect possible indicators of potential failures. This paper presents a thorough review of major guidelines on tailings storage facility (TSF) monitoring and surveillance, the visual parameters to be monitored, as well as good practice in the development of monitoring systems. This paper reviews the recent literature with an emphasis on the development of monitoring systems utilizing sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and satellite images that may be considered as supplementary guarantees against failure events.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tailings Dams: Design, Characterization, Monitoring, and Risk Assessment, 2nd Edition)
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Application and Mechanism of Mixed Anionic/Cationic Collectors on Reverse Flotation of Hematite
by
Juanjuan Wang, Dongfang Lu and Xue Han
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060550 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
In order to enhance the reverse flotation effect of hematite, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DTAC) and a mixed anionic/cationic collector of DTAC and tall oil were selected for flotation studies on quartz and hematite. Surface tension tests, FT-IR, XPS analysis, and molecular dynamics
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In order to enhance the reverse flotation effect of hematite, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DTAC) and a mixed anionic/cationic collector of DTAC and tall oil were selected for flotation studies on quartz and hematite. Surface tension tests, FT-IR, XPS analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also conducted in order to investigate the interaction mechanism of the mixed collector on the quartz surface. The results revealed that, at a natural pH (approximately 7.0) and 298 K, and with a dosage of 20 mg/L for the mixed collector (mDTAC:mtall oil = 3:1) and 4 mg/L for causticized starch, the recovery rates of quartz and hematite were 94.67% and 8.69%, respectively. Compared to the use of a single DTAC, the mixed DTAC/tail oil collector enhanced the flotation effect under constant variables. Additionally, a comparison of temperature and surface tension for monomineral flotation and artificially mixed ore flotation tests showed that the mixed collector was less influenced by temperature, compared to the single DTAC, and exhibited good resistance and more effective separation of quartz and hematite at lower temperatures. The analysis of FT-IR, XPS, and MD simulations revealed that the single DTAC collector primarily adsorbed onto quartz through physical adsorption and hydrogen bonding, while the combination of tall oil and DTAC enhanced the adsorption of the collector on the quartz surface.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Flotation of Copper, Lead and Zinc Minerals)
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Open AccessArticle
The Occurrence and Distribution of Nitrogen in Coal of Different Ranks and Densities
by
Dongna Liu, Qi Zhang, Fenghua Zhao, Xile Liu and Shangqing Zhang
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060549 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Nitrogen is one of the significant pollutants emitted from coal combustion, and the study of its distribution and occurrence is very important for the efficient and clean utilization of coal resources. Four kinds of coal with different metamorphic ranks from major coal-producing provinces
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Nitrogen is one of the significant pollutants emitted from coal combustion, and the study of its distribution and occurrence is very important for the efficient and clean utilization of coal resources. Four kinds of coal with different metamorphic ranks from major coal-producing provinces of China were studied. A gravity float-and-sink experiment was applied to obtain coal samples with different densities from Shanxi Province. The microscope optical method, Kjeldahl method, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to assess the occurrence, form, and distribution of nitrogen in the coal. The results show that the nitrogen content was about 0.47%–1.85%, and the maximum nitrogen content was positively correlated with the rank of coal, but the difference was not obvious. In the low-rank coal, the nitrogen content was mainly related to vitrinite and inertinite, while in the middle–high-rank coal, the nitrogen content was mainly related to inertinite and minerals. Pyrrolic (N-5) and pyridinic (N-6) were the main forms of nitrogen in the low-rank coal. The contents of N-6 and N-5 decreased with increases in the coal density, but the contents of quaternary N-Q1 and quaternary N-Q2 increased. N-Q2 mainly comes from fixed ammonia nitrogen in minerals, and vitrinite and liptinite contain more N-6 and less N-Q1 than inertinite. This research provides valuable evaluation guidance for the efficient utilization of coal.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Coal and Coal-Bearing Strata)
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Open AccessArticle
Textures and Chemical Compositions of Magnetite from Zhibo Submarine Volcanic Iron Oxide Deposit, Xinjiang, China: Implications for Re-Equilibration Processes
by
Yang Wu, Ping Shen, Haoxuan Feng, Changhao Li, Jiayu Zhao, Yaoqing Luo and Wenguang Li
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060548 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The Awulale Iron Metallogenic Belt (AIMB) has developed many medium–large iron deposits, of which the Zhibo iron deposit is selected as the research object in this paper. The Zhibo deposit’s ore primarily consists of magnetite as the main mineral, accompanied by extensive epidotization.
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The Awulale Iron Metallogenic Belt (AIMB) has developed many medium–large iron deposits, of which the Zhibo iron deposit is selected as the research object in this paper. The Zhibo deposit’s ore primarily consists of magnetite as the main mineral, accompanied by extensive epidotization. The mineral assemblage includes diopside, albite, actinolite, epidote, chlorite, K-feldspar, quartz, calcite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite. Magnetite is classified into two groups based on sulfide content and mineral assemblage (MagI for sulfide-free and MagII for sulfide-rich ores). Two-stage mineralization of magnetite has been identified based on mineral assemblages and paragenesis, including the magmatic stage MagI and hydrothermal stage MagII. Mag I shows inhomogeneous backscattered electron (BSE) textures and consists of BSE-light and -dark domains (Mag I-L and MagI-D). Seven subtypes of magnetite have been recognized in this deposit. MagI-L and MagI-D have formed in the magmatic stage and show BSE images in light and dark colors, respectively. MagI-L is anhedral to subhedral and is inclusion-free. MagI-D has mainly replaced MagI-L along fractures and contains inclusions and pores. MagII has formed in the hydrothermal stage and is characterized by coupled dissolution–reprecipitation (DRP) textures. It can be divided into five sub-generations, that is, MagII-1, MagII-2, MagII-3, MagII-L, and MagII-D. MagII-1, MagII-2, and MagII-3 comprise the core–mantle–rim texture, while MagII-L and MagII-D comprise the core–rim texture. MagII-1 is BSE-light and is enriched with inclusions and pores. MagII-2 has partly replaced MagII-1 and exhibits oscillatory zoning under BSE imaging. It also contains inclusions. BSE-light MagII-3 occurs as overgrowth along MagII-2 margins and is inclusion-free. MagI magnetite is enriched with V, Cr, and Ni, whereas MagII is enriched with W, Ta, Nb, Sr, Sb, Sn, Y, Zr, Mg, Al, and Ti, indicating a decreased temperature of magnetite formation. MagI-L crystallizes from the original magma, while MagI-D is formed from the residual magma enriched with incompatible elements. MagII crystallizes from later multiple hydrothermal activities through the dissolution of early magnetite and the re-precipitation of later magnetite or from MagI-D which has later undergone a hydrothermal overprinting process. According to the texture and chemical composition of magnetite from the Zhibo deposit, we suggest that the Zhibo iron deposit was formed from the initial magmatic origin and then underwent a hydrothermal overprinting process.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crystallography and Physical Chemistry of Minerals & Nanominerals)
Open AccessArticle
Till Geochemistry as a Vector to Metasomatic Iron and Alkali-Calcic Systems and Associated Deposits in the Great Bear Magmatic Zone, Northwest Territories, Canada
by
Philippe X. Normandeau, Isabelle McMartin and Louise Corriveau
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060547 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Recent advances in the characterization of metasomatic iron and alkali-calcic (MIAC) systems with associated iron-oxide apatite (IOA) prospects and iron-oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) and metasomatic cobalt deposits of the Great Bear magmatic zone were used to determine if the geochemistry of glacial sediments can unveil
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Recent advances in the characterization of metasomatic iron and alkali-calcic (MIAC) systems with associated iron-oxide apatite (IOA) prospects and iron-oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) and metasomatic cobalt deposits of the Great Bear magmatic zone were used to determine if the geochemistry of glacial sediments can unveil pathfinder elements indicative of mineralization and associated alteration. Analysis of variance within bedrock lithogeochemical (n = 707 samples) and till geochemical datasets (n = 92 samples) are compared. Results show that Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Mo, Bi, La, Th, U, and W were identified as potential vectoring elements in different fractions of till due to their anomalous concentrations down-ice of various mineralized outcrops within the study area. For instance, Fe, Co, Cu, and Mo were established as the most useful vectoring elements in the locally derived till (<2 km down-ice) near the Sue Dianne IOCG deposit, and Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, W, Bi, and U near the Fab IOCG prospect. At the Sue Dianne deposit, the ratios of near-total (4-acid digestion) versus partial (modified aqua regia digestion) concentrations in the silt + clay-sized till fraction (<0.063 mm) for both La and Th reflect the mineralization alteration signature and define a more consistent dispersal train from mineralization compared to element concentrations mapped alone. Additional testing in an area of continuous till cover near an isolated point source is recommended to further develop the elemental ratio method for exploration of MIAC systems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Exploration in the Glaciated Terrains: Advanced Geochemical and Mineralogical Techniques in the Analysis of Glacial Sediments and Processes)
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Open AccessArticle
Potential Toxic Elements Pollution Status in Zones of Technogenic Impact in Central Regions of Perú
by
Pedro Tume, Óscar Cornejo, Verónica Cabezas, Jaume Bech, Núria Roca, Francesc Xavier Ferraro, Javiera Pedreros and Bernardo Sepúlveda
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060546 - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Soil is a component of the environment. An environmental policy should identify the sources of trace metals in the soil and their effects on people and living beings. The concentrations of 29 surface soil samples (0–25 cm) were determined using the methods EPA
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Soil is a component of the environment. An environmental policy should identify the sources of trace metals in the soil and their effects on people and living beings. The concentrations of 29 surface soil samples (0–25 cm) were determined using the methods EPA 3050B. The data were analyzed using simple and robust statistical analysis that allowed for determining geochemical baseline values. Principal component and correlation analyses were performed, which, together with a spatial analysis, allowed us to distinguish between geogenic and anthropogenic sources. The degree of soil contamination was evaluated using different ecological indices, and the health risks to children and adults were calculated using formulas proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The median concentrations of the analyzed elements correspond to Al 17,666 (mg/kg), As 8.7 (mg/kg), Ba 61.4 (mg/kg), Cd 0.17 (mg/kg), Cr 11.3 (mg/kg), Cu 20.5 (mg/kg), Fe 25,953 (mg/kg), Hg 0.06 (mg/kg), Mn 499 (mg/kg), Ni 20.8 (mg/kg), Pb 15.9 (mg/kg), and Zn 60.6 (mg/kg). In the principal component analysis, four factors were identified that explain 70.3% of the variability of the elements, which, together with the correlation analysis, suggest that the origin of the elements is mainly geogenic with some possible anthropic contributions. The elements analyzed in the soil with moderate contamination correspond to As, Cd, and Pb, in addition, As is the only element that indicated a value above the limit for carcinogenic risk in children. The estimated geochemical baseline values correspond to Al 34,734 (mg/kg), As 15.3 (mg/kg), Ba 113 (mg/kg), Cd 0.41 (mg/kg), Cr 33.8 (mg/kg), Cu 42.9 (mg/kg), Fe 46,181 (mg/kg), Hg 0.12 (mg/kg), Mn 1015 (mg/kg), Ni 42.2 (mg/kg), Pb 21.6 (mg/kg), and Zn 121 (mg/kg). 89.7% of the total samples are at a low level of contamination. The carcinogenic risk due to As in children represents 3.4% of the total samples, so it is considered insignificant.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Mineralogy and Biogeochemistry)
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Genesis and Related Reservoir Development Model of Ordovician Dolomite in Shuntogol Area, Tarim Basin
by
Liangxuanzi Zhong, Leli Cheng, Heng Fu, Shaoze Zhao, Xiaobin Ye, Yidong Ding and Yin Senlin
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060545 - 25 May 2024
Abstract
The Ordovician thick dolostone in Shuntogol area of the Tarim Basin has the potential to form a large-scale reservoir, but its genesis and reservoir development model are still unclear. Starting from a sedimentary sequence, this study takes a batch of dolostone samples obtained
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The Ordovician thick dolostone in Shuntogol area of the Tarim Basin has the potential to form a large-scale reservoir, but its genesis and reservoir development model are still unclear. Starting from a sedimentary sequence, this study takes a batch of dolostone samples obtained from new drilling cores in recent years as the research object. On the basis of core observation and thin section identification, trace elements, cathodoluminescence, carbon and oxygen isotopes, rare earth elements, and X-ray diffraction order degree tests were carried out to discuss the origin of the dolomite and summarize the development model of the dolostone reservoir. The analysis results show that the Ordovician dolomite in the study area had a good crystalline shape, large thickness, high Fe and Mn values, and mostly showed bright red light or bright orange–red light under cathode rays. The ratio of δ18O values to seawater values at the same time showed a negative bias; the δCe values were negative anomalies, the δEu values were positive anomalies, and the order degree was high. This indicates that the dolomitization process occurred in a relatively closed diagenetic environment. The Ordovician carbonate rocks in the study area were low-lying during the sedimentary period, and with the rise of sea level, the open platform facies continued to develop. When the Middle and Lower Ordovician series entered the burial stage, the main hydrocarbon source rocks of the lower Cambrian Series entered the oil generation peak, and the resulting formation overpressure provided the dynamic source for the upward migration of the lower magnesium-rich fluid, and the dolomitization fluid entered the karst pore system in the target layer to produce all the dolomitization. This set of dolostone reservoirs is large in scale and can be used as a favorable substitute area for deep carbonate exploration for continuous study.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dolomitization, Recrystallization, and Cementation in Carbonate Sedimentary Rocks)
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Open AccessArticle
High-Accuracy Image Segmentation Based on Hybrid Attention Mechanism for Sandstone Analysis
by
Lanfang Dong, Hao Gui, Xiaolu Yu, Xinming Zhang and Mingyang Xu
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060544 - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Mineral image segmentation based on computer vision is vital to realize automatic mineral analysis. However, current image segmentation methods still cannot effectively solve the problem of sandstone grains that are adjoined and concealed by leaching processes, and the segmentation performance of small and
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Mineral image segmentation based on computer vision is vital to realize automatic mineral analysis. However, current image segmentation methods still cannot effectively solve the problem of sandstone grains that are adjoined and concealed by leaching processes, and the segmentation performance of small and irregular grains still needs to be improved. This investigation explores and designs a Mask R-CNN-based sandstone image segmentation model, including a hybrid attention mechanism, loss function construction, and receptive field enlargement. Simultaneously, we propose a high-quality sandstone dataset with abundant labels named SMISD to facilitate comprehensive training of the model. The experimental results show that the proposed segmentation model has excellent segmentation performance, effectively solving adhesion and overlap between adjacent grains without affecting the classification accuracy. The model has comparable performance to other models on the COCO dataset, and performs better on SMISD than others.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Analysis and Separations of Trace Elements in the Environment)
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Open AccessArticle
Porosity Characteristics of Coal Seams and the Control Mechanisms of Coal Petrology in the Xishanyao Formation in the Western Part of the Southern Junggar Basin
by
Yuan Yuan, Yue Tang, Lihua Tong, Daiyong Cao, Yingchun Wei and Caiqin Bi
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060543 - 24 May 2024
Abstract
The porosity characteristics of coal seams serve as a pivotal factor in assessing the development potential of coalbed methane (CBM) resources, significantly influencing the adsorption and permeability capabilities of coal reservoirs, as well as the accumulation, entrapment, and preservation of CBM. In this
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The porosity characteristics of coal seams serve as a pivotal factor in assessing the development potential of coalbed methane (CBM) resources, significantly influencing the adsorption and permeability capabilities of coal reservoirs, as well as the accumulation, entrapment, and preservation of CBM. In this study, we focused on the coal seams of the Xishanyao Formation in the western part of the southern Junggar Basin (NW China). By leveraging the complementarity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), low-temperature liquid nitrogen experiments, and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) in spatial exploration range and precision, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to achieve a fine description of porosity characteristics. Furthermore, we explored the coal petrology factors controlling the pore characteristics of the Xishanyao Formation, aiming to provide geological evidence for the selection of favorable areas and the development potential evaluation of CBM in the study area. The results indicate the following: (1) The total pore volume of the coal samples is 6.318 × 10−3 cm3/g on average, and the micropore volume accounts for a relatively high proportion (averaging 44.17%), followed by the fine pores (averaging 39.41%). The average porosity is approximately 3.87%, indicating good gas storage and connectivity of the coal seams, albeit with some heterogeneity. The coal reservoir is dominated by micropores and fine pores with diameters less than 100 nm, and the pore structure is characterized by low pore volume and high pore area. (2) The pore structure is influenced by both the coalification degree and the coal maceral. Within the range of low coalification, porosity increases with the increase in coalification degree. Building upon this, an increase in the vitrinite content promotes the development of micropores and fine pores, while an increase in the inertinite content promotes the development of meso–macropores. The clay mineral content exhibits a negative correlation with the adsorption pore volume ratio and a positive correlation with the seepage pore volume ratio.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralization Mechanism and Geochemical Characteristics of Coals and Associated Minerals)
Open AccessArticle
Geochronology and Geochemistry of Granitic Pegmatites from Tashidaban Li Deposit in the Central Altun Tagh, Northwest China
by
Kai Kang, Yince Ma, Peng Zhang, Hang Li, Xuehai Wang, Zhaoxia Liao, Lei Niu, Jianzhong Chen, Xingzhong Liu and Xingwang Xu
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060542 - 24 May 2024
Abstract
The Central Altun orogenic system is a result of the amalgamation of multiple micro-continental blocks and island arcs. This complex system originated from subduction–accretion–collision processes in the Proto-Tethys Ocean during the Early Paleozoic. Research has reported the discovery of several Li-Be granitic pegmatite
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The Central Altun orogenic system is a result of the amalgamation of multiple micro-continental blocks and island arcs. This complex system originated from subduction–accretion–collision processes in the Proto-Tethys Ocean during the Early Paleozoic. Research has reported the discovery of several Li-Be granitic pegmatite deposits in the Central Altun Block, including the North Tugeman granitic pegmatite Li-Be deposit, Tugeman granitic pegmatite Be deposit, Tashisayi granitic pegmatite Li deposit, South Washixia granitic pegmatite Li deposit, and Tamuqie granitic pegmatite Li deposit. The Tashidaban granitic pegmatite Li deposit has been newly discovered along the northern margin of the Central Altun Block. Field and geochemical studies of the Tashidaban granitic pegmatite Li deposit indicate: (1) Spodumene pegmatites and elbaite pegmatites, as Li-bearing granitic pegmatites that form the Tashidaban granitic pegmatite Li deposit, intrude into the two-mica schist, and marble of the Muzisayi Formation of the Tashidaban Group. (2) Columbite–tantalite group minerals and zircon U-Pb dating results indicate that the mineralization age of Tashidaban Li granitic pegmatites is 450.2 ± 2.4 Ma with a superimposed magmatic event at around 418–422 Ma later. (3) Whole-rock geochemical results indicate that the Kumudaban rock sequence belongs to the S-type high-K to calc-alkaline granites and the Tashidaban Li granitic pegmatites originated from the extreme differentiation by fractional crystallization of the Kumdaban granite pluton.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rare Metal and Related Deposits: Geology, Geochemistry and Mineralization)
Open AccessReview
A Review of Relationship between the Metallogenic System of Metallic Mineral Deposits and Lithospheric Electrical Structure: Insight from Magnetotelluric Imaging
by
Sheng Jin, Yue Sheng, Chenggong Liu, Wenbo Wei, Gaofeng Ye, Jian’en Jing, Letian Zhang, Hao Dong, Yaotian Yin and Chengliang Xie
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060541 - 24 May 2024
Abstract
In development over 70 years, magnetotelluric (MT) sounding, a high-resolution technique for subsurface electrical resistivity imaging, has been widely applied in resource exploration in the Earth. The key factors of the metallogenic system of metallic mineral deposits can be closely correlated to the
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In development over 70 years, magnetotelluric (MT) sounding, a high-resolution technique for subsurface electrical resistivity imaging, has been widely applied in resource exploration in the Earth. The key factors of the metallogenic system of metallic mineral deposits can be closely correlated to the electrical anomalies of the lithosphere. In this paper, we review the relationship between the electrical resistivity model of the lithosphere and the metallogenic system. At the beginning, we indicate why the electrical parameters relate to the metallogenic system in all geophysical parameters. The advantage of MT sounding in sketching an electrical resistivity model of the lithosphere is subsequently discussed, and some methods of data processing, analysis and inversion are also introduced. Furthermore, we summarize how to bridge the relationship between the electrical resistivity model of the lithosphere and metallogenic system, and analyze the influence of the rheological variation estimated from conductivity in the lithosphere on mineralization. In the end, we list some typical cases of the application of MT sounding in mineral exploration, and also give some suggestions for future work. This study is aimed at providing guidance in discussing the metallogenic system using an electrical resistivity model.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geoelectricity and Electrical Methods in Mineral Exploration)
Open AccessArticle
Controlling Factors of Organic Matter Enrichment in Marine–Continental Transitional Shale: A Case Study of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation, Northern Guizhou, China
by
Manting Zhang, Mingyi Hu, Quansheng Cai, Qingjie Deng, Sile Wei, Kai Wang, Yuqian Li and Ye Han
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060540 - 24 May 2024
Abstract
The marine–continental transitional shale of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation in northern Guizhou is an important source rock in the upper Yangtze region of China, and it holds significant potential for the exploration of shale gas. To investigate the correlation between sedimentary conditions
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The marine–continental transitional shale of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation in northern Guizhou is an important source rock in the upper Yangtze region of China, and it holds significant potential for the exploration of shale gas. To investigate the correlation between sedimentary conditions and the accumulation of organic matters in marine–continental transitional shale, this paper performed an extensive analysis using organic geochemical testing, organic petrology examination, a cross-section polisher–scanning electron microscope (CP-SEM), and geochemical analysis. The Jinsha and Dafang drilling cores were selected as the research subjects. The results showed that the TOC of the Longtan Formation in the study area was relatively high, and the TOC content of the tidal flat–lagoon environment (average of 8.37%) was significantly higher than that of the delta samples (average of 2.77%). The high content of Al2O3 (average of 17.41% in DC-1, average of 16.53% in JC-1) indicated strong terrigenous detrital input. The proxies indicated that the Longtan Formation shale in northern Guizhou was deposited in a climate that was both warm and humid, with oxic–dysoxic sedimentary water characterized by high biological productivity and a rapid sedimentation rate. The organic-rich shales during the marine and continental transitional phases were affected by various factors, including the paleo-climate, water redox properties, paleo-productivity, sedimentation rate, and other variables, which directly or indirectly impacted the availability, burial, and preservation of organic matter.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogical and Lithological Control of Shale Oil and Gas Enrichment)
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Garnet Geochemistry of Pertek Skarns (Tunceli, Turkey) and U-Pb Age Findings
by
Ayşe Didem Kilic, Nevin Konakci and Ahmet Sasmaz
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060539 - 23 May 2024
Abstract
The Fe skarn and vein-type Cu mineralization types are common in the Eastern Taurus Mountains. This study aims to determine the U-Pb geochronology of garnets of varying sizes within the skarn zone developed at the quartz diorite–marble contact zone in Ayazpınar, Pertek District,
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The Fe skarn and vein-type Cu mineralization types are common in the Eastern Taurus Mountains. This study aims to determine the U-Pb geochronology of garnets of varying sizes within the skarn zone developed at the quartz diorite–marble contact zone in Ayazpınar, Pertek District, Tunceli Province, Turkey. Additionally, this study aims to determine the age of the skarnization and the types of inclusion minerals in the garnets. Faulting and magma emplacement along the thrust plane caused mineralization in the Eastern Taurus Mountains, especially at the marble and quartz diorite contact zone between the cities of Elazığ and Tunceli. The greenish garnets found in the Ayazpınar deposit are characteristic of distal skarns, while red or brown Pertek garnets are observed in the proximal skarns. The garnets typically feature a core–rim texture. The cores of the garnet crystals are large, reddish in color, and have a high REE (Ce, Pr) content. Moreover, the cores have higher Fe and lower Al ratios, alongside higher La, Ce, and Pr contents, than the rims. We propose that the compositional differences between the rims and the cores reflect the transition from oxidized REE- and Fe3+-rich liquids to liquids with lower REE and Fe3+ contents, producing the differences in the garnet colors. Green garnets show lower REE contents than brown garnets with Fe-rich cores. The skarn under study includes the following successively formed zones: diorite → epidote skarn → garnet–magnetite → pyrite–garnet–magnetite → calcite carbonate. Diopside, magnetite, and hematite, including small grains, are surrounded or enveloped by garnets. The U-Pb age of the mineralization is 74.1 ± 5 Ma, indicating that the mineralization occurred concurrently with the intrusion settlement.
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(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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Application of Machine Learning to Research on Trace Elemental Characteristics of Metal Sulfides in Se-Te Bearing Deposits
by
Xiaoxuan Zhang, Da Wang, Huchao Ma, Saina Dong, Zhiyu Wang and Zhenlei Wang
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060538 - 23 May 2024
Abstract
This study focuses on exploring the indication and importance of selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te) in distinguishing different genetic types of ore deposits. Traditional views suggest that dispersed elements are unable to form independent deposits, but are hosted within deposits of other elements
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This study focuses on exploring the indication and importance of selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te) in distinguishing different genetic types of ore deposits. Traditional views suggest that dispersed elements are unable to form independent deposits, but are hosted within deposits of other elements as associated elements. Based on this, the study collected trace elemental data of pyrite, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite in various types of Se-Te bearing deposits. The optimal end-elements for distinguishing different genetic type deposits were recognized by principal component analysis (PCA) and the silhouette coefficient method, and discriminant diagrams were drawn. However, support vector machine (SVM) calculation of the decision boundary shows low accuracy, revealing the limitations in binary discriminant visualization for ore deposit type discrimination. Consequently, two machine learning algorithms, random forest (RF) and SVM, were used to construct ore genetic type classification models on the basis of trace elemental data for the three types of metal sulfides. The results indicate that the RF classification model for pyrite exhibits the best performance, achieving an accuracy of 94.5% and avoiding overfitting errors. In detail, according to the feature importance analysis, Se exhibits higher Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values in volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) and epithermal deposits, especially the latter, where Se is the most crucial distinguishing element. By comparison, Te shows a significant contribution to distinguishing Carlin-type deposits. Conversely, in porphyry- and skarn-type deposits, the contributions of Se and Te were relatively lower. In conclusion, the application of machine learning methods provides a novel approach for ore genetic type classification and discrimination research, enabling more accurate identification of ore genetic types and contributing to the exploration and development of mineral resources.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium, Tellurium and Precious Metal Mineralogy)
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How Was the Late Neogene Red Clay Formed in the Ordos Plateau (Northwest China)?
by
Xu Lin, Chengwei Hu, Ruitong Wu, Lishuang Qin, Runzhi Xiang, Zhengyang An and Hang Lu
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060537 - 23 May 2024
Abstract
Eolian sediments are extensively distributed across the Earth’s surface, and their formation is intricately linked to climate change, tectonic activity, and topographic features. Consequently, the investigation of eolian sediments bears great geological significance. The northwest region of China is renowned for hosting the
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Eolian sediments are extensively distributed across the Earth’s surface, and their formation is intricately linked to climate change, tectonic activity, and topographic features. Consequently, the investigation of eolian sediments bears great geological significance. The northwest region of China is renowned for hosting the most extensive and thickest Late Miocene–Pliocene red clay deposits globally. Nonetheless, scholars have yet to reach a consensus regarding the precise formation processes of these red clays. The identification of the source region of the red clays is crucial for comprehending their formation mechanism. The correlation of zircon U-Pb age spectra is a frequently utilized method for determining the provenance of eolian sediments. In this study, we compared the previously published zircon U-Pb ages (n = 12,918) of the Late Miocene–Pliocene red clays in the Ordos Plateau with those from the potential provenance regions (n = 24,280). The analysis, supported by the tectonic and climatic background of the region, revealed that the Late Miocene–Pliocene red clay in the Ordos Plateau originates predominantly from the Yellow and Wei rivers, with a minor contribution from the weathering of bedrock in the western North China Craton. The transport of these detrital materials by the East Asian winter monsoon is impeded by the presence of the Qinling and Taihang Shan, resulting in their deposition on the flat surface of the Ordos Plateau. This development of red clay is consistent with the proximal accumulation model, illustrating how the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere interacted to shape the red clay deposits during the Late Miocene and Pliocene periods in the Ordos Plateau.
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(This article belongs to the Section Clays and Engineered Mineral Materials)
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Investigating the Influence of Froth Image Attributes on Clean Coal Ash Content: A Novel Hybrid Model Employing Deep Learning and Computer Vision Techniques for Prediction Exploration
by
Fucheng Lu, Na Liu and Haizeng Liu
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060536 - 22 May 2024
Abstract
In froth flotation, one of the pivotal metrics employed to evaluate the flotation efficacy is the clean ash content, given its widely acknowledged status as a paramount gauge of coal quality. Leveraging deep learning and computer vision, our study achieved the dynamic recognition
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In froth flotation, one of the pivotal metrics employed to evaluate the flotation efficacy is the clean ash content, given its widely acknowledged status as a paramount gauge of coal quality. Leveraging deep learning and computer vision, our study achieved the dynamic recognition of coal flotation froth, a key element for predicting and controlling the ash content in coal concentrate. A comprehensive dataset, assembled from 90 froth flotation videos, provided 16,200 images for analysis. These images revealed key froth characteristics including bubble diameter, quantity, brightness, and bursting rate. We employed Keras to build a comprehensive deep neural network model, incorporating multiple features and mixed data inputs, and subsequently trained it with a rigorous 10-fold cross-validation strategy. Our model was evaluated using robust metrics including the mean squared error, mean absolute error, and root mean squared error, demonstrating a high precision with respective values of 0.003017%, 0.053385%, and 0.042640%. With this innovative approach, our work significantly enhances the accuracy of ash content prediction and provides an important breakthrough for the intelligent advancement and efficiency of froth flotation processes in the coal industry.
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(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy)
Open AccessArticle
Timing and Evolution of Gold Mineralization in the Maljavr Occurrence (NW Russia), NE Part of the Fennoscandian Shield
by
Arkadii A. Kalinin, Nickolay M. Kudryashov and Yevgeny E. Savchenko
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060535 - 22 May 2024
Abstract
Gold occurrence Maljavr is the first Archean conglomerate-hosted gold mineralization found in the Fennoscandian Shield. Gold-mineralized metasomatic rocks form a set of lenses within a 10 m thick linear zone, conformable to the bedding of host conglomerates. The lenses are up to 10
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Gold occurrence Maljavr is the first Archean conglomerate-hosted gold mineralization found in the Fennoscandian Shield. Gold-mineralized metasomatic rocks form a set of lenses within a 10 m thick linear zone, conformable to the bedding of host conglomerates. The lenses are up to 10 m long and up to 1 m thick and they clearly exhibit three alteration envelopes: the rock in the central part consists of garnet and quartz or garnet-only; biotite, garnet, and quartz make the intermediate biotite–garnet envelope; hornblende, hedenbergite, and quartz are the principal rock-forming minerals in the outer zone of the lenses. All metasomatic rocks contain sulfide mineralization up to 15–20 vol.% and up to 0.6 g/t Au. The main ore mineral is pyrrhotite, and the minor minerals are arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite, löllingite, and troilite. The age of zircon from biotite gneiss in the zone of alteration is 2664 ± 18 Ma, this is considered as the time of formation of lenses of metasomatic rocks. Biotite gneiss-conglomerate and metasomatic rocks were later intruded by tourmaline granite pegmatite 2508 ± 7 Ma. The injection of pegmatite caused re-crystallization of sulfides (mainly arsenopyrite and löllingite) and redistribution of gold. Visible gold in association with Bi minerals native bismuth, ehrigite, maldonite, bismuthinite, joseite-B, and hedleyite was found in inclusions in recrystallized arsenopyrite and löllingite. Au content in the rocks with recrystallized arsenopyrite and löllingite is >1 g/t, up to 30 g/t in hand samples. The 2508 Ma pegmatite is interpreted as synchronous with formation of gold mineralization in its present form. The linkage of gold mineralization with pegmatite and geochemical association Au-As-Se-Te-Bi in the mineralized rocks agree with characteristics of intrusion-related gold deposits worldwide. Biotite gneiss–metaconglomerate, hosting the mineralized altered rocks, was the probable primary source of arsenic and gold for mineralization.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure and Origin of Gold Mineralization: From Primary to Placer Gold Deposits)
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