Hydrometallurgical processes in underground metal ore mining
V.I. Golik1, 2, A.V. Titova3, G.I. Titov3
1 Nord-Caucasian State Technological University, Vladikavkaz, Russian Federation
2 Moscow State Polytechnic University, Moscow, Russian Federation
3 V.I. Vernadsky State Geological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №1 / 2023 р. 85-92
Abstract: Mining regions have accumulated waste rock dumps and tailings, many of which are man-made ore deposits with concentrations of useful elements to compare with the concentrations of metals in natural deposits. The challenge of extracting metals from waste rocks and materials can be solved by using hydrometallurgical methods that involve technological operations performed in a certain sequence in order to change the ore properties through the decomposition of chemical compounds of metals and their transfer into the transportable phase. Theoretical foundations for the technology have been created in Russia and experience in processing low grade ores has been accumulated, but the issue of processing of metal-containing mining and concentration wastes is far from being resolved and requires comprehensive research to achieve environmental and economic effects. The article presents the results of research into specific features of hydrometallurgical processes that are carried out as part of mining operations in underground blocks and stockpiles on the daylight surface. A historical note is given on the development of the leaching technology. Such research is necessary to justify rational parameters for recovery of metals lost during pyrometal-lurgical processing in the ore processing products. The appropriateness of the "mine hydrometallurgy" term is justified. The need to implement the potential of the leaching technology is proved in order to enhance the comprehensive use of mineral resources when recovering metals from the tailings of ferrous metals processing. The specific character of hydrometallurgical processes within the framework of mining production is described, and the ways to obtain the positive effects are outlined, e.g. differentiation of metals with similar properties, simplification of recycling processes, and reduction of negative impact on the environment. It is shown, that the metal leaching technology when applied to the mining process offers advantages in comparison with the traditional technology and can be implemented at the operations of Kursk magnetic anomaly by integrating a unit for metal leaching from ore concentration and metallurgical tailings into the existing process chain. The advantages of leaching technology in increasing the completeness of mineral resources utilization through the recovery of metals from waste resources are demonstrated.
Keywords: hydrometallurgical processes, ore, mining, concentration tailings, underground blocks, stacks, leaching, metal recovery
For citation: Golik V.I., Titova A.V., Titov G.I. Hydrometallurgical processes in underground metal ore mining. Russian Mining Industry. 2023;(2):85–92. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2023-2-85-92
Article info
Received: 01.03.2023
Revised: 27.03.2023
Accepted: 05.04.2023
Information about the authors
Vladimir I. Golik – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor of the Department of Mining, North Caucasus State Technological University, Vladikavkaz, Russian Federation; Professor of the Department of Metallurgy of Moscow Polytechnic University, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1181-8452, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Asya V. Titova – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Deputy Director for Development, V.I. Vernadsky State Geological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Grant I. Titova – Research Associate, Deputy Director for Development, V.I. Vernadsky State Geological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
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