Beneficiation and modification of properties of zeolite-bearing rocks toward expansion of their application range

The article discusses beneficiation and modification of properties of zeolite-bearing rocks toward their quality improvement with a view to expanding the application range of natural zeolites in the environmental technologies for mining areas. It is found that the environmental impact in mineral mining and processing areas can be mitigated through the extensive use of natural zeolites (zeolite-bearing rocks) possessing binding properties and high selective adsorbability relative to some radionuclides and heavy metals. The efficiency of zeolite-bearing rock treatment by ultrasound and accelerated electrons in order to increase their contrast range and the gradient of properties, which significantly enhance processing performance, is determined. The experimental studies into treatment of zeolite rocks from the largest and most promising deposits of Eastern Transbaikalia using the direct energy deposition are presented. It is found that energy deposition, radiation treatment, as well as magnetic and electrostatic separation allow the zeolite product purity of 99%, which enables the most efficient use of natural zeolites, including the environmental technologies. The results of the quantitative estimation of clinoptilolite content in zeolite-bearing rocks of the Zapadnoe deposit are presented. Applicability of zeolite-bearing rocks and their processing products in the environmental technologies for protecting ecosystems of mining areas is examined. The main directions for the use of natural zeolites toward the all-round environmental safety of mines are identified.

Khatkova A. N. , Razmakhnin K. K., Shumilova L. V. , Cherkasov V. G., Razmakhnina I. B. Beneficiation and modification of properties of zeolite-bearing rocks toward expansion of their application range. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2021;(3-2):153—163. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2021_32_0_153.

Khatkova A.N.¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), professor, Chemistry department, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovation Work, e-mail: alisa1965.65@mail.ru;
Razmakhnin K.K.², Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Head of the Chita Branch, e-mail: igdranchita@mail.ru;
Shumilova L.V.¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), associate Professor, Professor, e-mail: shumilovalv@ mail.ru;
Cherkasov V.G.¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), associate Professor, Professor, e-mail: cherkasov1948@ yandex.ru;
Razmakhnina I.B.², Researcher,
¹ Transbaikal State University, 30, Str. Aleksandro-Zavodskaya, 672039, Chita, Russia,
² Institute of Mining named after N. A. Chinakal SB RAS, Chita, Russia.

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