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
Pore Structure and Heterogeneity Characteristics of Coal-Bearing Marine–Continental Transitional Shales from the Longtan Formation in the South Sichuan Basin, China
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060588 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
Marine–continental transitional shale has become a new field for shale gas exploration and development in recent years. Its reservoir characteristics analysis lags significantly behind that of marine shale, which restricts the theoretical research on the accumulation of marine–continental transitional shale and the progress
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Marine–continental transitional shale has become a new field for shale gas exploration and development in recent years. Its reservoir characteristics analysis lags significantly behind that of marine shale, which restricts the theoretical research on the accumulation of marine–continental transitional shale and the progress of exploration and development. The shale pore system is complex and has strong heterogeneity, which restricts the fine evaluation and optimization of the reservoir. Based on nitrogen adsorption–desorption experiments, the morphology and structural characteristics of coal-bearing shale pores were analyzed, and then the micro-pore structure heterogeneity was quantitatively characterized based on fractal theory and nitrogen adsorption–desorption data, and the relationship between pore structure parameters and their influence on fractal characteristics were discussed. The hysteresis loop of nitrogen desorption isotherm mainly belongs to type B, indicating ink bottle, flat plate, and slit are the main pore shapes. The pore size distribution curves are left unimodal or multimodal, with the main peak around 4 nm and 20–60 nm. Smaller pores develop a larger specific surface area, resulting in a high value of fractal dimension (2.564 to 2.677). The rougher the pore surface and the larger the specific surface area provide an adequate adsorption site for shale gas adsorption and aggregation. Thus, fractal characteristics conduced to understand the pore structure, heterogeneity, and gas-bearing property of coal-bearing shale.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Distribution and Development of Faults and Fractures in Shales)
Open AccessReview
Overview on Hydrometallurgical Recovery of Rare-Earth Metals from Red Mud
by
Ata Akcil, Kantamani Rama Swami, Ramesh L. Gardas, Edris Hazrati and Seydou Dembele
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060587 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Aluminum is produced from its primary bauxite ore through the Bayer process. Although Al is important nowadays in the development of humanity, its production leads to the generation of a huge amount of waste, called red mud. Globally, the estimation of the stock
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Aluminum is produced from its primary bauxite ore through the Bayer process. Although Al is important nowadays in the development of humanity, its production leads to the generation of a huge amount of waste, called red mud. Globally, the estimation of the stock of red mud is about 4 billion tons, with about 10 million tons located in Turkey. The presence of rare-earth elements (REEs) in crucial materials such as red mud makes it a major source of these elements. A number of methods have been developed for treating red mud, which are employed globally to recover valuable products. The application of a suitable method for REE extraction from red mud is a way to overcome the supply risk, contributing to reducing the environmental issues linked to red mud pollution. The current review summarizes the research on red mud processing and examines the viability of recovering REEs from red mud sustainably, utilizing hydrometallurgy and biohydrometallurgy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue REE Recovery from Mine Tailings & Effluents and Mineral Industrial Residue in the Context of Waste Management)
Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Composition of Egyptian Faience
by
Francesca Falcone, Maria Aquilino and Francesco Stoppa
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060586 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Egyptian Faience, a revolutionary innovation in ancient ceramics, was used for crafting various objects, including amulets, vessels, ornaments, and funerary figurines, like shabtis. Despite extensive research, many aspects of ancient shabti production technology, chemistry and mineralogy remain relatively understudied from the 21st to
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Egyptian Faience, a revolutionary innovation in ancient ceramics, was used for crafting various objects, including amulets, vessels, ornaments, and funerary figurines, like shabtis. Despite extensive research, many aspects of ancient shabti production technology, chemistry and mineralogy remain relatively understudied from the 21st to the 22nd Dynasty, belonging to a recovered 19th-century private collection. The fragments’ origin is tentatively identified in the middle Nile valley in the Luxor area. Our study focused on a modest yet compositionally interesting small collection of shabti fragments to provide information on the glaze’s components and shabti’s core. We found that the core is a quartz and K-feldspars silt blended with an organic component made of plastic resins and vegetable fibres soaked with natron. The studied shabti figurines, after being modelled, dried, and covered with coloured glaze, were subjected to a firing process. Sodium metasilicate and sulphate compounds formed upon contact of the glaze with the silica matrix, forming a shell that holds together the fragile inner matrix. The pigments dissolved in the sodic glaze glass, produced by quartz, K-feldspars, and natron frit, are mainly manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) compounds. The ratio Cu2O/CaO > 5 produces a blue colour; if < 5, the glaze is green. In some cases, Mg and As may have been added to produce a darker brown and an intense blue, respectively. Reaction minerals provided information on the high-temperature firing process that rapidly vitrified the glaze. These data index minerals for the firing temperature of a sodic glaze, reaching up to a maximum of 1050 °C.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Zircon U-Pb and Fission-Track Chronology of the Kaiyang Phosphate Deposit in the Yangtze Block: Implications for the Rodinia Supercontinent Splitting and Subsequent Thermal Events
by
Yina Song, Tianqi Li, Jiayi Zhou, Debin Zhu and Lingling Xiao
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060585 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The Kaiyang phosphate mining area in Guizhou, which is located in the central–southern part of the Yangtze Block, hosts one of China’s more significant phosphate-enriched strata within the Doushantuo Formation. This formation is essential for phosphate mining and also preserves multiple magmatic events,
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The Kaiyang phosphate mining area in Guizhou, which is located in the central–southern part of the Yangtze Block, hosts one of China’s more significant phosphate-enriched strata within the Doushantuo Formation. This formation is essential for phosphate mining and also preserves multiple magmatic events, which are closely linked to the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. Our comprehensive studies in petrology, geochemistry, zircon U-Pb geochronology, and fission-track dating reveal that the primary ore mineral in phosphorite is collophane, which is accompanied by dolomite, quartz, pyrite, and zircon. The majority of detrital zircons in the phosphorite, as well as the overlying dolostone and underlying sandstone, are of magmatic origin, with a record of multiple stages of magmatic ages. Among these, the older age groups of ~2500 Ma and ~2000–1800 Ma represent the ancient crystalline basement of the Yangtze Block from the Paleoproterozoic era. The three main age peaks at ~880 Ma, ~820 Ma, and ~780 Ma indicate that the magmatic event at ~880 Ma was related to the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent during the Grenvillian period. The most prominent age peak at ~820 Ma marks a critical time point for the transition from assembly to the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent, with the Yangtze Block’s response to the supercontinent breakup events lasting at least until ~780 Ma. The youngest group of zircon ages from the phosphorite (~594 Ma), and the underlying sandstone (~529 Ma) establishes the minimum age for the phosphorite formation, indicating that the Doushantuo phosphorite layer in the Kaiyang area was formed after 594 Ma, i.e., even later than 529 Ma. The zircon fission-track ages in the three rock types of the phosphorite-bearing rocks can be divided into three groups: 501–489 Ma, ~366 Ma, and 53–39 Ma. All of these groups are presumed to be associated with the tectonic uplift events that follow mineralization. The first two age groups correspond to the two major tectonic uplift events during the Caledonian period, which resulted in the formation of the Qianzhong Uplift. The ages of 53–39 Ma are related to the late uplift of the Himalayan orogeny, and they represent its response in the Kaiyang area of Guizhou.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geochemistry and Metallogenesis of REE-Rich Phosphorite Deposits)
Open AccessReview
Applications of X-ray Powder Diffraction Microstructural Analysis in Applied Clay Mineralogy
by
Joaquín Bastida and Pablo Pardo-Ibañez
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060584 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Clay minerals and sheet silicates are the main constituents of lutites and clays. These materials are relevant in earth science research as well as in economic geology because of the great variety of applications, based on their particular features at different levels of
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Clay minerals and sheet silicates are the main constituents of lutites and clays. These materials are relevant in earth science research as well as in economic geology because of the great variety of applications, based on their particular features at different levels of aggregation in mineral assemblages and on the microstructural and structural characteristics of the mineral constituents frequently characterized by micro- and nanocrystalline appearance. Thus, X-ray diffraction is a main tool for fundamental and applied research of these materials. The present review concerns their microstructural research from powder X-ray diffraction data.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crystallography and Physical Chemistry of Minerals & Nanominerals)
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Open AccessArticle
Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Evolution of A-Type Granite Bearing Rare Metals Mineralization in Egypt: Insights from Geochemistry and Mineral Chemistry
by
Mohamed M. Ghoneim, Ahmed E. Abdel Gawad, Hanaa A. El-Dokouny, Maher Dawoud, Elena G. Panova, Mai A. El-Lithy and Abdelhalim S. Mahmoud
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060583 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
During the Late Precambrian, the North Eastern Desert of Egypt underwent significant crustal evolution in a tectonic environment characterized by strong extension. The Neoproterozoic alkali feldspar granite found in the Homret El Gergab area is a part of the Arabian Nubian Shield and
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During the Late Precambrian, the North Eastern Desert of Egypt underwent significant crustal evolution in a tectonic environment characterized by strong extension. The Neoproterozoic alkali feldspar granite found in the Homret El Gergab area is a part of the Arabian Nubian Shield and hosts significant rare metal mineralization, including thorite, uranothorite, columbite, zircon, monazite, and xenotime, as well as pyrite, rutile, and ilmenite. The geochemical characteristics of the investigated granite reveal highly fractionated peraluminous, calc–alkaline affinity, A-type granite, and post-collision geochemical signatures, which are emplaced under an extensional regime of within-plate environments. It has elevated concentrations of Rb, Zr, Ba, Y, Nb, Th, and U. The zircon saturation temperature ranges from 753 °C to 766 °C. The formation of alkali feldspar rare metal granite was affected by extreme fractionation and fluid interactions at shallow crustal levels. The continental crust underwent extension, causing the mantle and crust to rise, stretch, and become thinner. This process allows basaltic magma from the mantle to be injected into the continental crust. Heat and volatiles were transferred from these basaltic bodies to the lower continental crust. This process enriched and partially melted the materials in the lower crust. The intrusion of basaltic magma from the mantle into the lower crust led to the formation of A-type granite.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Chemistry of Granitoids: Constraints on Crystallization Conditions and Petrological Evolution)
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Open AccessArticle
The Discovery of the New UHP Eclogite from the East Kunlun, Northwestern China, and Its Tectonic Significance
by
Feng Chang, Guibin Zhang and Lu Xiong
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060582 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB), northwestern China, recording long-term and multiple accretionary and collisional events of the Tethyan Ocean, belongs to a high-pressure to ultra-high-pressure (HP-UHP) metamorphic belt that underwent complex metamorphic overprinting in the early Paleozoic. In this contribution, we carry
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The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB), northwestern China, recording long-term and multiple accretionary and collisional events of the Tethyan Ocean, belongs to a high-pressure to ultra-high-pressure (HP-UHP) metamorphic belt that underwent complex metamorphic overprinting in the early Paleozoic. In this contribution, we carry out an integrated study, including field investigations, petrographic observations, whole-rock analyses, zircon U-Pb dating, and P-T condition modeling using THERMOCALC in the NCKFMASHTO system for the eclogites, especially for the newly discovered UHP eclogite in the eastern part of EKOB. The eclogites exhibit geochemistry ranging from normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) to enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB). Zircons from the eclogites yield metamorphic ages of 416–413 Ma, indicating the eclogite facies metamorphism. Coesite inclusions in garnet and omphacite and quartz exsolution in omphacite and pseudosection calculation suggest that some eclogites experienced UHP eclogite facies metamorphism. The eclogites from the eastern part of EKOB record peak conditions of 29–33 kbar/705–760 °C, first retrograde conditions of 10 kbar at 9.5–12.5 kbar/610–680 °C, and second retrograde conditions at ~6 kbar/<600 °C. New evidence of the early Paleozoic UHP metamorphism in East Kunlun is identified in our study. Thus, we suggest that these eclogites were produced by the oceanic crust subducting to the depth of 100 km and exhumation. The presence of East Gouli and Gazhima eclogites in this study and other eclogites (430–414 Ma) in East Kunlun record the final closure of the local branch ocean of the Proto-Tethys and the evolution from subduction to collision.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbeam Analysis Characterization in Petrogenesis and Ore Deposit)
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Open AccessArticle
Hydroclimate and Paleoenvironmental Variability from the Tonle Sap Lake Basin during the Angkor Period
by
Xinnan Zhao, Jian Wang, Wei Zhao and Hai Cheng
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060581 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The profound impact of the Khmer Empire on Southeast Asia renders the Angkor Period particularly significant in guiding contemporary societies to advocate and promote policies that respond to climate change. We present a new continuous multi-proxy speleothem dataset from Tonle Sap Lake Basin,
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The profound impact of the Khmer Empire on Southeast Asia renders the Angkor Period particularly significant in guiding contemporary societies to advocate and promote policies that respond to climate change. We present a new continuous multi-proxy speleothem dataset from Tonle Sap Lake Basin, investigating hydroclimate variability and the paleoenvironment of Cambodia during the Angkor Period from the 9th to 15th centuries. In addition, two important climatic events on a decadal scale are clearly reconstructed. The first is the reduction of precipitation between 800 and 1000 AD and the relatively significant drought that the regional environment may have experienced from 950 to 1000 AD. The second is the anomalous wet period between 1000 and 1200 AD, during which the Southern Oscillation Index also reached its negative peak after a thousand years. The wet and dry conditions are highly consistent with the El Niño-dominated and northward Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stalagmite Geochemistry and Its Paleoenvironmental Implication)
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Open AccessArticle
Experimental Investigation on Hydrophobic Alteration of Mining Solid Waste Backfill Material
by
Zhiyang Zhao, Liqiang Ma, Ichhuy Ngo, Kunpeng Yu, Yujun Xu, Jiangtao Zhai, Qiangqiang Gao, Chengkun Peng, Dangliang Wang, Saad S. Alarifi and Mahabub Hasan Sajib
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060580 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: To address the issues of corrosion weakening of solid-waste-based backfill material caused by mine water, a novel hydrophobic solid waste backfill (HSBF) material was developed using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a silane coupling agent (SCA) as hydrophobic modification additives, and NaOH (SH) and
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Abstract: To address the issues of corrosion weakening of solid-waste-based backfill material caused by mine water, a novel hydrophobic solid waste backfill (HSBF) material was developed using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a silane coupling agent (SCA) as hydrophobic modification additives, and NaOH (SH) and sodium silicate (SS) as alkali activators. Fly ash and slag were chosen as the primary raw solid waste materials. The rheological properties of the hydrophobic-treated backfill slurries were measured, and the resulting physicochemical properties were compared with the unmodified reference group. This study reveals that the fresh HSBF slurry follows a Modified Bingham (M-B) model with shear-thinning characteristics. The addition of PDMS causes an increase in the water contact angle of the hardened HSBF material with F8S2 to up to 134.9°, indicating high hydrophobicity. Morphological observations indicated that PDMS mainly attaches to the inorganic particles’ surface through the bridging action of SCA for the hydrophobic modification of the backfill material. The overall strength of the HSBF materials was further ensured via fly ash–slag ratio optimization, and was found to be enhanced up to 98% by increasing slag content from 20% to 50%. This is mainly attributed to the hydration of slag, forming C-S(A)-H gel, which contributes to the increased strength. The novel HSBF material enables the elimination of cement in mine backfilling applications, demonstrating good economic benefits. Its excellent mechanical and hydrophobic properties can not only prevent overburden displacement in goaf areas, but can also mitigate water resource loss from overlying strata and simultaneously reduce the safety risks associated with long-term mine water deterioration.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cemented Mine Waste Backfill: Experiment and Modelling: 2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Adsorption Characteristics of Illite and Kerogen Oil Phase: Thermodynamics Experiments
by
Xin Tang, Junjie Xiong, Yanming Zhu, Ruiyu He, Xiangru Chen, Qiuqi Chen, Zhangping Yan, Cheng Liu and Litao Ma
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060579 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
In order to study the adsorption process and adsorption characteristics of shale oil at the macro scale, the isothermal adsorption experiments of illite and kerogen on a heptadecane (oil phase) solution were carried out by infrared spectrophotometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Based on
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In order to study the adsorption process and adsorption characteristics of shale oil at the macro scale, the isothermal adsorption experiments of illite and kerogen on a heptadecane (oil phase) solution were carried out by infrared spectrophotometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Based on the adsorption isotherm model and adsorption thermodynamic model, the characteristics of heptadecane adsorbed by illite and kerogen at different temperatures and oily solution concentrations were studied. The experimental results show that the concentration and temperature of the alkane solution help to enhance the adsorption and increase the saturated adsorption capacity. The difference is that the concentration will have a certain effect on the adsorption rate, while the temperature will not. Based on the three adsorption isotherm models, it was found that Langmuir and Freundlich were more suitable for describing the adsorption process of the heptadecane solution by illite and kerogen, and the adsorption characteristics of heptadecane molecules at different temperatures and adsorbents were evaluated. Heating leads to an increase in the collision efficiency between adsorbate molecules and adsorbents, thereby accelerating the migration rate of alkanes. Therefore, increasing temperature helps to enhance the adsorption capacity of rocks and increase the saturated adsorption capacity of minerals. The research results clarify the adsorption characteristics of shale oil heavy components from the macro level and fill the research gap in the application of solid–liquid isothermal adsorption physical experiments on the adsorption and occurrence of shale oil.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clays and Engineered Mineral Materials)
Open AccessArticle
U-Pb LA-ICP-MS Zircon Dating of Crustal Xenoliths: Evidence of the Archean Lithosphere Beneath the Snake River Plain
by
William P. Leeman, Jeffrey D. Vervoort and S. Andrew DuFrane
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060578 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
New U-Pb zircon ages are reported for granulite facies crustal xenoliths brought to the surface by mafic lavas in the Snake River Plain. All samples yield Meso-to-Neoarchean ages (2.4–3.6 Ga) that significantly expand the known extent of the Archean Wyoming Craton at least
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New U-Pb zircon ages are reported for granulite facies crustal xenoliths brought to the surface by mafic lavas in the Snake River Plain. All samples yield Meso-to-Neoarchean ages (2.4–3.6 Ga) that significantly expand the known extent of the Archean Wyoming Craton at least as far west as the west-central Snake River Plain. Most zircon populations indicate multiple growth episodes with complexity increasing eastward, but they bear no record of major Phanerozoic magmatic episodes in the region. To extrapolate this work further west to the inferred craton boundary, zircons from southwestern Idaho batholith granodiorites were also analyzed. Although most batholith zircons record Cretaceous formation ages, all samples have zircons with inherited cores—with some recording Proterozoic ages (approaching 2 Ga). These data enhance our perspectives regarding lithosphere architecture beneath southern Idaho and adjacent areas and its possible influence on Cenozoic magmatism associated with the Snake River Plain–Yellowstone “melting anomaly”.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
Open AccessArticle
The Microdeformation Fabric of Amphibole-Rich Peridotite in the Southern Mariana Trench and Its Influence on Seismic Anisotropy
by
Jingbo Li and Zhenmin Jin
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060577 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Olivine, the most abundant mineral in the upper mantle, exhibits elastic anisotropy. Understanding the seismic anisotropy and flow patterns in the upper mantle hinges on the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of olivine. Similarly, hydrous minerals, which also display elastic anisotropy, play a crucial
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Olivine, the most abundant mineral in the upper mantle, exhibits elastic anisotropy. Understanding the seismic anisotropy and flow patterns in the upper mantle hinges on the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of olivine. Similarly, hydrous minerals, which also display elastic anisotropy, play a crucial role in explaining seismic anisotropy in numerous subduction zones. High-temperature and -pressure simple shear experiments reveal that the CPO of amphibole can lead to significant seismic anisotropy. In this study, peridotite samples originating from the southern end of the Mariana Trench, commonly containing amphibole, were analyzed. The microdeformation fabric and seismic anisotropy were examined. The results indicate a weak fabric strength in olivine, yet identifiable deformation fabrics of A/D, D, and AG were observed. Various dislocation structures suggest that olivine experiences complex deformation across various temperatures. Not only can the original slip system transform, but the melt/fluid resulting from melting also has a substantial impact on the peridotite. Deformation precedes the melt/rock interaction, resulting in a strong melt/rock reaction under near-static conditions. Furthermore, the modal content of amphibole significantly alters the seismic anisotropy of peridotite. An increase in amphibole content (types I, III, and IV) enhances seismic anisotropy, particularly for type I amphibole. Notably, the presence of type I fabric amphibole promotes the Vs1 polarization direction parallel to the trench in subduction zones, a phenomenon observed in other subduction zones. Therefore, when considering mantle peridotite regions rich in amphibole, the impact of amphibole on seismic anisotropy must be accounted for.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Texture and Microstructural Analysis of Crystalline Solids, Volume II)
Open AccessArticle
Geochemical Signature and Risk Assessment of Potential Toxic Elements in Intensively Cultivated Soils of South-West Punjab, India
by
Umakant Chaudhari, Disha Kumari, Tanishka Tyagi, Sunil Mittal and Prafulla Kumar Sahoo
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060576 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Malwa region belt of Punjab, India, can be a serious concern as a result of intensive agricultural practices and overuse of agrochemicals. The main objectives of the present study were to evaluate the spatial
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Soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Malwa region belt of Punjab, India, can be a serious concern as a result of intensive agricultural practices and overuse of agrochemicals. The main objectives of the present study were to evaluate the spatial distribution, geochemical signature, and contamination level/health risk of PTEs in 76 soil samples (0–10 cm) collected from the three districts viz. Muktar, Faridkot, and Moga of Punjab, India. The result shows that PTEs concentrations vary widely in the region, with Fe and Mn distribution patterns being mostly coherent with each other. When compared to the Indian natural soil background values, the average concentration of Pb and Zn were higher than the limit, only Pb exceeded the average values of the world background and upper continental crust (UCC). Spatial autocorrelation plotted with a local indicator of spatial association (LISA) in GeoDa software version 1.18 was used to identify hotspots. A positive spatial autocorrelation (>0.2) was indicated with Moran’s I values for Pb, V, Mn, Cu, and Cr, being highest for Pb. A principal component analysis (PCA) identified the major geo-chemical patterns of Fe-Al-V-Cr and TOC-Mn-Zn-HCO3−, which were positively loaded on PC1. This indicates that Fe/Al-oxyhydroxides and organic matter play a dominant role in controlling metal mobility in soils. This can be further substantiated with the Spearman’s rank correlation values. The contamination factor indicates that only Pb and Zn (15.7% and 3.9% samples, respectively) were under high risk. This could be due to the excessive application of chemical fertilizers. The large range of Cdeg values suggests that there are variations in the degree of soil pollution due to PTEs. A little over 3.9% of samples had significant contamination, compared to 72.3% of samples with low contamination and 23.6% of samples with moderate contamination. Human non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk levels were investigated. The HI values for adult ranged from 0.00 to 0.2, and values for children ranged from 0.009 to 1.2. These findings suggest that both children and adults are not at potential risk, except in a few locations. Overall, the results of this study provide the current baseline status of toxic elements in agricultural soil. This would be helpful for developing strategies for sustainable management of the soil resources in the region, as well as for future monitoring programs of the soil quality in the Malwa region as a whole, to track any changes in the contamination levels over time.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)
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Open AccessArticle
40Ar/39Ar Dating and In Situ Trace Element Geochemistry of Quartz and Mica in the Weilasituo Deposit in Inner Mongolia, China: Implications for Li–Polymetallic Metallogenesis
by
Xue Wang, Ke-Yong Wang, Yang Gao, Jun-Chi Chen, Han-Wen Xue and Hao-Ming Li
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060575 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
The Weilasituo Li–polymetallic deposit, located on the western slope of the southern Great Xing’an Range in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is hosted by quartz porphyry with crypto-explosive breccia-type Li mineralisation atop and vein-type Sn-Mo-W-Zn polymetallic mineralisation throughout the breccia pipe. This
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The Weilasituo Li–polymetallic deposit, located on the western slope of the southern Great Xing’an Range in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is hosted by quartz porphyry with crypto-explosive breccia-type Li mineralisation atop and vein-type Sn-Mo-W-Zn polymetallic mineralisation throughout the breccia pipe. This study introduces new data on multistage quartz and mica in situ trace elements; the study was conducted using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and 40Ar/39Ar dating of zinnwaldite to delineate the metallogenic age and genesis of Li mineralisation. Zinnwaldite yields a plateau age of 132.45 ± 1.3 Ma (MSWD = 0.77), representing Early Cretaceous Li mineralisation. Throughout the magmatic–hydrothermal process, quartz trace elements showed Ge enrichment. Li, Al, and Ti contents decreased, with Al/Ti and Ge/Ti ratios increasing, indicating increased magmatic differentiation, slight acidification, and cooling. Mica’s rising Li, Rb, Cs, Mg, and Ti contents and Nb/Ta ratio, alongside its falling K/Rb ratio, indicate the magma’s ongoing crystallisation differentiation. Fractional crystallisation primarily enriched Li, Rb, and Cs in the late melt. Mica’s high Sc, V, and W contents indicate a high fO2 setting, with a slightly lower fO2 during zinnwaldite formation. Greisenisation observed Zn, Mg, and Fe influx from the host rock, broadening zinnwaldite distribution and forming minor Zn vein orebodies later. Late-stage fluorite precipitation highlights a rise in F levels, with fluid Sn and W levels tied to magma evolution and F content. In summary, the Weilasituo Li–polymetallic deposit was formed in an Early Cretaceous extensional environment and is closely related to a nearby highly differentiated Li-F granite. During magma differentiation, rare metal elements such as Li and Rb were enriched in residual melts. The decrease in temperature and the acidic environment led to the precipitation of Li-, Rb-, and W-bearing minerals, and the increased F content in the late stage led to Sn enrichment and mineralisation. Fluid metasomatism causes Zn, Mg, and Fe in the surrounding rock to enter the fluid, and Zn is enriched and mineralised in the later period.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genesis and Metallogeny of Non-ferrous and Precious Metal Deposits, 2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Peculiar Features of Lime-Treated Pyroclastic Soils through a Multi-Scale Experimental Investigation
by
Manuela Cecconi and Giacomo Russo
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060574 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Soil-improvement techniques with binders are used in several geotechnical engineering applications as a sustainable solution for the reuse of waste soils. Due to their inherent complexity and their mechanical behaviour, pyroclastic soils are generally considered waste geomaterials in their natural state. Lime treatment
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Soil-improvement techniques with binders are used in several geotechnical engineering applications as a sustainable solution for the reuse of waste soils. Due to their inherent complexity and their mechanical behaviour, pyroclastic soils are generally considered waste geomaterials in their natural state. Lime treatment of pyroclastic soils can be considered a viable solution for their reuse in geotechnical applications. In this paper, some peculiar features of the chemo-physical evolution and mechanical behaviour of lime-treated pyroclastic soils are evidenced through a multi-scale experimental investigation. While, for clayey soils, the fine fraction is mainly responsible for ion exchange and pozzolanic reactions induced by lime, for pyroclastic soils, pozzolanic reactions are dominant processes due to the low quantity of clay minerals along with the abundance of aluminates and silicates as the main constituents of their amorphous phase. The link between the phenomena detected at the microscale level, the mineralogical composition, and the macroscopic behaviour of two lime treated pyroclastic soils of different origin is explored through a multiscale approach.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemo-Physical Evolution, Microstructural Modifications and Hydro-Mechanical Behaviour of Treated Soils of Different Mineralogical Composition)
Open AccessArticle
Zircon U–Pb Dating and Lu–Hf Isotopic Composition of Some Granite Intrusions in Northern and Central Portugal: Constraints on the Emplacement Age and Nature of the Source Rocks
by
Ana Gonçalves, Rui Teixeira, Helena Sant’Ovaia and Fernando Noronha
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060573 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Freixo de Numão (FNG) and Capinha (CG) granites are prominent intrusions in the Douro Group (northern Central Iberian Zone, CIZ) and Beiras Supergroup (southern CIZ) metasediments, respectively. U-Pb dating revealed crystallization ages of 306 ± 2 Ma for FNG and 301 ± 3
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Freixo de Numão (FNG) and Capinha (CG) granites are prominent intrusions in the Douro Group (northern Central Iberian Zone, CIZ) and Beiras Supergroup (southern CIZ) metasediments, respectively. U-Pb dating revealed crystallization ages of 306 ± 2 Ma for FNG and 301 ± 3 Ma for CG, whereas Lu–Hf systematics has shown ɛHft values ranging from −4.5 to +0.6 and from −5.5 to +0.3 in FNG and CG autocrysts, respectively, suggesting that they originate from heterogeneous crustal anatectic melts, but a direct mantle-derived material contribution can also be considered. The isotopic data of inherited zircon cores of both granites, with ɛHft values ranging from −16.8 to +8.4 in FNG, and from −19.4 to +10.1 in CG, are compatible with a derivation from heterogeneous Neoproterozoic metasedimentary sources, consisting of juvenile and recycled crustal materials, comparable to those of the wall rocks. However, the less evolved initial 176Hf/177Hf signature of magmatic zircons of both granites requires more immature metasediments/juvenile materials as main sources for the parental magmas. In fact, for FNG, the high Sr and Ba whole-rock content, and the upper Cambrian inheritance highlight the involvement of a metaigneous protolith in its genesis.
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(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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Open AccessArticle
Zircon, Monazite SHRIMP U-Th-Pb and Quartz Oxygen Isotopic Results from the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) of the Sikkim Himalayas
by
Shashank Prabha-Mohan, Ian S. Williams and Sandeep Singh
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060572 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Migmatites and partial melts are exposed in both the lower and upper package of the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) thrust sheet within the Sikkim Himalayas. Zircon monazite and quartz oxygen isotopic ratios from Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim, and Rathong Chuu, West Sikkim, have
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Migmatites and partial melts are exposed in both the lower and upper package of the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) thrust sheet within the Sikkim Himalayas. Zircon monazite and quartz oxygen isotopic ratios from Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim, and Rathong Chuu, West Sikkim, have been used to identify their sources and equilibrium conditions. Monazites show homogeneous growth, whereas zircons show growth rings. U-Th-Pb data on monazite only indicate the latest metamorphic event. However, zircons show metamorphic rim growth between 36 and 24 Ma over their detrital core with trailing growth from 22 Ma to 15 Ma. Pervasive fluids have been interpreted in coeval development during metamorphism, as shown by monazite and zircon c. 30 Ma. The Th/U ratio of zircon is higher and variable with weak residual zoning in the samples from higher elevations. Quartz–metamorphic zircon oxygen fractionation suggests Teq > 600 °C, while quartz–monazite fractionation shows the same or lower temperatures. Multiple sources of melts in the HHC (even along a single valley) have been observed by δ18O of 7‰ to 10‰ in zircon and 5‰ to 9‰ in monazite. Zircon and monazite generated in the same rock have similar δ18O values. Monazite grown ~20 Ma in the lower elevation sample had a low δ18O, suggesting interaction with an external fluid.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mantle–Crust Interactions for Petrogenesis and Ore-Forming Processes)
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Open AccessReview
Advanced Processing Techniques and Impurity Management for High-Purity Quartz in Diverse Industrial Applications
by
Hailin Long, Deqing Zhu, Jian Pan, Siwei Li, Congcong Yang and Zhengqi Guo
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060571 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
While numerous studies have explored the mineralogical characteristics and purification techniques of high-purity quartz (HPQ), discussions on impurity control during various purification processes and their applications in photovoltaics, electronics, and optics remain limited. This review delves into the adverse effects of impurities such
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While numerous studies have explored the mineralogical characteristics and purification techniques of high-purity quartz (HPQ), discussions on impurity control during various purification processes and their applications in photovoltaics, electronics, and optics remain limited. This review delves into the adverse effects of impurities such as aluminum, iron, and sodium in the manufacturing processes of these industries, emphasizing their critical role as these impurities can degrade material performance. This paper focuses on analyzing the types of impurities found in quartz and evaluates existing purification technologies such as acid washing, ultrasonic acid washing, chlorination roasting, and calcination quenching. It highlights the limitations of current technologies in processing quartz ore and discusses the advantages of different impurity types under various technological treatments. Moreover, it explores the environmental and economic impacts of these high-purity processes, underlining the necessity for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective purification techniques. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive technical and strategic framework for the use of high-purity quartz in high-tech applications, supporting future research and industrial applications in this critical material field.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy of Base and Precious Metals)
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Open AccessArticle
Microstructure Evolution Law of Ionic Rare Earth at Different Depths in In Situ Leaching Mine Site
by
Zhongqun Guo, Haoxuan Wang, Qiqi Liu, Feiyue Luo and Yanshuo Liu
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060570 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Due to the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of mine rock bodies, ionic rare earth ore bodies exhibit varying pore structures at different depths. This research focuses on an ionic rare earth mine in Fujian Province, where in situ ore samples rather than remodeled soil
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Due to the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of mine rock bodies, ionic rare earth ore bodies exhibit varying pore structures at different depths. This research focuses on an ionic rare earth mine in Fujian Province, where in situ ore samples rather than remodeled soil samples were studied. Samples from the fully weathered layer at depths of 1 m, 12 m, and 21 m, both before and after leaching, were collected for onsite analysis. Microscopic pore characteristics were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, and digital image processing was utilized to study the evolution of the pore scale, distribution, and shape in rare earth ore samples at various depths pre- and post-leaching. The results indicate an increase in the ore body’s porosity with the depth of the ore samples both before and after leaching. The variation in pore scale is predominantly dictated by the ratio of macropore and large pores. Pre-leaching, the middle ore sample showcased the highest uniformity, with the upper part being the most irregular. Post-leaching, the highest uniformity was observed in the lower ore samples, with the upper part remaining irregular. Pre-leaching, as depth increased, the pore distribution in ore samples became more dispersed, with decreasing orderliness. Post-leaching, the orderliness was most improved in upper ore samples, while middle ore samples became the least orderly. Additionally, before leaching, pore-shape roughness increased with depth; after leaching, the pore shape became more rounded as depth increased, simplifying the pore-shape structure of the ore samples both before and after leaching.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green and Efficient Recovery/Extraction of Rare Earth Resources)
Open AccessArticle
Zircon U-Pb Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopic Composition of Ben Giang-Que Son Complex in the Southern Truong Son Belt: Implications for Permian–Triassic Tectonic Evolution
by
Thuy Thi Bich Nguyen, Pham Trung Hieu, Qian Xin, Bui The Anh, Nguyen Thi Xuan, Pham Minh and Ho Thi Thu
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060569 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
The magmatic rocks of the Ben Giang-Que Son complex exposed in the southern part of the Truong Son belt have petrographic compositions including gabbro, gabbrodiorite, granodiorite, and granite. Geochemically, the magmatic rocks are of subalkaline affinity and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series.
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The magmatic rocks of the Ben Giang-Que Son complex exposed in the southern part of the Truong Son belt have petrographic compositions including gabbro, gabbrodiorite, granodiorite, and granite. Geochemically, the magmatic rocks are of subalkaline affinity and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series. All analyzed samples contain hornblende and biotite as mafic minerals and are defined as metaluminous with a aluminum saturation index of <1.1. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element diagrams are characterized by fractionation between light and heavy rare earth elements and show small to moderate negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.81–0.44). Primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns exhibit enrichment in LILEs such as Rb, K, U, and especially Pb and depletion of HFSEs (Nb, Ta, and Ti), indicating arc-magma. The BG-QS gabbro and gabbrodiorite have low Cr, Co, and Ni and display enrichment in 87Sr/86Sr (0.7084 to 0.7147), ꜪNd(t) (−0.5 to −1.9), and positive ꜪHf(t) (+2.4 to 4.5), suggesting generation from the enriched mantle source. The BG-QS diorite and granodiorite contain small mafic enclaves, have a wide range of SiO2 contents and enrichment in Sr-Nd isotopes (87Sr/86Sr = 0.7109–0.7178; ꜪNd(t) = −3.3 to −3.7), and display high Mg# (43–51). All these features indicate that they were formed by the mixing of magmas, which originated from an enriched mantle source and the pre-existing juvenile mafic lower crust. The whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf model ages are of 1160–760 Ma. The Ben Giang-Que Son complex yields LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages of 285 ± 3.1 and 278 ± 3.5 Ma that corresponds to the Cisuralian epoch (early Permian), which is linked to the subduction and amalgamation of the Indochina and South China blocks due to the closing a branch of the Paleotethys along the Song Ma suture.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Magmatism and Geodynamics of Orogenic Belts)
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