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Metals
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Comprehensive Recycling of Metallurgical Solid Waste and Mineral Resources
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Comprehensive Recycling of Metallurgical Solid Waste and Mineral Resources

A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701). This special issue belongs to the section "Extractive Metallurgy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 14656

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Long Meng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: pyrometallurgy; hydrometallurgy; extractive metallurgy; recovery and separation; secondary resources; mineral extraction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metallurgy is the basic industry of modern industrial development, providing basic raw materials for the development of most industries. With the rapid development of industry and the sharp increase in resource exploitation around the world, a lot of smelting solid waste is generated. The accumulation of smelting solid waste not only occupies a large area of land but also causes dust and heavy metals to seep into the ground, polluting the environment. Therefore, it is particularly important for the sustainable development of modern industry to carry out research on resource exploitation, smelting and the harmless recycling of solid waste.

Strengthening the research of basic science is the key to break through the exploitation of resources, smelting, and recycling of solid waste. Through the research of basic scientific problems and the research and development of new theories, new processes and new products can promote the exploitation of mineral resources, smelting and industrial solid waste resource application to a new stage and new heights, and can realize the sustainable development of mineral resource smelting and solid waste resources harmlessly.

For this Special Issue, we welcome articles that focus on the exploitation of resources, smelting, and recycling of solid waste. Research on new processes, new theories and new products that can realize the recycling of and reduction in metallurgical solid waste are of particular interest.

Dr. Long Meng
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pyrometallurgy
  • hydrometallurgy
  • extractive metallurgy
  • recovery and separation
  • secondary resources
  • mineral extraction
  • rare earth
  • molten salt electrolysis
  • aluminium electrolysis

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3594 KiB  
Article
Selective Extraction of Zirconium from Sulfuric Acid Solutions at High Concentration with Trioctylamine (TOA)
by Shuo Tian, Jing Song, Hongqian Sun, Congcong Zhao, Zhiyu Zhang, Mingming Han and Tao Qi
Metals 2025, 15(5), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15050468 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Zirconium (Zr) and hafnium (Hf) are very important in nuclear and high-temperature applications, but their similar physical and chemical properties bring great challenges to separation. The current extraction methods have defects, such as low efficiency at high metal concentration. In this article, a [...] Read more.
Zirconium (Zr) and hafnium (Hf) are very important in nuclear and high-temperature applications, but their similar physical and chemical properties bring great challenges to separation. The current extraction methods have defects, such as low efficiency at high metal concentration. In this article, a zirconium (Zr)/hafnium (Hf) solvent extractive separation from sulfuric acid solutions using trioctylamine (TOA) as the extractant was researched at room temperature. The aqueous solution is prepared using zirconium sulfate (containing Hf), and the concentration of metal ions (Zr4+ and Hf4+) was about 1.096 mol·L−1. The effects of the aqueous acidity, the concentration of TOA, the contacting time, and the organic to aqueous O/A ratio on the separation of Zr and Hf were investigated. It is observed that the Zr can be extracted in the organic phase selectively, and the optimal conditions were: TOA concentration of 40 vol%, organic to aqueous O/A ratio of 3, contacting time of 5 min. Under these conditions, the single-stage extraction rate of Zr is 61.23%, while the Hf is almost not extracted. The mechanism of Zr extraction by TOA was studied through the saturation capacity and slope methods. Based on the results, it is believed that the structure of the extracted complex may be [R3NH]2[Zr(SO4)3]. This study provides a new approach for the development of industrialized Zr-Hf separation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Recycling of Metallurgical Solid Waste and Mineral Resources)
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23 pages, 3660 KiB  
Article
The Treatment of Iron-Containing Foundry Dusts with the Aim of Their Recycling and Their Effect on the Properties of Cast Iron
by Patrik Fedorko, Alena Pribulova, Peter Futas, Marcela Pokusova, Jozef Petrik, Peter Blasko, Marcin Brzeziński and Mariusz Łucarz
Metals 2025, 15(2), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15020214 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 566
Abstract
The foundry industry is an industry with a large production of waste. One such type of waste is fine-grained to dust-like waste, depending on the stage of the foundry process in which it is generated. As part of this research, dust samples were [...] Read more.
The foundry industry is an industry with a large production of waste. One such type of waste is fine-grained to dust-like waste, depending on the stage of the foundry process in which it is generated. As part of this research, dust samples were collected from three Slovak foundries producing castings from gray iron, ductile iron, and steel. The aim of the experiments was to recycle iron from dust materials in the foundry process. Based on the chemical composition of the dust, samples with the highest iron content were selected and added to the charge of the electric induction furnace (EIF). Since it was not possible to add dust material directly into the EIF, the dust was modified by pelletizing and briquetting using three types of binders selected according to the foundries’ requirements. Pellets were prepared using dust from only one type of foundry waste and were used as part of the charge in the EIF. In the case of briquetting, different binder contents in the briquette mixture were tested to evaluate their effect on the strength and disintegration of the briquettes. Based on the foundries’ requirements that the binder had to be low-cost and that we had to not contaminate the melt (thus requiring a minimal amount), not affect the furnace operation, and not degrade the properties of the produced cast iron, briquettes with the best properties were selected and used as part of the charge for cast iron production. Samples of the cast iron produced this way were taken for chemical analysis, and specimens were prepared for tensile strength testing. The results showed that the use of briquettes, in limited amounts, did not have a negative impact on the chemical composition of the cast iron, the melting process, or its tensile strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Recycling of Metallurgical Solid Waste and Mineral Resources)
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19 pages, 13271 KiB  
Article
Sintering Mechanism and Leaching Kinetics of Low-Grade Mixed Lithium Ore and Limestone
by Wanying Fu, Long Meng and Jingkui Qu
Metals 2024, 14(9), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14091075 - 19 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1236
Abstract
With the rapid development of new energy fields and the current shortage of lithium supply, an efficient, clean, and stable lithium resource extraction process is urgently necessary. In this paper, various advanced detection methods were utilized to conduct a mineralogical analysis of the [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of new energy fields and the current shortage of lithium supply, an efficient, clean, and stable lithium resource extraction process is urgently necessary. In this paper, various advanced detection methods were utilized to conduct a mineralogical analysis of the raw ore and systematically study the occurrence state of lithium; the limestone sintering process was strengthened and optimized, elucidating the sintering mechanism and analyzing the leaching process kinetics. Under an ingredient ratio of 1:3, a sample particle size of 300 mesh, a sintering temperature of 1100 °C, a sintering time of 3 h, a liquid–solid ratio of 2:1, a leaching temperature of 95 °C, and a leaching time of 1 h, the leaching rate of Li reached 90.04%. The highly active Ca–O combined with Si–O on the surface of β–spodumene to CaSiO4, and Al–O was isolated and combined with Li to LiAlO2, which was beneficial for the leaching process. The leaching process was controlled by both surface chemical reactions and diffusion processes, and Ea was 27.18 kJ/mol. These studies provide theoretical guidance for the subsequent re-optimization of the process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Recycling of Metallurgical Solid Waste and Mineral Resources)
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17 pages, 7555 KiB  
Article
Separation of Zr and Si in Zirconium Silicate by Sodium Hydroxide Sub-Molten Salt
by Hongqian Sun, Jing Song and Tao Qi
Metals 2024, 14(6), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14060630 - 26 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1849
Abstract
In order to cleanly and efficiently extract zirconium from zircon sand (the main component is ZrSiO4), sodium hydroxide sub-molten salt was used to decompose ZrSiO4 in this study. When ZrSiO4 reacts with sodium hydroxide sub-molten salt, the formation of [...] Read more.
In order to cleanly and efficiently extract zirconium from zircon sand (the main component is ZrSiO4), sodium hydroxide sub-molten salt was used to decompose ZrSiO4 in this study. When ZrSiO4 reacts with sodium hydroxide sub-molten salt, the formation of Na2ZrSiO5 (a water-insoluble product) considerably affects the separation efficiency of Zr and Si and increases production cost. Thus, it is necessary to control the formation of Na2ZrSiO5. The influence of NaOH content, reaction temperature, reaction time, and NaOH/ore mass ratio on the formation of Na2ZrSiO5 were systematically investigated. The optimum reaction parameters for the inhibition of Na2ZrSiO5 formation were as follows: 80% NaOH content, 245 °C reaction temperature, 4:1 NaOH/ore mass ratio, 10 h reaction time, and 400 r/min agitation speed. These results indicate that ZrSiO4 is decomposed to Na2ZrO3 and Na2SiO3 by reacting with NaOH, realizing the separation of Zr and Si, and then the reactions between Na2ZrO3 and Na2SiO3 result in the formation of Na2ZrSiO5, during the decomposition of ZrSiO4 using NaOH sub-molten salt. The sub-molten salt decomposition process can realize the clean extraction of zirconium, which is conducive to the sustainable development of zirconium resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Recycling of Metallurgical Solid Waste and Mineral Resources)
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13 pages, 1898 KiB  
Article
Batch Sintering of FeO·OH and Fe2O3 Blends: Chemical and Metallurgical Characterization
by Igor J. U. V. Pereira, Henrique C. S. Coelho, Cláudio G. Santos, Eduardo A. Brocchi, Rodrigo F. M. Souza and Victor A. A. Oliveira
Metals 2024, 14(5), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050598 - 20 May 2024
Viewed by 1309
Abstract
A sample of goethite iron ore sinter feed (G_SF) was employed as a raw material in a sintering bed. This sample partially replaced hematite sinter feed (H_SF), which is currently used as raw material in a sintering plant in the state of Minas [...] Read more.
A sample of goethite iron ore sinter feed (G_SF) was employed as a raw material in a sintering bed. This sample partially replaced hematite sinter feed (H_SF), which is currently used as raw material in a sintering plant in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This substitution did not adversely affect the chemical and metallurgical proprieties of the sinter mix product, provided that the utilization of G_SF was kept below 30% in weight. Despite the higher proportion of fines in G_SF, the presence of argillaceous minerals in the sample led to an improvement in the granulation index (GI) of the sinter mix product. The GI value increased from 68.4 to 82.7% for the experiments conducted without the presence of goethite ore and with 40% of goethite ore in the sintering mix, respectively. Consequently, the qualities of both the process and the produced sinter product were not compromised. The raw materials and the various sinters produced were characterized through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD results were used to perform a quantitative assessment of the mineral phase using the Rietveld method (RM). This technique allowed for the determination of goethite content in the studied sample, which was 35.5%. Finally, the incorporation of G_SF in the sintering bed led to a 20% reduction in the cost of raw materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Recycling of Metallurgical Solid Waste and Mineral Resources)
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14 pages, 4773 KiB  
Article
Removal of Low-Content Impurities from Pure Al by Supergravity Combined with Semi-Solid Method
by Lu Wang, Xi Lan, Zhe Wang and Zhancheng Guo
Metals 2023, 13(12), 1945; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13121945 - 27 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1319
Abstract
Recently, the purification technology for high-purity aluminum (Al) has become the focus and difficulty of the majority of researchers. In this study, a novel approach for removing iron (Fe) impurities from pure Al via combining the supergravity field and semi-solid refining was proposed. [...] Read more.
Recently, the purification technology for high-purity aluminum (Al) has become the focus and difficulty of the majority of researchers. In this study, a novel approach for removing iron (Fe) impurities from pure Al via combining the supergravity field and semi-solid refining was proposed. Various separation temperatures (T), holding times (th), and separation times (ts) were applied within a gravitational field to explore their impact on the purification process and its underlying mechanisms. The optimal conditions were achieved at T = 653 °C, th = 40 min, ts = 3 min, and a gravity coefficient G = 1000, with the loss rate of purified Al reaching up to 4.1% and the removal rate of Fe reaching 81.9%. The Fe content in pure Al was reduced from 0.32 wt.% to 0.06 wt.%. Moreover, the purified mechanism of supergravity in a semi-solid method was reported for the first time. It was concluded that supergravity could decrease the value of the effective distribution coefficient (ke), thereby promoting the continuous migration of Fe impurities at the solidification interface into the liquid phase. The Fe-rich phase in the Al melt was completely filtered to the lower part of the crucible in the supergravity field, completing the further purification of the pure Al. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Recycling of Metallurgical Solid Waste and Mineral Resources)
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Review

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17 pages, 287 KiB  
Review
The Use of Acid Leaching to Recover Metals from Tailings: A Review
by Valeria Maltrana and Jaime Morales
Metals 2023, 13(11), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13111862 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7737
Abstract
Mine tailings deposits are often overlooked by the industry, posing significant environmental challenges due to chemical hazards and inadequate maintenance. Nevertheless, such mineral deposits hold considerable economic potential for processing, and the adoption of innovative technologies may also address critical chemical and physical [...] Read more.
Mine tailings deposits are often overlooked by the industry, posing significant environmental challenges due to chemical hazards and inadequate maintenance. Nevertheless, such mineral deposits hold considerable economic potential for processing, and the adoption of innovative technologies may also address critical chemical and physical stability issues. Existing research has demonstrated the feasibility of recovering target metals—i.e., copper, iron, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and others—through the application of acid leaching techniques with consistently high yields and metal recovery rates. Therefore, a compilation was carried out from 2008 onwards, on working conditions such as leaching agent, acid concentration, oxidizing-reducing reagent, particle size, O2 pressure, stirring speed, solid–liquid ratio, temperature, and leaching time. At present, there are no reviews on the recovery of metals via acid leaching in tailings, so this study can serve as support for future researchers who want to project themselves in this area, ordering the procedures and the results obtained by the research carried out. Regarding the evaluation, it can be commented that research has shown that acid leaching of tailings has achieved recoveries of over 90% in different metals, such as Zn, Cu, and Fe, which indicates that the treatment is efficient and recommended for different types of tailings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Recycling of Metallurgical Solid Waste and Mineral Resources)
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