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Metals
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Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy—4th Edition
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Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy—4th Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2026 | Viewed by 6533

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Corby G. Anderson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy, Mining Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Interests: extractive metallurgy; mineral processing; waste minimization; recycling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Please consider submitting some of your excellent work in a Special Issue of Metals devoted to aspects of mineral processing and hydrometallurgy. This also includes characterization along with recycling and waste minimization. Possible topics include mineralogy, geometallurgy, thermodynamics, kinetics, comminution, classification, physical separations, liquid–solid separations, leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, activated carbon, precipitation, reduction, process economics, and process control. Suggested application areas are in gold, silver, PGMs, aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, nickel, and titanium. Critical metal articles on topics such as lithium, antimony tellurium, gallium, germanium, cobalt, graphite, indium, and rare earths are also welcome. Both primary and recycled aspects will be considered. Thank you.

Prof. Dr. Corby G. Anderson
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • characterization
  • economics
  • comminution
  • classification
  • separations
  • recycling
  • leaching
  • concentration
  • precipitation
  • reduction
  • waste minimization

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4593 KB  
Article
Study of the Effect of Endemic Microorganisms from a Copper Deposit on the Efficiency of Sulfuric Acid Leaching
by Aigul Koizhanova, Bagdaulet Kenzhaliyev, David Magomedov, Mariya Yerdenova, Akbota Bakrayeva and Nurgali Abdyldayev
Metals 2026, 16(6), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16060630 - 8 Jun 2026
Viewed by 158
Abstract
This paper presents the results of testing a copper bioleaching technology applied to two types of ore sampled from different sections of deposits within one of the deposits in the Balkhash region. Preliminary microbiological studies of microorganisms present in mineral raw material samples [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of testing a copper bioleaching technology applied to two types of ore sampled from different sections of deposits within one of the deposits in the Balkhash region. Preliminary microbiological studies of microorganisms present in mineral raw material samples from the deposit revealed that, under conditions favorable for the growth of iron- and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, active proliferation of yeast-like fungi was also observed, along with a bacterial culture identified as Skermanella aerolata. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that the effect of the identified bacterial culture, in association with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, positively influences oxidative processes involved in the decomposition of sulfur- and iron-containing minerals. The complete consortium of endemic microorganisms used in bioleaching experiments exhibited the highest efficiency compared to both individual cultures and the conventional sulfuric acid leaching method. The effect of biological oxidation on a simple-composition ore sample resulted in a 5.4% increase in copper recovery, while the efficiency of sulfuric acid consumption improved by nearly 40%. The use of bacterial oxidation for a low-grade, high-acid-consuming ore sample showed comparable copper recovery; however, sulfuric acid consumption was reduced by a factor of 2.5. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy—4th Edition)
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20 pages, 5130 KB  
Article
Optimization of Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate Recovery from Serpentinite Tailings
by Srđan Stanković, Dragana Radovanović, Nataša Gajić, Sanja Jevtić, Marija Štulović, Jovana Đokić and Željko Kamberović
Metals 2026, 16(5), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16050531 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 288
Abstract
The asbestos mine “Stragari” (Kragujevac municipality, central Serbia) operated for approximately four decades, exploiting chrysotile asbestos and generating several million tons of tailings composed primarily of finely crushed serpentinite rock. These tailings are rich in magnesium (≈25 wt.%); yet, efficient magnesium recovery is [...] Read more.
The asbestos mine “Stragari” (Kragujevac municipality, central Serbia) operated for approximately four decades, exploiting chrysotile asbestos and generating several million tons of tailings composed primarily of finely crushed serpentinite rock. These tailings are rich in magnesium (≈25 wt.%); yet, efficient magnesium recovery is hindered by the high acid consumption associated with serpentinite mineral dissolution. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction of magnesium as magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2×6H2O) from asbestos mine tailings using hydrochloric acid as the leaching agent. The effects of key process parameters (including thermal activation—roasting, hydrochloric acid concentration, leaching temperature, and leaching duration) were systematically investigated. Experiments in this study were conducted using concentrations of HCl 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 M, temperatures of 60, 70 and 80 °C and durations of 60 and 180 min, with constant stirring speed (350 rpm) and 20% initial pulp density. The resulting pregnant leach solution was purified by controlled neutralization with Mg(OH)2 followed by evaporation to obtain MgCl2×6H2O. A preliminary techno-economic assessment indicates that the proposed process is economically feasible and provides a foundation for future scale-up studies. The results demonstrate that balancing acid consumption with magnesium recovery, rather than pursuing maximum extraction efficiency, can enable profitable industrial-scale production of a value-added magnesium compound while contributing to asbestos tailings remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy—4th Edition)
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15 pages, 2781 KB  
Article
Sodium Percarbonate for Eco-Efficient Cyanide Detoxification in Gold Mining Tailings
by Ainur Berkinbayeva, Shynar Saulebekkyzy, Bagdaulet Kenzhaliyev, Kenzhegali Smailov, Azamat Yessengaziyev, Nargiza Nurtazina, Diana Karim and Yerkem Birlikzhan
Metals 2025, 15(10), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101162 - 21 Oct 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1744 | Correction
Abstract
Cyanide-containing effluents from hydrometallurgical gold extraction pose significant environmental risks due to their high toxicity. This study investigates the detoxification of cyanide-laden tailings from the Altyntau Kokshetau gold extraction facility (Kazakhstan) using sodium percarbonate in alkaline conditions. Employing response surface methodology (RSM) and [...] Read more.
Cyanide-containing effluents from hydrometallurgical gold extraction pose significant environmental risks due to their high toxicity. This study investigates the detoxification of cyanide-laden tailings from the Altyntau Kokshetau gold extraction facility (Kazakhstan) using sodium percarbonate in alkaline conditions. Employing response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD), we optimized key parameters—pH (10–12), sodium percarbonate dosage (1.5–4.0 g), reaction time (10–40 min) and temperature (20–25 °C)—achieving 83.33% detoxification efficiency within 40 min and 99.99% after 8 h, reducing cyanide from 443.2 mg/L to 0.05 mg/L. The process follows biphasic pseudo-first-order kinetics ((k1 = 0.0517) min–1 initially, (k2 = 0.01665) min–1 subsequently), driven by HO• radical-mediated oxidation of CN− to CNO−, as described by (CN−+H2O2→CNO−+ H2O). pH emerged as the dominant factor, optimizing radical stability and CN− protonation (pKa ≈ 9.21) at pH 10. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of cyanide complexes ([Au(CN)2]−, [Fe(CN)6]4−) in tailings, underscoring the need for effective treatment. The method ensures compliance with stringent environmental standards (e.g., ICMI limit of 0.2 mg/L), offering a scalable, eco-efficient solution for mitigating the environmental footprint of gold mining operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy—4th Edition)
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Review

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44 pages, 4883 KB  
Review
Gold Recovery Beyond Ores: Sources, Processes, Challenges, and Prospects
by Jovana Djokić, Stefan Nikolić, Stevan Dimitrijević, Shuiping Zhong and Željko Kamberović
Metals 2026, 16(6), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16060595 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 504
Abstract
Gold (Au) is a strategically critical metal whose technological relevance and increasing demand contrast with the long-term decline in primary ore grades. This review discusses gold recovery from primary ores providing the metallurgical and technological baseline for the comparative evaluation of unconventional Au-bearing [...] Read more.
Gold (Au) is a strategically critical metal whose technological relevance and increasing demand contrast with the long-term decline in primary ore grades. This review discusses gold recovery from primary ores providing the metallurgical and technological baseline for the comparative evaluation of unconventional Au-bearing resources. Emphasis is placed on electronic waste and copper anode slimes as highly valuable secondary raw materials containing gold concentrations comparable to, or exceeding, those in natural deposits. The review examines the origin, chemical and mineralogical characteristics, impurity profiles, and processing routes associated with these materials, including conventional and emerging pyro-, hydro-, and biometallurgical approaches. Material-specific constraints, matrix complexity, recovery efficiency, process limitations, and environmental aspects are discussed in relation to process applicability and technological feasibility. Particular attention is given to the differences between geologically constrained primary ores and heterogeneous secondary Au-bearing materials, whose engineered and continuously evolving compositions influence recovery strategies, limiting the direct application of conventional routes to secondary resources. Finally, the review highlights that primary ores remain the dominant source of global Au production, whereas secondary resources currently represent a complementary component, and outlines key challenges and future directions relevant to the broader utilization of these materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy—4th Edition)
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25 pages, 3346 KB  
Review
Extraction Technologies for Lithium Resources from Salt Lake Brines: Research Progress, Challenges and Future Prospects
by Huiyong Wu, Tingting Dong, Zhou Zhang and Yue Cheng
Metals 2025, 15(12), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15121327 - 1 Dec 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3283
Abstract
Lithium has emerged as a critical energy metal due to its indispensable role in batteries, aerospace applications, new energy vehicles, and large-scale energy storage systems. The accelerated growth of electric mobility and renewable energy storage has led to a substantial increase in lithium [...] Read more.
Lithium has emerged as a critical energy metal due to its indispensable role in batteries, aerospace applications, new energy vehicles, and large-scale energy storage systems. The accelerated growth of electric mobility and renewable energy storage has led to a substantial increase in lithium demand, thereby exacerbating the prevailing global supply–demand imbalance. To address this challenge, it is imperative to diversify lithium resources and to advance extraction technologies that are both efficient and sustainable. In comparison with conventional hard-rock deposits, liquid resources such as salt lake brines, oilfield brines, and deep-well brines are gaining attention owing to their broad distribution, abundant reserves, and advantages of reduced land use, lower water consumption, and lower carbon emissions. This work presents a critical review of current lithium recovery strategies from brines, including precipitation, solvent extraction, adsorption, nanofiltration/electrodialysis, and electrochemical methods. Each approach is critically evaluated in terms of Li/Mg selectivity, extraction efficiency, operational stability, and environmental compatibility. Precipitation processes offer simplicity but suffer from low Li recovery and high chemical consumption; solvent extraction achieves high selectivity but faces phase and reagent loss; adsorption using Mn-based sieves yields high capacity with good regeneration stability, whereas membrane and electrochemical systems enable continuous lithium recovery with reduced energy input. Distinct advantages and existing gaps are systematically summarized to provide quantitative insights into performance trade-offs among these pathways. Key findings highlight that organophosphorus–FeCl3 systems and Mn-based lithium-ion sieves show the best trade-off between selectivity and regeneration stability, whereas emerging membrane–electrochemical hybrids demonstrate promise for low-energy, continuous lithium recovery. The prospects for future development highlight highly selective functional materials, integrated multi-technology processes, and greener, low-energy extraction pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy—4th Edition)
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