Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (1,033)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = mineral core

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
24 pages, 5902 KB  
Review
Towards Sustainable Deep Mining: A Knowledge Graph-Based Critical Review of Deep-Mine Cooling and Heat Hazard Management
by Li Cheng, Sen Yan, Xiaomin Zhou, Zhihai An, Xin Qu and Xuelong Li
Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6393; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136393 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Deep-mining operations are increasingly challenged by severe thermal hazards, which have become a critical bottleneck for achieving safe, efficient, and sustainable mineral extraction. While research on deep-mine cooling and heat hazard mitigation has proliferated, the field lacks a systematic, critical review that explicitly [...] Read more.
Deep-mining operations are increasingly challenged by severe thermal hazards, which have become a critical bottleneck for achieving safe, efficient, and sustainable mineral extraction. While research on deep-mine cooling and heat hazard mitigation has proliferated, the field lacks a systematic, critical review that explicitly examines these advances through the lens of sustainability science. To address this gap, this study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 432 publications (1994–2024) retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. The methodology employs Bibliometrix, Vosviewer, and CiteSpace to map the intellectual landscape, research hotspots, and evolving frontiers of the field. The results reveal a clear three-stage development trajectory and identify China, the USA, South Africa, and Canada as leading contributors, with national research emphases on ventilation, energy conservation, and refrigeration, respectively. Crucially, keyword clustering and burst detection uncover a notable paradigm shift: the focus has moved from isolated cooling techniques toward integrated, multi-objective strategies—including geothermal energy co-exploitation, phase-change material applications, and system-level energy optimization—signaling a growing alignment with resource efficiency and low-carbon mining principles. However, a critical finding is that the literature remains predominantly techno-centric, overwhelmingly evaluating performance through operational energy savings while largely neglecting life-cycle environmental impacts, holistic sustainability assessment metrics, and the influence of policy drivers. This review thus not only provides a structured overview of the domain, but, more importantly, exposes these critical knowledge gaps. We argue that future research must pivot toward a multi-dimensional sustainability framework that integrates technical, economic, and environmental dimensions, thereby guiding the next generation of research toward truly sustainable deep-mining practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Coal Mine Disaster Prevention Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 9373 KB  
Article
Machine Learning-Based Delineation of Anomalous Gold Zones from Drillhole Geochemistry in a Sulphide-Hosted Orogenic Gold System
by Gilbert Yaw Bimpong, Justina Senam Lotsu and Kwaku Boakye
Geosciences 2026, 16(6), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16060240 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 168
Abstract
Early stage mineral exploration requires the reliable identification of anomalous gold zones from drillhole geochemistry in data-limited environments. This study applies a machine learning (ML) classification framework to detect anomalous gold zones (Au ≥ 0.68 ppm; 90th percentile) from bulk XRF multielement drillhole [...] Read more.
Early stage mineral exploration requires the reliable identification of anomalous gold zones from drillhole geochemistry in data-limited environments. This study applies a machine learning (ML) classification framework to detect anomalous gold zones (Au ≥ 0.68 ppm; 90th percentile) from bulk XRF multielement drillhole geochemistry in a Paleoproterozoic Birimian greenstone belt sulphide-hosted orogenic gold system, West African Craton. A total of 53,126 one-metre diamond core samples from 301 drillholes were preprocessed within a compositional data analysis (CoDA) framework, with Au being explicitly excluded from the centred log-ratio (CLR) transformation to eliminate target–predictor circularity. After Minimum Covariance Determinant (MCD) outlier filtering, 40,385 samples were retained to construct a 19-feature matrix of 10 CLR-transformed elements, 1 rock-type feature, and 8 sulphide–lithology interaction features. Drillhole-based block cross-validation (DH-block CV), validated by an experimental along-hole variogram (practical autocorrelation range ≈ 20 m), ensured spatially honest performance estimates. Four nonlinear classifiers—Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, LightGBM, and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP)—were benchmarked against a Logistic Regression (LR) linear baseline. All nonlinear classifiers achieved validation AUC of 0.936–0.938, outperforming LR (AUC = 0.931) with F1-score improvements of +0.09 to +0.11 and precision gains of up to +35 percentage points—directly reducing wasted drill holes in applied exploration. MLP recorded the highest F1-score (0.666) and precision (0.765), and XGBoost the highest recall (0.787). Permutation importance identified S-Ti (ΔAUC = 0.028), S-Fe (0.021), and S-Al (0.013) as the top-ranked features, confirming that sulphide enrichment relative to lithological background is the primary discriminating signal. Partial dependence analysis revealed a threshold-driven non-monotonic Fe dependence at CLR(Fe) ≈ 3, marking the transition from lithological dilutant to sulphide co-indicator—a nonlinear pattern inaccessible to linear classifiers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Big Data and AI for Geoscience)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3346 KB  
Review
The Gut-Bone Axis and Skeletal Health: Regulatory Mechanisms and Therapeutic Applications of Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds
by Tianzhu Zhang, Yufei Li, Jiahui Pei, Qingxia Zhang, Fengyun Lin and Shuzhen Li
Biomolecules 2026, 16(6), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16060912 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 173
Abstract
The gut microbiota and its metabolites, as components of the gut–bone axis, play a pivotal role in regulating skeletal homeostasis through the bidirectional communication network. In this systematic review, evidence was collected from mainstream databases following standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria for screening, to comprehensively [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota and its metabolites, as components of the gut–bone axis, play a pivotal role in regulating skeletal homeostasis through the bidirectional communication network. In this systematic review, evidence was collected from mainstream databases following standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria for screening, to comprehensively retrieve and screen eligible studies from multiple mainstream databases according to standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria, and systematically summarize current research progress on plant-derived bioactive compounds targeting the gut–bone axis for skeletal health regulation. This review systematically explores the underlying mechanisms of the gut–bone axis and critically evaluates the regulatory effects and therapeutic potential of plant-derived bioactive compounds. Particular attention is given to targeted interventions involving prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and plant-rich diets or functional foods. Among these interventions, synbiotics represent the most successful strategy and show the most prominent therapeutic possibilities in bone-related disorders. Different from single prebiotics (only nourish endogenous intestinal microbes), individual probiotics (easy to be degraded in gastrointestinal tract with poor colonization) and ordinary plant-rich diets (unfixed effective dosage and weak targeting property), synbiotics combine prebiotic carriers and viable probiotic strains to produce complementary advantages, which is the core reason for its outstanding therapeutic prospect against bone diseases. Synbiotics exert synergistic effects on gut microecology, mineral absorption, and immune regulation, leading to more robust and consistent improvements in bone health than single prebiotics, probiotics, or general plant-rich diets. They have been verified in preclinical and clinical studies to ameliorate osteoporosis and related skeletal diseases via the gut–bone axis. These strategies offer novel insights into the prevention and treatment of bone metabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis, by targeting the gut–bone axis with phytochemicals. Key outcomes of this review include that synbiotics, soy isoflavones, naringin, curcumin, and resveratrol effectively improve bone mineral density, restore gut microbiota balance, and inhibit pathological bone resorption via the gut–bone axis. Collectively, the above bioactive substances realize bone protection mainly by reshaping gut flora, elevating mineral uptake and suppressing excessive osteoclast activity. Representative cases include soy isoflavones mitigating estrogen-deficient bone loss in OVX models, naringin improving the trabecular microarchitecture, and probiotic BL-11 promoting longitudinal bone growth in children. Future directions will focus on clarifying dose–response relationships, developing standardized synbiotic formulations, constructing microbiome-guided precision diets, and conducting large-sample randomized controlled trials to translate plant-derived compounds into clinical therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Bio-derived Molecules)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 47709 KB  
Article
A Plant-Derived Flavonoid, Isobavachin, Promotes Osteogenesis and Alleviates Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis via Modulation of the ESR1-PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
by Jingran Cui, Xuting Song, Heran Liu, Zhenhai Cui, Mengmeng Sun, Min He and Meiying Jin
Molecules 2026, 31(12), 2158; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122158 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 242
Abstract
Background: Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is marked by impaired osteogenesis and reduced bone formation. Isobavachin (IBA), a flavonoid from Psoralea corylifolia, shows multiple potentials in anti-inflammatory and bone metabolism regulations, but its effects against GIOP remain unclear. This study investigated the osteoprotective effects and [...] Read more.
Background: Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is marked by impaired osteogenesis and reduced bone formation. Isobavachin (IBA), a flavonoid from Psoralea corylifolia, shows multiple potentials in anti-inflammatory and bone metabolism regulations, but its effects against GIOP remain unclear. This study investigated the osteoprotective effects and potential mechanism of IBA using zebrafish GIOP model. Methods: osteoprotective effects of IBA was assessed by fluorescence imaging in a prednisolone-induced zebrafish model, following with osteogenic gene expressions measured by RT-qPCR. Potential targets and pathways of IBA was filtered and predicted by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and finally validated with a pharmacological rescue experiment using a PI3K-specific inhibitor. Results: IBA improved bone mineralization and upregulated osteogenesis-related genes. Network pharmacology identified the PI3K-Akt pathway as a key pathway, with ESR1, GSK3B, MTOR, and CCND1 as core targets. PI3K inhibition attenuated the osteoprotective effects of IBA and suppressed downstream osteogenic gene expression. Conclusions: IBA alleviates GIOP by modulating the ESR1-associated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and may serve as a multi-target therapeutic candidate for osteoporosis. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 941 KB  
Review
Is Mass Timber Positioned to Lead Future Sustainable Construction? A Review of Economic, Cost, and Market Dimensions
by Galit Gatut Prakosa, Pipiet Larasatie, Kiara Winans, Andrew Goben, Daniel Hindman and Brian Bond
Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 6291; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18126291 (registering DOI) - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 228
Abstract
The construction sector contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions, making material substitutions a key strategy for advancing sustainability transitions. Mass timber has emerged as a low-carbon alternative to mineral-based construction materials, offering biogenic carbon storage and compatibility with prefabricated and industrialized building [...] Read more.
The construction sector contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions, making material substitutions a key strategy for advancing sustainability transitions. Mass timber has emerged as a low-carbon alternative to mineral-based construction materials, offering biogenic carbon storage and compatibility with prefabricated and industrialized building systems. This study aims to systematically synthesize the economic, cost, and market evidence on mass timber construction by reviewing 143 peer-reviewed publications, with the objective of clarifying what is empirically known and where uncertainties remain. The reviewed literature reveals three core findings. First, economic outcomes are mixed: while several studies report regional value creation, supply-chain upgrading, and alignment with circular-economy principles, others highlight persistent constraints such as limited manufacturing capacity and uneven policy support. Second, construction cost findings vary substantially, ranging from cost parity or modest savings relative to conventional systems to premiums of approximately 10–15%, shaped by regional pricing, labor availability, transportation distance, regulatory conditions, and supply-chain maturity. Third, market-oriented studies consistently identify slow diffusion, limited practitioner experience, and risk-averse investment environments as key barriers to adoption. Overall, the review shows that economic performance is not yet consistently established and underscores the need for more standardized, context-sensitive, and methodologically consistent evaluation frameworks to support informed decision-making and the sustainable scaling of mass timber construction. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1219 KB  
Article
Effects of Mineral Composition and TOC Content of Coal Gangue on CO2 Adsorption Capacity
by Bo Gao, Deliang Fu, Kangning Zhang, Dan He, Xiang Gao, Sida Zhang and Zixiang Wang
Processes 2026, 14(12), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121975 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 176
Abstract
Backfilling the industrial solid waste coal gangue into deep coal mine goafs for CO2 geological sequestration is a crucial pathway to achieve the synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. However, in complex deep geological environments, the chemical evolution of multiple [...] Read more.
Backfilling the industrial solid waste coal gangue into deep coal mine goafs for CO2 geological sequestration is a crucial pathway to achieve the synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. However, in complex deep geological environments, the chemical evolution of multiple mineral phases of coal gangue under gas–water–rock coupling effects and the carbon-controlling mechanism of residual total organic carbon (TOC) remain unclear. In this study, coal gangue from the goaf of the Xiaobaodang Coal Mine was used as the research object. Relying on a customized high-temperature and high-pressure reaction system to simulate the deep in situ environment (45 °C, 10 MPa), and combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD), total organic carbon determination, and isothermal CO2 adsorption experiments, the geochemical mechanism by which inorganic minerals and organic residual carbon synergistically control the ultimate CO2 adsorption potential was systematically revealed. The results show that the modification of the CO2 adsorption potential of coal gangue by gas–water–rock reactions exhibits strong mineral phase differentiation. Systems rich in active silicates generate a large amount of secondary clay minerals through intense carbonation alteration, achieving a significant increase in micro–nano pores and absolute adsorption capacity. Systems rich in carbonates steadily release deep primary adsorption potential by widening mass transfer channels through mineral dissolution. In contrast, systems rich in primary clay minerals face an irreversible attenuation of adsorption space due to physical clogging of pore throats caused by fluid migration. Furthermore, the initial organic carbon content exerts a significant non-linear regulatory effect on the development of the micropore network. The physical adsorption sites provided by the high relative content of layered clay minerals (>41%), coupled with the interfacial enhancement effect exerted by a moderate organic carbon content (0.12~0.16%), constitute an optimal physicochemical synergistic enhancement network, which is the core geological reason for stimulating the ultimate carbon sequestration capacity of coal gangue. The results of this study not only enrich the multiphase interfacial thermodynamic theory of complex heterogeneous geological bodies but also provide solid theoretical support for the precise optimization of target areas and the long-term evaluation of carbon sinks in goaf CO2 sequestration engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Petroleum and Low-Carbon Energy Process Engineering)
Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 10085 KB  
Article
Mathematical Evaluation of Hydraulic Fracture Complexity Based on Digital Rock Modeling and Fractal Geometry
by Xin Liu, Tianjiao Li, Bin Gong, Zhengzhao Liang, Siwei Meng and Na Wu
Mathematics 2026, 14(12), 2153; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14122153 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 208
Abstract
The fractal natural microstructure of shale reservoirs significantly influences hydraulic fracture propagation and reservoir stimulation. However, there is a lack of quantitative mathematical descriptions for the coupled regulation of micropores, natural fractures, and injection rates. This study develops a mathematical evaluation method for [...] Read more.
The fractal natural microstructure of shale reservoirs significantly influences hydraulic fracture propagation and reservoir stimulation. However, there is a lack of quantitative mathematical descriptions for the coupled regulation of micropores, natural fractures, and injection rates. This study develops a mathematical evaluation method for hydraulic fracture evolution in complex microstructured reservoirs using digital core technology, fractal geometry and a hydraulic–mechanical–damage coupling algorithm. High-resolution SEM images were used to reconstruct the microscopic fractal features. Integrated digital image processing and fractal analysis, along with geometric indices such as fractal dimension, fracture coverage, and stimulated area, and statistical measures including directional entropy, variance, and the Pearson correlation coefficient, were employed to systematically quantify fracture network evolution and complexity under different injection rates. Results show that fracture morphology, spatial complexity, and mineral damage mechanisms are jointly controlled by microstructure and injection rate. In particular, the directional distribution of pores and natural fractures is found to exert a dominant control on the propagation paths and branching behavior of hydraulic fractures, revealing a strong coupling between microstructural anisotropy and fracture directionality. Increased injection rates enhance fracture complexity and stimulation range, with varying effects from different microstructures. At low rates, fracture propagation is mainly determined by the initial microstructure, whereas at high rates, fractures tend to develop multiple pathways. Natural fracture structures contribute more to fracture complexity at high rates. The proposed comprehensive fracturability index (FI)-based fracturability evaluation model provides a systematic, quantitative approach to optimizing fracturing processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Finite Element Methods and Boundary Value Problems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4952 KB  
Article
A Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Reservoir Fracability and Fracturing Applicability Based on Multiple Influencing Factors
by Fuchun Tian, Liyong Yang, Xiaonan Ma, Xuewei Liu, Qi Chen, Yingxi Zhang, Shuzhao Guo, Yuwei Li and Genbo Peng
Processes 2026, 14(12), 1935; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121935 - 13 Jun 2026
Viewed by 219
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is the core technology for stimulation and reform of low-permeability and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Reservoir fracability directly determines fracture morphology, complexity, and stimulated reservoir volume. To address the shortcomings of existing fracability evaluation models, such as poor applicability, subjective [...] Read more.
Hydraulic fracturing is the core technology for stimulation and reform of low-permeability and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Reservoir fracability directly determines fracture morphology, complexity, and stimulated reservoir volume. To address the shortcomings of existing fracability evaluation models, such as poor applicability, subjective weighting and insufficient accuracy, five key indicators are selected, including brittleness index, brittle mineral index, stress difference coefficient, minimum horizontal principal stress and porosity. First, the three-dimensional discrete lattice method is used to clarify the influence of each parameter on fracture complexity. Then, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Entropy Weight Method (EWM) are combined to determine the indicator weights, a continuous fracability evaluation model is constructed, and a classification standard for fracturing applicability is established. The results show that the brittleness index has the greatest influence on fracture complexity with a weight of 0.3559, followed by brittle mineral index (0.2986), minimum principal stress (0.1994), stress difference coefficient (0.0993) and porosity (0.0467). The reservoir fracability indices of 0.37 and 0.59 are the mutation points of fracture complexity. Based on microseismic evaluation of stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) using an envelope surface method, it is found that reservoirs with low fracability are more suitable for fracturing designs characterized by large cluster spacing, fewer clusters, and smaller stage spacing. In contrast, reservoirs with medium and high fracability can develop more complex fracture networks by reducing cluster spacing, increasing the number of clusters, and adopting higher pumping rates. The research results can provide theoretical basis and technical support for hydraulic fracturing operation design. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2064 KB  
Article
Chalcopyrite Leaching in Alkaline Monosodium Glutamate Solutions: Process Optimization and Kinetic Study
by Carlos G. Perea Solano, Christian F. Ihle, Humberto Estay and Laurence G. Dyer
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060632 - 13 Jun 2026
Viewed by 290
Abstract
This study investigated the kinetics of chalcopyrite dissolution in an alkaline monosodium glutamate (MSG) solution using H2O2 and KMnO4. The aims were to optimize process conditions for maximum copper dissolution and to study the kinetic mechanism of dissolution [...] Read more.
This study investigated the kinetics of chalcopyrite dissolution in an alkaline monosodium glutamate (MSG) solution using H2O2 and KMnO4. The aims were to optimize process conditions for maximum copper dissolution and to study the kinetic mechanism of dissolution under varying conditions, such as particle size, oxidant type and concentration, temperature, and the presence of gangue minerals. Results showed that KMnO4 exhibited better oxidative efficiency and stability than H2O2, yielding copper recoveries above 90% in most conditions while keeping the dissolution of some gangue metals, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, lower, thereby reducing MSG consumption. Temperature and particle size were the most important factors in the effects on leaching kinetics; smaller particles allow higher initial reaction rates, while larger particles allow prolonged dissolution. The shrinking core model (SCM) was thus used to perform kinetic analysis and determine that diffusion controls the leaching process through the product layer. The calculated activation energies of 18.2 kJ/mol of MSG-H2O2 and 17.3 kJ/mol of MSG-KMnO4 confirm the diffusional mechanism. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 41471 KB  
Article
PH/Ionic Pre-Conditioning-Assisted CO2 Mineralization of Cemented Tailings Backfill: Early Strength and Interfacial Mechanism
by Weiliang Pan, Duiming Guo, Hongtu Xu and Qixuan Huang
Processes 2026, 14(12), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121907 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Early-age strength development and carbon emissions represent specific operational constraints in underground cemented tailings backfill (CTB) operations. A pH and ionic pre-conditioning-assisted CO2 mineralization process was evaluated for carbonate-rich cemented tailings backfill designed to improve early UCS while retaining measurable CO2 [...] Read more.
Early-age strength development and carbon emissions represent specific operational constraints in underground cemented tailings backfill (CTB) operations. A pH and ionic pre-conditioning-assisted CO2 mineralization process was evaluated for carbonate-rich cemented tailings backfill designed to improve early UCS while retaining measurable CO2 uptake through systematic process control and optimization. Skarn-type tailings (CaO 16.74 wt%, total carbonates 34.7 wt%) were subjected to screening under nominal pH and ionic pre-conditioning treatments (4.0–11.5), CO2 pressure (0–0.5 MPa), cement-to-tailings ratio (1:3–1:12), and slurry concentration (66–78%). Strength evolution (1–28 d), mineralization products were characterized using TGA as the primary CO2-uptake method, with XRD used for semi-quantitative phase-trend assessment, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray computed tomography (CT), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Under optimal conditions (pH 8.5, 0.3 MPa CO2 pressure, 48 h mineralization, 72–74% solids), mineralized specimens achieved 2-day uniaxial compressive strength equivalent to 1.47-times the 3-day control strength (p < 0.01), with peak net CO2 sequestration of 37.1 g/kg. EBSD analysis of 347 grain boundaries and TEM-SAED examination of multiple foil sections supported the occurrence of syntaxial calcite overgrowth on primary carbonate debris as a major interfacial transition zone strengthening mechanism. Interconnected pore cluster volume decreased by 70.6%; Zn2+ and Pb2+ leaching decreased by 67.2% and 71.8%, respectively. A shrinking-core kinetics-Ryshkewitch model with pH-dependent correction functions predicted 3-day strength with acceptable accuracy for TW-A and TW-B, whereas TW-C showed a −27.3% deviation, identifying acidic and sulfate-rich wastewater as a boundary condition outside the reliable model domain. Field coring at −500 m depth provided pilot-scale evidence that a 23 mm mineralized shell was consistent with localized reduction of shallow exposed-face instability risk during the early free-standing period. Overall, the pH and ionic pre-conditioning-assisted CO2 mineralization process is proposed as a laboratory-supported and field-informed screening framework for simultaneous early-strength enhancement and partial carbon sequestration in carbonate-rich cemented tailings systems. The resulting models and parameter guidance should be interpreted as preliminary design tools requiring further factorial optimization and long-term field validation before full site-specific deployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 30100 KB  
Article
Characteristics and Reservoir Evaluation of Sinian Microbial Dolomites in the Kepin Area, Tarim Basin
by Yi-Ni Liu, Jian-Feng Zheng, An-Jiang Shen, An-Ping Hu, Zhan-Feng Qiao and Jian-Min Xiang
Processes 2026, 14(12), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121895 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 181
Abstract
Microbial dolostones of the Sinian Qigebulake Formation in the Kepin area, northwestern Tarim Basin, represent an important target for deep to ultra-deep hydrocarbon exploration. Based on integrated analyses of outcrop sections, drilling cores, thin sections, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and petrophysical data, this [...] Read more.
Microbial dolostones of the Sinian Qigebulake Formation in the Kepin area, northwestern Tarim Basin, represent an important target for deep to ultra-deep hydrocarbon exploration. Based on integrated analyses of outcrop sections, drilling cores, thin sections, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and petrophysical data, this study systematically investigates the lithofacies characteristics, reservoir space types, and controlling factors of microbial dolostone reservoirs. (1) Five major lithofacies types were identified, including stromatolitic dolostone, clotted dolostone, foamy laminated dolostone, granular dolostone, and crystalline dolostone. These lithofacies mainly developed in an inner-ramp depositional setting and vertically formed a shallowing-upward sedimentary succession from tidal flat to microbial mound and shoal facies. Reservoir spaces are dominated by secondary dissolution pores, including framework dissolution pores, intergranular and intragranular dissolution pores, vugs, fractures, and karst cavities. The reservoirs are characterized by medium porosity, low permeability, and strong heterogeneity. (2) Sedimentary facies, microbial dolomitization, and karstification jointly controlled the development of relatively favorable reservoir intervals. Early microbial-induced dolomitization enhanced the rigidity of microbial frameworks and facilitated the preservation of primary pores, whereas meteoric karstification associated with the terminal Sinian Keping Movement significantly improved reservoir quality through large-scale dissolution enlargement and fracture-cavity development. SEM observations reveal abundant microbial mineralization textures, including cauliflower-shaped, dumbbell-shaped, and spheroidal dolomite morphologies associated with EPS remnants, providing direct evidence for microbial mediation during dolomite precipitation. (3) Reservoir intervals with relatively favorable physical properties are mainly distributed in the middle-upper microbial mound intervals and upper karst-modified zones of the Qigebulake Formation, forming a favorable source–reservoir–seal assemblage with the overlying Yuertusi Formation black shales. This study provides new insights into the formation and preservation mechanisms of deep microbial dolostone reservoirs and offers important implications for ultra-deep hydrocarbon exploration in the Tarim Basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Technology for Oil and Nature Gas Exploration)
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 64460 KB  
Article
Sediment-Routing Reorganization and Associated Sedimentary Responses Across the Es3–Es2 Syn-Rift Stage Transition in the Qinan Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
by Yibo Zhao, Shengli Li, Shunli Li, Jianxun Qin, Bo Han, Chengpeng Tan, Chao Fu and Yun Luo
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060624 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 228
Abstract
Transitions within the syn-rift stage provide a key window for examining sediment-routing changes and associated sedimentary responses in lacustrine rift basins. In the Bohai Bay Basin, the interval from the third member (Es3) to the second member (Es2) of the Eocene Shahejie Formation [...] Read more.
Transitions within the syn-rift stage provide a key window for examining sediment-routing changes and associated sedimentary responses in lacustrine rift basins. In the Bohai Bay Basin, the interval from the third member (Es3) to the second member (Es2) of the Eocene Shahejie Formation records a transition from early strong rifting toward relatively stable rifting. The Qinan Sag, a secondary sag along the Qikou Sag margin, was sensitive to this transition. Using cores, well logs, three-dimensional (3D) seismic data, and heavy-mineral data, this study reconstructs the source configuration, palaeogeomorphology, depositional-system evolution, and Es3–Es2 source-related sediment-dispersal domains. The results show that the supply pattern shifted from coeval supply by a southern regional source and northern and western local sources during Es3 to southern regional-source dominance during Es2. Accordingly, Es3 contains strongly differentiated braided-delta, fan-delta, and subaqueous-fan assemblages. Es2 contains weakly differentiated shallow-water delta and beach-bar assemblages. Three source-related sediment-dispersal domains coexisted during Es3. During Es2, the northern domain was no longer identified, and the western gentle-slope belt evolved into a high-sand-ratio beach-bar belt. This reorganization was mainly controlled by the combined effects of source-configuration changes, geomorphic segmentation, and contrasting slope–A/S conditions (A/S = accommodation/sediment supply). Supply-pattern simplification and weakened geomorphic segmentation shifted sediment routing after basin entry from multiple, dispersed pathways to dominant-source-controlled focused routing. Moderate-to-steep slopes and higher relative A/S proxy values during Es3 favoured discrete, segmented sandy-deposit preservation; gentle slopes and lower relative A/S proxy values during Es2 promoted focused routing and preservation of sandy deposits along the dominant direction, with local shallow-water enrichment. Across the Es3–Es2 syn-rift stage transition, regional-source-related sediment routing showed stronger persistence; local-source-related routing more often weakened or terminated, with corresponding areas tending to show shallow-water redistribution and enrichment signals. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 44671 KB  
Article
Halogen-Bearing Silver Compounds in the Oxidation Zone of the Arkharly Deposit (Southeastern Kazakhstan)
by Zamzagul T. Umarbekova, Ravil R. Gadeev, Moldir A. Mashrapova, Gaukhar M. Karatayeva, Rustem A. Amanbaev and Kuanysh Togizov
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 5752; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125752 - 8 Jun 2026
Viewed by 228
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the chemical composition features of the identified silver halides in the oxidation zone of the Arkharly deposit. The chemical composition of silver halides and associated mineral phases was determined using electron probe microanalysis [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the chemical composition features of the identified silver halides in the oxidation zone of the Arkharly deposit. The chemical composition of silver halides and associated mineral phases was determined using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The identified silver halides in the oxidation zone of the Arkharly deposit occur as concentrically zoned aggregates with a native silver core rimmed by silver halides of variable composition (Ag–Cl–Br–I). This indicates a significant role of supergene redistribution processes of silver. Based on their chemical composition, the silver halides of the Arkharly deposit form two clearly distinct groups differentiated by iodine content. The silver halides (iodargyrites) identified in the oxidation zone of the Arkharly deposit indicate enrichment of circulating solutions in iodine. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 41743 KB  
Article
Hydrochemical Tracing for Solute Sources and Enrichment Mechanisms in Inland Lake Waters of the Qiangtang Plateau, Northern Tibet, China
by Yuanqing Liu, Dongguang Wen, Le Zhou, Lin Lv, Xuejun Ma, Jianhua Feng, Yanwei Guo, Jian Cao and Tao Lv
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060599 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 186
Abstract
To elucidate the solute sources, migration and enrichment mechanisms of water bodies in the endorheic lake region of the Qiangtang Plateau on the Tibetan Plateau and clarify the hydrogeochemical cycling patterns in alpine arid environments, this study focuses on two core scientific objectives: [...] Read more.
To elucidate the solute sources, migration and enrichment mechanisms of water bodies in the endorheic lake region of the Qiangtang Plateau on the Tibetan Plateau and clarify the hydrogeochemical cycling patterns in alpine arid environments, this study focuses on two core scientific objectives: quantitative identification of the multi-source contributions of aquatic solutes, and revelation of the key processes governing the enrichment of strategic elements including lithium (Li) and boron (B). To achieve these goals, we conducted systematic hydrogeological field investigations and collected 28 multi-type water samples, covering springs, rivers, thermal springs, freshwater lakes, salt lake brines, atmospheric precipitation, and glacial meltwater. The physicochemical properties, major ions, and trace elements of all samples were comprehensively analyzed. On this basis, the hydrogeochemical characteristics, evolutionary processes, and solute origins of regional waters were systematically explored. Combined with PHREEQC numerical simulation, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson correlation analysis, the dominant controlling factors of water geochemistry were quantified, and a conceptual hydrogeochemical evolution model was established. The results reveal a clear hydrogeochemical evolutionary gradient across the study area: water bodies evolve from low-salinity HCO3-Ca recharge end-members and transitional HCO3·SO4-Ca(Mg) type water to highly mineralized Cl-Na (SO4·Cl-Na) salt lake brines, accompanied by synchronous enrichment of Li, B, arsenic (As), and other characteristic elements. Solute accumulation in regional waters is governed by the ternary coupling effects of evaporative concentration, rock weathering and leaching, and deep geothermal fluid input, while cation exchange and mineral dissolution–precipitation reactions further modulate ionic composition and ratios. Elements including As, Li, B, and chloride (Cl) exhibit conservative migration behaviors in non-hydrothermal waters, whereas thermal springs possess unique geochemical signatures driven by deep fluid recharge. PCA results indicate that evaporative concentration serves as the primary controlling factor with a contribution rate of 55.39%; rock weathering provides the basic solute load (17.09%); and the coupled processes of deep fluid mixing and carbonate precipitation regulate elemental fractionation (14.21%). These findings systematically clarify the hydrogeochemical evolution laws and multi-source coupling mechanisms of inland lake waters in the Qiangtang Plateau. Furthermore, this study establishes a conceptual framework of “multi-source recharge–water–rock interaction–evaporative concentration”, advances the understanding of alpine hydrological cycling under climate change, and provides a solid scientific foundation for hydrological cycle research and green exploration of strategic mineral resources in endorheic salt lake regions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3302 KB  
Article
Remediation Effects and Mechanisms of Biochar Derived from Agricultural Waste on Soils Contaminated with Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb)
by Xiang Zhang, Chunyi Kuang, Ziying Han, Xiaoyuan Chen, Zhihong Gao and Yongyong Zhu
Agriculture 2026, 16(11), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16111236 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are ubiquitous toxic heavy metals in farmland soils, posing a threat to agricultural product safety and human health through food chain transmission. Biochar is widely used for in situ immobilization of heavy metals; however, systematic comparisons of the [...] Read more.
Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are ubiquitous toxic heavy metals in farmland soils, posing a threat to agricultural product safety and human health through food chain transmission. Biochar is widely used for in situ immobilization of heavy metals; however, systematic comparisons of the immobilization performance of rice straw biochar (RSB) and sugarcane bagasse biochar (SCB) under single and combined Cd–Pb contamination remain limited. This study systematically evaluated their immobilization performance and mechanisms through pot and batch adsorption experiments. Without altering total soil Cd and Pb contents, both biochars significantly regulated heavy metal bioavailability in the soil–plant system. In batch adsorption, RSB exhibited maximum Cd and Pb adsorption capacities 2.1 and 3.0 times those of SCB, respectively, with chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. In pot experiments, RSB reduced Pb uptake in pakchoi by 60.0% and 81.0%, but increased Cd uptake. SCB increased Cd uptake under single Cd contamination, had no significant effect on Pb under single Pb contamination, yet reduced Cd and Pb uptake under co-contamination by 44.4% and 31.6%, respectively. These differential effects are attributed to distinct mechanisms: Pb was primarily immobilized via stable mineral precipitation, whereas Cd was bound through weakly reversible ion exchange. Both biochars improved soil fertility and maintained core bacterial ecological functions without posing additional ecological risks. This study clarifies the feedstock-dependency and metal-specificity of biochar in remediating Cd- and Pb-contaminated farmlands, guiding precise biochar selection under varying contamination scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop