Environmental Aspect of Population Organisation of Terrestrial Mollusk Brephulopsis cylindrica (Pulmonata, Buliminidae) in Space and Time at a Remediation Territory (Nikopol Manganese ore Basin)

Density variability of a population of the mollusk Brephulopsis cylindrica (Menke, 1828) was studied at a reclaimed site in the Nikopol manganese ore basin. This study was conducted on sod-lithogenic soil on grey-green clay. The samples were collected over 3 years, 3 times a year, on a regular grid. Lexis aggregation index (λ) and geostatistical tools were used to characterise spatial distribution of the mollusks. The correlation between the distribution of B. cylindrica and environmental factors was established using correlation analysis. Valid correlations were identified between distribution of the mollusk and variation of the fraction content in composition of structural aggregates of soil. Also, valid correlations were identified with plant species composition at the reclaimed site.

Processing and production of pellets from poor-grade manganese-containing raw materials

there is a review of current researches in the processing of poor-grade manganese raw materials. The variety of manganese minerals caused by the valent state of metal in compounds is demonstrated. Different processing methods for manganese-containing mineral and technogenic raw materials are considered. The process of extraction of manganese from ferruginous manganese ore using reduction roasting and magnetic separation, beneficiation technology of poor-grade manganese ore to improve the ratio of Mn/Fe; processes of beneficiation and sintering of fine ferruginous manganese ore with low manganese content; production of agglomerate from the concentrate of manganese poor-grade ore to produce ferrosilicon manganese are described. Results of the authors researches intended to obtain concentrate from manganese-containing sludge and to produce hardened pellets suitable for melting into ferromanganese on its basis using a new component of the binder are presented.

Sedimentary Setting and Ore-Forming Model in the Songtao Manganese Deposit, Southwestern China: Evidence from Audio-Frequency Magnetotelluric and Gravity Data

The break-up of the supercontinent Rodinia in the late Neoproterozoic led to the formation of the Nanhua rift basin within the South China Block. The Datangpo-type manganese deposit, which developed in the Nanhua rift basin, is one of the most important types of manganese deposits in South China. Although it is widely accepted that deep sedimentary structures significantly affect the manganese ore system, the relationship between the manganese deposits in South China and the Nanhua rifting process is still unclear. The origin of the manganese ore layer remains controversial. In this paper, we integrated the audio-frequency magnetotelluric (AMT) data, gravity data, and comprehensive geological and borehole data analysis to characterize the structure of the Datangpo-type manganese deposit in Songtao, Guizhou Province. The resistivity and density models produced an inclined layered structure, which correlated well with the coeval sediment strata of the Nanhua rift basin. A high-resistivity cap was observed from the surface to a depth of 800 m, corresponding to the Cambrian Loushanguan (ϵ3−4ls) and Palang dolomite formation (ϵ2p), which has helped the storage of the manganese ore. The most significant low-resistivity anomaly (25–40 Ω·m) resides at a depth of 1400 m in the Nantuo (Nh3n) gravel sandstone and Datangpo (Nh2d) silty and carbonaceous shale, corresponding to the ore-forming layer. This distinct low-resistivity layer was possibly produced by aqueous fluids and pyrite in the syn-sedimentary fault and alteration zone. The accumulations of sulfide minerals in the rock samples suggest a possible anoxic-euxinic deposition environment during the manganese mineralization and precipitation. The fault revealed in the resistivity models is perhaps a previous fault zone produced by extension in the Nanhua rifting process, which provided migration and upwelling channels for ore-forming minerals. Based on our resistivity models, density models, and geological survey, the manganese ore-forming model was derived, which can help to provide geophysical evidence for the origin of the Datangpo-type manganese deposit.

Mineralogical Characterization of Manganese Oxide Minerals of the Devonian Xialei Manganese Deposit

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is an important manganese ore district in Southwest China, with manganese ore resource reserves accounting for 23% of the total manganese ore resource reserves in China. The Xialei manganese deposit (Daxin County, Guangxi) is the first super-large manganese deposit discovered in China. The Mn oxide in the supergene oxidation zone of the Xialei deposit was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM, HRTEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The Mn oxides have a gray-black/steel-gray color, a semi-metallic-earthy luster, and appear as oolitic, pisolitic, banded, massive, and cellular textures. Scanning electron microscopy images show that the manganese oxide minerals are present as fine-spherical particles with an earthy surface. TEM and HRTEM indicate the presence of oriented bundled and staggered nanorods, and nanopores between the crystals. The Mn oxide ore can be classified into two textural types: (1) oolitic and pisolitic (often with annuli) Mn oxide, and (2) massive Mn oxide. Pyrolusite, cryptomelane, and hollandite are the main Mn oxide minerals. The potassium contents of cryptomelane and pyrolusite are discussed. The unit cell parameters of pyrolusite are refined.

Assessing the Grindability Behaviour of Anka (Zamfara State, Nigeria) Manganese Ore towards Effective Manganese Mineral Liberation

The Bond standard grindability test provides a Work Index that is widely used to estimate the energy required for ore grinding. The research investigates the work index of Anka Manganese ore at Anka deposit in Zamfara state, Nigeria. The reference ore (Quartz) was sourced from the studied ore overburden in the mine. The test ore and the reference ore were characterized using Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, X - ray Diffractometer and the Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectrum. 500 g each of the manganese ore and quartz were sampled and prepared by crushing and grinding to 100% passing 1200 μm sieve. 100 g of prepared ores were charged into array of sieve arranged in √2 series from 1000 μm to 63 μm. Set of sieves were mounted on the Automated Pascal Denver sieve shaker (16153) and was in operation for 20 minutes. The work index of reference ore was used to calculate the work index of the test ore using Gaudin Schuman expression to obtain a work index of 14.16 Kwh/ton for test ore and it lies within the work index of 10-15.14 Kwh/ton for manganese ore stated in the literature and the energy expended to achieve communition at mineral liberation size was calculated to be 3.3984 Kw/ton.

Ecological Restoration of Degraded Habitats of Jajang Iron and Manganese Ore Mines, Keonjhar, Odisha, India

Mining activities in Jajang iron and manganese ore mines located in Keonjhar district of Odisha, India starting from mineral explorations to production and transport are causing environmental damage in many ways, which includes deforestation, loss of topsoil, accelerated soil erosion, migration of wildlife and avifauna, and addition of air pollutants and dust to the atmosphere. In connection to this, the current study was an attempt to regain the original ecological status of the degraded areas of Jajang iron and manganese ore mines caused due to mining by Rungta Mines Limited. To achieve this indigenous plant species for restoration were selected from mining forests and plantations. Species selection from mining forests was made through systematic phytosociological analysis that involved measurement of Importance Value Index (IVI), regeneration values of tree species and their economic uses. On the other hand, species selection from plantations was made based on their growth, productivity, economic uses and adaptation to terrain and soil types. Shrubs and grasses were selected based on their relative index and abundance, respectively. The top 15 tree and 16 grass species as well as all six shrub species were selected from mining forests and plantations were considered for restoration. The findings of the study may also aids in the faster restoration of degraded habitats with initial human facilitation as the soils of degraded areas were similar to that of the mining forest. To speed up the recovery process after-care and monitoring have also been suggested or advised.

Preliminary Study on the Reductive Leaching of Manganese Ores using FeSO₄/Iron Powder as Reducing Agents under Room Temperature

The leaching of manganese (Mn) ore in sulphuric acid (H2SO4) under reductive conditions has been studied. The effects of leaching parameters such as ore/reductant mass ratio, acid concentration, ore particle size, solid/liquid ratio, leaching time and different reductant potential on the maximum recovery of manganese have been investigated. The optimal leaching conditions were ore/reductant mass ratio of 1:3.4, acid concentration of 10% v/v H2SO4, ore particle size of 63-200 µm, particle size of iron powder of –150 µm, solid/liquid ratio of 1:20, and leaching time of 1.5 hours at room temperature. A comparative analysis on the recovery of manganese ore was also investigated under the optimal leaching conditions for two different reductants, iron sulphate (FeSO4) and iron powder. The maximum manganese recoveries at the optimal leaching conditions in the presence of FeSO4 and iron powder are 80.6% and 95%, respectively. The results indicate that manganese can readily be leached during short time at room temperature. Furthermore, iron powder has a stronger reducing power compared to FeSO4 with respect to manganese ore recovery.