The relevance of the work is connected with the status of barite as a critical mineral raw material, as accepted in most industrialized countries.

Purpose: to study the dynamics of commodity flows (production, import, export, consumption) of barite throughout the countries, its world prices, sources of barite raw materials and the prospects for its production and consumption.

Methods: statistical, graphic, logical.

Results. The production of barite raw materials from 0,3 Mt/year in 1920s grew intensively and reached 8.0–9.6 Mt/year in the 2010. Initially, both the mining and processing of barite raw materials industries were located directly in the USA, Germany, Britain, Italy, and France. These countries accounted for over 90% of world production and 80–95% of world consumption. In the 1950s, a sharp increase in the consumption of barite as a weighting agent for drilling fluids began. This led to an increase in its production in large oil and gas producing countries (the USA, the USSR, Mexico, Canada), export flows (from Morocco and other countries), and cessation of exports from Germany, Britain and France. The share of international trade in barite also increased from 0,3–0,5 Mt/year in the 1950s to 4.2–6.0 Mt/year (55–70% of his income) in the 2010s. The cumulative world production of barite between 1920–2020 is expected to be 550 Mt. World barite resources in deposits prepared for exploitation are estimated at 740 Mt. The group of critical countries importing barite raw materials (imports over 50%) represents 38.8% of the GDP of the world economy (USA, European Union, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Algeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Argentina). The group of countries exporting barite raw materials includes 31.0% of the GDP of the world economy (India, Morocco, China, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Iran, Laos, Mexico, Pakistan, Bulgaria. A decrease in the criticality of barite raw material supply is possible as a result in reducing consumption (Japan, France, Italy and the Czech Republic), increasing world barite production with the commissioning of new deposits, given the significant prepared resources of this raw material in Iran, Kazakhstan and Pakistan, as well as the search for new barite deposits, including chemogenic marine bottom sediments.

Quartz resources play a crucial role in the development of key economic sectors, particularly in the production of chemically pure silicon. The extraction and processing of these resources necessitate high-tech methods to obtain the desired silicon output. Presently, the demand for silicon stands at 5–6 Ktpa, while the supply remains at 2300 t. An analysis of the chemical properties of various rocks (quartzites, quartz sands, vein quartz) in the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania reveals that their parametric characteristics align with the requirements for silicon production. The researchers in North Ossetia have successfully grown singlecrystal silicon and produced photovoltaic converters. Russian scientists have also achieved the first melting of metallurgical silicon into polycrystalline silicon using vacuum furnaces and electron-beam remelting, yielding promising results. The goal of this research is to analyze and assess the potential of high-quality quartz resources in the North Caucasus. The main objectives include identifying sites with optimal quartz deposits suitable for silicon production, conducting localization, estimating forecast resources, and designating areas for further investigation. The selected sites are expected to possess advantageous geographical and economic features, along with favorable mining conditions conducive to open-pit mining.

The study focuses on the Fiagdon site in the Alagir District, RNO-Alania. Various methods, including laboratory work, sampling, examination of constructed sections, and a comprehensive review of mine workings and borehole documentation, were employed. Conclusions from mineralogical and petrographic analyses, alongside laboratory studies and process tests, contributed to the research methodology. The results of the research encompassed the analysis of statistical, economic, geological, and process-related information necessary for addressing primary geological objectives. Subsequent steps involved the selection of prospects for further exploration, specification of geological maps at a 1:10000 scale with accompanying legends and sections, determination of the conditions, morphology, and parameters of productive deposits, and preliminary studies on the quality and process characteristics of quartz resources. Furthermore, the P2 forecast resources of high-quality quartz raw materials for silicon production were localized, estimated at 500 Kt, and rigorously tested. The study’s discoveries have led to the formulation of recommendations for future exploration endeavors.

When designing the parameters for the development of oil and gas field at significant depths, crucial to comprehend how certain factors affect the behavior of reservoir rocks and host rocks. These factors include the high level of rock stress, the ambient temperature field, and the hydro- and gas-dynamic processes within the mass. The impact of one or a combination of these factors can result in alterations to the construction, structure, composition, and properties of the rock mass and, ultimately leading to a mismatch between the design solutions and the actual conditions.

The purpose of the research is to establish a methodology for conducting laboratory studies that investigate the impact of the mode of occurrence of oil and gas field reservoirs at great depths on the properties of rock samples.

The research objectives encompass a theoretical analysis and the identification of the principal factors influencing rock behavior and changes in internal structure. Additionally, the objectives include developing laboratory research methods that comprehensively simulate these factors and conducting trial experiments to assess their effects.

As part of the project, tests were conducted on sandstone samples collected from depth ranging from 3.5 to 4 km within the hydrocarbon field. These studies were performed while simulating thermobaric reservoir conditions, which include temperature, rock pressure, and reservoir pressure.

The results of these experiments, aimed at examining the behavior of rock samples as closely as possible to their natural reservoir occurrence at depth of 3.5–4 km, are presented. It has been observed that rock samples of the same lithology, collected from nearly identical depths, can exhibit significant differences in deformation characteristics, both in the pre- and off-limit regions of loading. The findings from these studies provide the initial data for the development and refinement of geomechanical model behavior for materials that take into account not only fracture strength criteria but also dilatancy processes at various stages of rock deformation. Increasing lateral pressure within the range of 0 to to 55 MPa causes relatively minor change in ultrasonic vibration velocities, typically ranging from 1 to 10%. This makes it challenging to determine the necessity of utilizing these results for indirectly assessing changes in rock properties within the mass. Nevertheless, within the context of geophysical studies, considering variations in velocity values enhances the quality of result interpretation, especially given the substantial geometric dimensions of the rock masses under investigation.

Research into the acoustic emissions of rocks in a complex stressed state enables the monitoring of spatial micro- and macrofracturing processes throughout the entire loading phase of samples. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of changes in their internal structure. The article delves into the factors that impact structural changes in oil and gas field rocks, particularly as their development extends to greater depths. The study outlines methodological approaches that facilitate the investigation of physical and mechanical properties of rock samples, while accurately modeling complex thermobaric conditions. Additionally, the it describes the technical specifications of the testing equipment, ensuring the closest possible replication of the actual conditions of reservoir rock occurrences. Lastly, the study reveals key features related to the deformation and fracture of rock samples during testing under lateral pressures of 55 MPa and pore pressures of 30 MPa, along with the creation of temperature fields up to 100 °C.

Ash and slag materials are removed from boiler rooms of CHP “Combined Heat and Power Plant” (Teploelektrotsentral’) by hydraulic transport and disposed in ash dumps. These are specially organized areas encircled by protective dams depending on the relief either along the entire perimeter or only in certain low-lying areas. The dams of hydraulic structures must provide stability to the whole structure against the following factors: shear; stability of slopes against sliding; filtration resistance of a dam body soils; reliable slope protection against possible failure due to atmospheric precipitation; as well as against wave action of water (within a settling pond); sufficient excess of dam crest over water level of a pond, etc. The study focuse on the design of ash and slag dump embankment (for storage of the ash and slag removed from the boiler rooms of Karaganda CHP by hydraulic transport). Ash dump design requires a broad range of problems to be solved. These include determination of location, design features and type of embankment, area of the basin and volume of the stored waste, strength of the embankment structures, etc. In order to assess the condition of the ash dump design, the stability of the facility embankment slopes for different combinations of loads, the conditions of possible watering of the dams, the presence of “geomembrane”, and pore pressure need to be analysed. A software program based on the finite element method allows simulation of ground (soil) conditions based on the strength and strain characteristics of the dam body filling soils and the base soils. Safety factors of the outer (downstream) slopes of hydraulic structures is determined taking into account the category and design of a structure, type of base (foundation), criticality of the design process stage, and other factors on the basis of conditions that ensure the prevention of the onset of limit states. The most critical and characteristic cross-sections across the perimeter of the ash dump embankment were selected for the computations, based on the analysis of the designed hydraulic structure base lithological composition. According to the computations performed, the outer slopes of the embankment at the paths of wells No. 373-19, No. 381-19, characteristic of almost the entire length of the embankment, are stable for different combinations of loads.

One of the research areas focused on improving the efficiency of diamond-bearing kimberlite beneficiation processes involves the utilization of technology aimed at enhancing the recovery of weakly and anomalously luminescent diamonds during the X-ray luminescence separation process using luminophore-containing chemical agents. The objective of this research was to select the optimal composition of agents that modify the spectral characteristics of minerals and the conditions for their application. A crucial factor for process efficiency is the effective attachment of modifying agents to diamond crystals while avoiding similar attachment to kimberlite mineral surfaces. This is achieved through the use of organic collectors with an optimal composition, characterized by their ability to both adhere to the diamond surface and retain inorganic luminophore grains. The evaluation of luminophore attachment efficiency was performed using visiometric analysis in the UV range. The capability of diamonds to retain luminophore collector droplets or films on their surfaces was evaluated using a technique to measure the three-phase limiting wetting angle. The spectral and kinetic characteristics of diamonds and their recovery during the X-ray luminescence separation process were determined using a separator “Polyus-M”. The feasibility of purposefully modifying the spectral characteristics of weakly and anomalously luminescent diamonds through luminophore-containing compositions based on zinc sulfides and zinc orthosilicate has been confirmed through the conducted studies. By considering the criterion of selectivity in the attachment of luminophore emulsion to diamonds and kimberlite minerals, calculated based on the measured surface concentrations of luminophores on the minerals, the optimal ratios between the masses of inorganic luminophore, organic collector, and the aqueous phase of the emulsion were determined. Dispersing agents that offer selective binding of luminophores to diamond crystals were identified, and rational parameters for the composition of the organic collector were established. The temperature range for treating diamond-containing material was defined. As a result of bench testing the modifying agents with the selected composition and conditions for their application in the diamond-containing material treatment cycle before XRF separation, it was confirmed that the recovery of anomalously and weakly luminescent diamonds could exceed 90%, while keeping the yield of kimberlite minerals in the concentrate below 1%.

The contamination of natural ecosystems with heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs) primarily results from anthropogenic activities. Consequently, ongoing efforts are dedicated to the development of technologies aimed at restraining the mobility of HMMs and expediting chemical reactions that convert pollutants from mobile to immobile states. Addressing the reclamation issue always necessitates the selection of the most promising and effective type of reclamation work, as well as justification of land prioritization for reclamation purposes. In terms of performance and future potential, the sorbent-oriented approach, grounded in the concept of “green” utilization of man-made waste as a raw material for creating novel composite sorbents, is gaining traction for land reclamation in disturbed areas. In international practice, diverse environmental risk assessment methods are employed to substantiate the necessity for and prioritize reclamation efforts.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate established conventional methods for assessing the risks associated with environmental harm. Additionally, this research aims to assess the efficacy and ecological compatibility of the composite sorbents developed by the author. This evaluation will be conducted by assessing and comparing the levels of potential environmental risks or risks of environmental damage subsequent to the application of these sorbents.

The objectives of this study are as follows: 1) to explore the theoretical aspects of HMMs: including the formulation of a definition, investigation onto the origins of HMMs, examination of HMMs’ toxicity, and identification of prevalent methods for evaluating the environmental risks associated with HMMs; 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of established methods for assessing the environmental risks posed by HMMs; 3) to assess the efficacy and environmental sustainability of the composite sorbents developed by the author. This evaluation will involve an examination and comparison of the levels of potential environmental risks and the risks of environmental damage subsequent to the a pplication of these sorbents.

The research subject: the mining allotment within the Levikhinskoye mine (classified as an environmental disaster site) is investigated as a disturbed land ecosystem, encompassing industrial waste dumps containing HMMs.

The research hypothesis aims to establish the viability of “green” waste utilization from industrial sources as a raw material for composite sorbents used in land reclamation, without escalating the environmental damage. The conducted experiments revealed that sorbents composed of peat/water treatment sludge (at a ratio of 20/80 wt. % with natural moisture content) and peat/diatomite/water treatment sludge (at a ratio of 5/15/80 wt. % with natural moisture content) exhibited the highest level of performance, surpassing an overall efficiency of 89%. A sorbent composed of peat/diatomite (at a ratio of 25/75 wt. % with natural moisture content) demonstrated an overall efficiency of 67.7%. The estimated environmental risks (ER and ED) after the application of the proprietary composite sorbents, which include water treatment sludge, exhibited an average reduction of 89.5% and 88%, respectively.

The mining, transportation, and processing of coal involve the formation and emission of significant amounts of particulate matter, which includes coal dust. The most commonly employed method for controlling coal dust in an air is water spray dust suppression (hydrodedusting). This method is founded on water’s capacity to moisten dust particles and bond them to both each other and the surfaces where the dust settles. One notable limitation of this method is the coal’s hydrophobic nature, which hinders water from wetting coal dust particles. In order to overcome this, surfactants are introduced into the water to increase the wettability of the hydrophobic coal particle surface. In this paper, we proposed a dust suppressant composition consisting of oleic acid, sodium hydroxide, and linseed oil in water. We examine its properties and evaluated its ability to enhance the wettability of coal dust. We have identified the most effective concentration, resulting in a working solution that improves the wettability of coal dust by 87 % compared to water, surpassing the wettability of most known reagents. The proposed composition contains 140 mg/L oleic acid, 100 mg/L sodium hydroxide, and 70 mg/L linseed oil in water. The simplicity of this composition, its minimal impact on the environment and human health, and its negligible influence on the further use of coal raw materials make this wetting agent composition highly promising for application in coal industry technologies of water spray dust suppression.

The assessment and management of aerological risks in coal mine accidents are based on the development of a data analytics system that hosts design values for various parameters and subsystems related to coal mines, as well as the real-time monitoring of operational parameters through various sensors and devices. This study presents the methodology for monitoring aerological risks. It utilizes mining, geological, and geotechnical conditions for seam extraction, along with statistical data concerning elements of coal mine ventilation and gas drainage systems, to assess aerological risks at individual coal mine functionality levels and individual risk factors. Eight coal mines have been ranked according to their aerological risk level. For rank I, the minimum aerological risk is 0.0769, while the maximum is 0.5698. Rank II is associated with category II mines. Aerological risk for this rank is the lowest and ranges from 0,1135 to 0,3873. In the case of rank III, the minimum aerological risk is 0.057, with a maximum of 0.595. This ranking of coal mines by aerological risk level allows to identify potentially unsafe mines in terms of aerology, and enables us to determine aerological risk mitigation measures (technical, technological, and organizational) for each mine to enhance aerological safety.

One method for conserving energy in the mining industry and ensuring the required pressure of compressed air in underground mining networks is to decrease the specific energy carrier consumption, particularly in the case of down-the-hole hammers. The objective of this study is to substantiate the air distribution system of an air hammer, aimed at reducing the specific consumption of compressed air. We propose a system consisting of two chambers with a constant supply of compressed air, two controllable chambers, two elastic valves on the hammer, and a valve for cutting off the supply of compressed air to the forward stroke chamber, which is controlled by the hammer’s position. This proposed configuration was employed to create two different designs for the air hammer. The operational cycle of the designed device has been numerically examined using SimulationX software and validated through experimental testing on a laboratory bench. Our calculations reveal that the suggested air distribution system, featuring controlled inlet to the backward stroke chamber, successfully achieves the stated objective. In comparison to the standard M29T hammer with nearly identical dimensions, striking power, and compressed air consumption for cleaning the borehole, the designed hammer exhibits a 53% reduction in specific energy consumption, and its electrical power usage for compressed air supply is halved. These design specifications align with both experimental results and data derived from the existing literature, confirming the accuracy of our calculation.