Reservoir characteristics and formation model of Upper Carboniferous bauxite series in eastern Ordos Basin,NW China

Through core observation,thin section identification,X-ray diffraction analysis,scanning electron microscopy,and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and isothermal adsorption experiments,the lithology and pore characteristics of the Upper Carboniferous bauxite series in eastern Ordos Basin were analyzed to reveal the formation and evolution process of the bauxite reservoirs.A petrological nomenclature and classification scheme for bauxitic rocks based on three units(aluminum hydroxides,iron minerals and clay minerals)is proposed.It is found that bauxitic mudstone is in the form of dense massive and clastic structures,while the(clayey)bauxite is of dense massive,pisolite,oolite,porous soil and clastic structures.Both bauxitic mudstone and bauxite reservoirs develop dissolution pores,intercrystalline pores,and microfractures as the dominant gas storage space,with the porosity less than 10% and mesopores in dominance.The bauxite series in the North China Craton can be divided into five sections,i.e.,ferrilite(Shanxi-style iron ore,section A),bauxitic mudstone(section B),bauxite(section C),bauxite mudstone(debris-containing,section D)and dark mudstone-coal section(section E).The burrow/funnel filling,lenticular,layered/massive bauxite deposits occur separately in the karst platforms,gentle slopes and low-lying areas.The karst platforms and gentle slopes are conducive to surface water leaching,with strong karstification,well-developed pores,large reservoir thickness and good physical properties,but poor strata continuity.The low-lying areas have poor physical properties but relatively continuous and stable reservoirs.The gas enrichment in bauxites is jointly controlled by source rock,reservoir rock and fractures.This recognition provides geological basis for the exploration and development of natural gas in the Upper Carboniferous in the study area and similar bauxite systems.

Radiological and X-Ray Diffraction Characterization of Bauxite and Rutile Ore Contaminated Environment in Kanam and Wase Mineral Exploration Sites, Plateau State-Nigeria

Two non-destructive analytical techniques (gamma spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer) were employed in the analysis of bauxite and rutile ore and their vicinity soil and control sourced within the Kanam and Wase mineral exploration sites. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the soil samples received from bauxite and rutile mineral mining vicinities revealed high concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K compared to the control soil samples sourced 500 m away from the mineral exploration vicinities. Radiological detriments RLI, AUI, Hin and Hex unveiled values exceeding the radiation standard concentration (>1) for soil. X-ray diffraction characterization of bauxite ore revealed the interlocking minerals of Bauxite (18)%, Albite (11)%, Garnet (15)%, Illite (6)% and Muscovite (43)% in various proportions obtained within the 2θ range (9.18 to 64.4) and a peak value (intensity, cps) of 3400. Pure bauxite percentage in the ore meets metallurgical grade (15 - 25)%. X-ray diffraction of rutile ore revealed the minerals of rutile (40)%, quartz (21.4)%, ilmenite (27)% and garnet (11.8)% found within the 2θ range (27.5 to 35.6) and a peak value intensity of 31.1 - 100.0 cps also meeting the metallurgical grade of 15% - 25%. The major environmental concern associated with the mineral-sands industry is the radiation hazards, pollution of ground-water sources from heavy metals, mineral transport with heavy equipment’s, dredging operations in fragile coastal area and clearing of vegetation.

Petrographic and Geochemical Characterization of Mayedo and Kinzoki Ranges (Sumbi Bauxite Region, Kongo Central/DR Congo)

The bauxitic region of Sumbi and its surroundings in Central Kongo (DR Congo) is located in an area corresponding to “bands” of basic rocks made up of microdolerites, basalts and andesites. The problem of this study is linked to the similarity of the phenomena that generated the depositional process of these ferruginous and aluminous formations. The aim of this article is to carry out a chemical and petrographic study of samples of bauxitic materials from the Mayedo and Kinzoki regions, with a view to their possible recovery. To this end, the chemical and petrographic analysis of the weathering formations outcropping in the study area was carried out using X-ray fluorescence and thin section methods. The latter revealed that two lithologies were detected in the healthy rocks: basalts with a mineralogical assemblage of plagioclase crystals, pyroxene microcrystals and oxide opaques;and dolerites represented by plagioclase crystals, pyroxenes and a few quartz crystals. X-ray fluorescence revealed high levels of Al2O3 (32.69%) in the Mayedo zone (MHb1). This visibly gibbsite-rich level corresponds to the zone of friable, homogeneous bauxite with a massive, blood-red texture, with an estimated gibbsite percentage of 55.50. The percentage of Fe2O3 is high in these zones at 42.77%, hence the dark red colour, reflecting a strong zone of ferruginasation. This horizon contains a high concentration of hematite and goethite minerals. Highly variable SiO2 contents ranging from 13.48% to 40.82%. These variations are essentially due to the dissolution of silica by leaching and resilification.

Petrological and Statistical Studies of the Limbiko Bauxite Deposit, Republic of Guinea

The increasing demand for Aluminium pushes the miners to multiply the research in order to answer this demand. The objective of this work is to characterize the bauxitic deposit of Limbiko. The methodology consists in collecting samples, and establishing stratigraphic logs, sections and geological maps. The analyses were carried out in the laboratory of the Company des Bauxites de Guinea. Statistical methods were used to process the geochemical data. The study area is characterized by sedimentary formations of the Devonian, in which the dolerites of the Mesozoic were injected. It is on these Devonian and Mesozoic formations that the Limbiko bauxite deposit was developed. The stratigraphic logs show the succession of formations. The parent rock is surmounted by an alteration crust. The petrographic study is based on the bauxitic and transitional zones characterized by ferruginous laterites. Both zones contain some ferriplantite. Mineralogical analysis shows the presence of gibbsite, goethite, alumogoethite, rutile and clay minerals. The geochemical study of the major elements shows that the more the contents of SiO2, Fe2O3 decrease, the more the content of Al2O3 increases and those of TiO2, Al2O3 increase in the same direction. The PCA confirms the mineralogical results by classifying the samples into clay, bauxite and ferrite.

Upgraded Analytical Protocols in Bauxite Refining Industry Using Composite Sampling Approach to Minimize Laboratory Analysis Load

The laboratories in the bauxite processing industry are always under a heavy workload of sample collection, analysis, and compilation of the results. After size reduction from grinding mills, the samples of bauxite are collected after intervals of 3 to 4 hours. Large bauxite processing industries producing 1 million tons of pure aluminium can have three grinding mills. Thus, the total number of samples to be tested in one day reaches a figure of 18 to 24. The sample of bauxite ore coming from the grinding mill is tested for its particle size and composition. For testing the composition, the bauxite ore sample is first prepared by fusing it with X-ray flux. Then the sample is sent for X-ray fluorescence analysis. Afterwards, the crucibles are washed in ultrasonic baths to be used for the next testing. The whole procedure takes about 2 - 3 hours. With a large number of samples reaching the laboratory, the chances of error in composition analysis increase. In this study, we have used a composite sampling methodology to reduce the number of samples reaching the laboratory without compromising their validity. The results of the average composition of fifteen samples were measured against composite samples. The mean of difference was calculated. The standard deviation and paired t-test values were evaluated against predetermined critical values obtained using a two-tailed test. It was found from the results that paired test-t values were much lower than the critical values thus validating the composition attained through composite sampling. The composite sampling approach not only reduced the number of samples but also the chemicals used in the laboratory. The objective of improved analytical protocol to reduce the number of samples reaching the laboratory was successfully achieved without compromising the quality of analytical results.

Construction of a Gravel Road Using Bauxite Residue

Results from research efforts over many years by the Highway Laboratory of Civil Engineering Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki(AUTH)and other academic or research institutions on behalf of"Aluminium of Greece"have demonstrated the potential use of bauxite residue in the construction industry as bricks,in the ceramic industry,for restoring abandoned surface mines and road construction.This paper details the construction of a gravel road using bauxite residue on the road"St.Nikolas-Kiriaki"in the site of the"Aluminium of Greece".The final layer included the addition of bauxite aggregates to provide an additional road carrying capacity.The aim of the project was to construct a trafficable surface for trucks and other vehicles with adequate resistance to heavy traffic loads and external factors as changing climatic conditions or soil erosion due to the rain.The construction is the right balance between technically excellent result and economically feasible.The prospect of using bauxite residue for similar road construction,or in general road construction,remains open.

Outline of Metallogenic Regularity of Bauxite Deposits in China

Among the abundant aluminum ore resources in China, bauxite is dominated, which is mainly distributed in 19 provinces and regions, including Shanxi, Henan, Guizhou and Guangxi. The major deposit type of bauxite is paleo-weathering crust sedimentary type, and the other one is the accumulation type. The main metallogenic period is the late Paleozoic Era followed by the Cenozoic Era. The metallogenic tectonic background is characterized by a cratonic environment. This paper summarizes the bauxite metallogenic regularity based on the characteristics of bauxite resources, bauxite deposit type, bauxite metallogenic belt and metallogenic series in China, and 15 bauxite metallogenic belts, 8 bauxite metallogenic series and 7 bauxite ore concentrated areas were identified in the study. This paper also provides a theoretical basis for the evaluation of the potential of bauxite resources.

Effect of Bauxite Aggregate on Properties of Al_2O_3-SiC-C Iron Trough Castables

A1203-SiC-C iron trough castables were prepared using high alumina bauxite clinker GL-90 （ 〉 1 mm ） or homogenized bauxite GL-88 to replace the traditional brown corundum aggregates （ 〉 1 mm ） to reduce the cost of iron trough castables. Effects of the two bauxite aggregates on properties of iron trough eastables were investigated. The results show that the two kinds of bauxite affect flowability, bulk density, strength and slag corrosion resistance of trough castables differently. Compared with homogenized bauxite, high alumina bauxite clinker is more suitable to substitute brown corundum. The castables prepared from the bauxite clinker have similar performances with those prepared from brown corundum, especially used in medium or small blast furnaces with weak thermal impact and lower temperature hot metal. However, in large blast furnaces with severe thermal impact and high temperature hot metal, the performances of the two castables are significantly different. So it is suggested to use the brown corundum based castables in the front gyral zone of the slag skimmer.

Pre-desilication and digestion of gibbsitic bauxite with lime in sodium aluminate liquor

The effect of lime on the pre-desilication and digestion of gibbsitic bauxite in synthetic sodium aluminate liquor at different tem- peratures was investigated. The bauxite is comprised of gibbsite, aluminogoethite, hematite, kaolin, quartz, and minor boehmite. Lime in- creases the desilication efficiency of the bauxite during the pre-desilication process by promoting the conversion of sodalite and cancrinite to hydrogamet. Desilication reactions during the digestion process promoted by lime result in the loss of A1203 entering the red mud, but the amount of aluminogoethite-to-hematite conversion promoted by lime leads to the increase of aluminogoethific A1203 entering the digested liquor. The alumina digestion rate at 245~C is higher than that at 145 C due to the more pronounced conversion of aluminogoethite to hema- tite. The soda consumption during the digestion process decreases due to lime addition, especially at higher temperatures.

Metallogenic mechanism of Pingguo bauxite deposit,western Guangxi,China:Constraints from REE geochemistry and multi-fractal characteristics of major elements in bauxite ore

Major and REE geochemistry and multi-fractal analysis of two types of bauxite(primary bauxite and accumulated bauxite) ores were studied in Pingguo bauxite orefield in western Guangxi,China.The results of geochemical data show that the accumulated bauxite has a feature of high Al_2O_3 whereas relative low Fe_2O_3 and SiO_2 contents compared to the primary bauxite.The similar chondrite-normalized rare earth element(REE) patterns illustrate that they have a cognate relationship.However,the negative Ce anomalies of primary bauxite and positive Ce anomalies of accumulated bauxite indicate that the ore-forming system changed from reducing environment to oxidation environment.The results of multi-fractal spectrum and parameters of Al_2O_3,Fe_2O_3 and SiO_2 between primary bauxite and accumulated bauxite show that the distinct multi-fractal spectrum parameters reflect the different grade distribution between accumulated and primary bauxite ores.Metallogenic process from primary bauxite to accumulated bauxite is accompanied by the loss of diffluent elements(e.g.,Si and S) and enrichment of stable elements(e.g.,Al and Fe) in the surface environment.Among the rest,the migration mechanism of iron during the evolutionary process from primary ore to accumulated ore can be described as combined leaching and chemical weathering action with participation of sulfur.

Suitability evaluation for land reclamation in mining area:A case study of Gaoqiao bauxite mine

Suitability evaluation plays an important role in land reclamation because the choice of evaluation methods affects the accuracy and objectivity of the suitability evaluation results. Furthermore, it influences the decision-making related to land reclamation. An improved method, which is called limit comprehensive conditions method, was developed after different suitability evaluation methods were studied. Based on this method, the reclaimed land of the Gaoqiao bauxite mining area was evaluated. The Gaoqiao mining area was divided into seven evaluation units that were evaluated respectively by selecting evaluation factors and establishing grade standards. The results show that the proposed method is more applicable and easier to handle. Moreover, its evaluation results are more scientific compared with the traditional evaluation methods. The improved method can be beneficial to the rapid monitoring and the effective management of reclaimed land in the opencast mine area.

Mineralogical and sink-float studies of Jajarm low-grade bauxite

Jajarm＇s bauxite deposits are mainly diasporic, and they have a low mass ratio of Al2O3/SiO2. It is necessary to increase the run-of-mine mass ratio before feeding the material to the Bayer process. Chemical analysis indicated that the low-grade bauxite sample from Jajarm contained 43.9wt% Al2O3 and 13.35wt% SiO2, resulting in a mass ratio of 3.29. According to mineralogical studies, the presence of aluminosilicate minerals such as kaolinite, illite, and quartz was the main reason for the decrease of the mass ratio. Microscopic observations revealed that, with the size reduction from -1000＋710 to -38 μm, the liberation degree of diaspore increased from 10% to 60%, and that of aluminosilicates increased from 20% to 85%. Heavy liquids with the densities of 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, and 3.4 g/cm3 were used to evaluate the heavy media separation in three sizes, i.e., -3350＋710, -710＋212, and -212＋125 μm. Laboratory studies confirm that the density of 3.2 g/cm3 can produce the concentrates （in sunk fractions） with recoveries of 89.09%, 91.24%, and 84.68% with the Al2O3/SiO2 mass ratios of 5.03, 5.16, and 5.15 for the -3350＋710, -710＋212, and -212＋ 125 μ m sizes, respectively.

Ultimately exposed roof area prediction of bauxite deposit goaf based on macro joint damage

The ultimately exposed roof area(UERA)of goaf is crucial to the safety and economics of underground mining.The prediction models do not consider the mechanical weakness of rock mass and ignore the influence of the joint damage factor,causing a large predicted exposure area with a high roof falling risk.This work adopted joint damage factor to derive a new UERA prediction model.The relationships between the UERA(S)and the span ratio(m),the density(k)and the diameter of fracture(d)were analysed by the new prediction model.The results showed that the exposed area S and the span ratio m have a U-shaped curve relationship.The S decreases with the increase of m and then increases when m is beyond 2.The exposed roof area S is in an inversely proportional power-law relationship with the fracture surface density k,and the curvature of the S-k relationship curve decreases when d=0.5 and k>7,and S is close to 0.There is a negative correlation between S and the fracture surface diameter d,the curvature of the S-d curve decreases with the increase of d and k,and the variation rate increases first and then decreases with the increase of d;when k=0.5 and d>9,S is close to 0.The predicted values of the UERA prediction model are 119.3,112.8,and 114.6 m2 with different joint damage parameters,which are slightly smaller than the actual critical exposure area of a roof(S=120 m2).The case study shows that the alternative prediction model is reasonable and acceptable and provides new theoretical support for the underground mining safety of sedimentary bauxite ore.

Soil formation in bauxite residue: The most promising way to large-scale and ecological disposal

Aluminum is an important basic raw material for national economic development.The alumina industry has been expanding rapidly due to the increasing demand for aluminum.Bauxite residue is a highly alkaline solid by-product generated when alumina is extracted from bauxite ore in alumina refineries[1,2].

Suspension calcination and alkali leaching of low-grade high-sulfur bauxite:Desulfurization, mineralogical evolution and desilication

To enable the utilization of low-grade and high-sulfur bauxite, the suspension calcination was used to remove the sulfur and the activate silica minerals, and the calcinated bauxite was subjected to a desilication process in Na OH solution under atmospheric pressure. The desulfurization and desilication properties and mineralogical evolution were studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and FactSage methods. The results demonstrate that the suspension calcination method is efficient for sulfur removal: 84.21% of S was removed after calcination at 1000°C for 2 min. During the calcination process, diaspore and pyrite were transferred to α-Al2O3, magnetite, and hematite. The phase transformation of pyrite follows the order FeS2 → Fe3O4 → Fe2O3, and the iron oxides and silica were converted into iron silicate. In the alkali-soluble desilication process, the optimum condition was an alkali solution concentration of 110 g/L, a reaction time of 20 min, and a reaction temperature of 95°C. The corresponding desilication ratio and alumina loss ratio were 44.9% and 2.4%, respectively, and the alumina-to-silica mass ratio of the concentrate was 7.9. The Al2O3·2SiO2, SiO2, and Al2O3 formed during the calcination process could react with Na OH solution, and their activity decreased in the order of Al2O3·2 SiO2, SiO2, and Al2O3.

Flotation de-silicating from diasporic-bauxite with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide

Using cetyl trimethylammonium bromide （CTAB） as collector, the flotation de-silicating from diasporic-bauxite was investigated. And the Zeta potentials and contact-angles of silicate minerals and diaspore were also stu-（died.）The results show that in the presence of 2×10-4 mol·L-1CTAB, the surface charges of pyrophyllite, kaolinite and illite become more positive, and the contact angles of these three silicates also increase evidently in the pH range of 2-8, but the Zeta potentials and contact angles of diaspore change little. So, the floatability of the four minerals is in the following order: pyrophyllite>kaolinite≈illite>diaspore. The open-circuit flotation results also show that a bauxite concentrate with m（Al2O3）/m（SiO2） over 9.3 and Al2O3 recovery over 76% can be obtained from diasporic-bauxite ore. The result of XRD of the bauxite concentrate shows that pyrophyllite is easier to be removed from diasporic-bauxite than illite and kaolinite due to its better floatability.

Synthesis of Refractory Cordierite from Calcined Bauxite, Talcum and Quartz

A cordierite was synthesized from calcined bauxite, talcum, and quartz. The properties and microstructure of the cordierite sintered samples were characterized by Archimedes＇ method, thermal dilatometry, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, and so on. The experimental results showed that calcined bauxite could broaden the range of synthesizing temperature from 1300 ℃ to 1420 ℃ and get pure cordierite. The bulk density and linear thermal expansion coefficient of the sample synthesized at 1420 ℃ for 2 h were 1.97 g·cm^-3 and 2.1×10^-6 ℃^-1, respectively. The XRD analysis showed that the major crystalline phase was a-cordierite with almost no glassy matters, the SEM images illustrated a small vent hole and the size were 5 -100 μm, the well-grown hexagonal and granular cordierite grains had the sizes distributed among 0.1-8 ;xm, and providing high mechanical strength and lower linear thermal expansion coefficient.

Effects of CeO_2 on structure and properties of Ni-Mn-K/bauxite catalysts for water-gas shift reaction

Multiple-metal catalysts （Ni-Mn-Ce-K/bauxite） for Water-Gas Shift （WGS） reaction were prepared by impregnation, and the catalytic structure and properties were investigated by N2 physical, XRD, H2-TPR, and CO-TPD. The results indicated that the addition of 7.5% CeO2 improved the activity of the WGS reaction obviously, and also increased the specific surface area and pore volume of the catalysts. The addition of CeO2 decreases the reduction temperature, enhanced the adsorption and activation of H2O2, and improved the adsorption content of CO. Besides, active sites were not changed and the number of active sites on catalysts did not increase obviously.

Viséan Fossil Plants from the Jiujialu Formation in Central Guizhou Province: Implications for Age of Bauxite and Palaeoenvironment

Fossil plants from the carbonaceous shale of upper part of the Lower Carboniferous Jiujialu Formation in Lindai bauxite deposit fill a gap regarding the distribution of Early Carboniferous flora in Central Guizhou Province.Here the Lindai plant assemblage is systematically described,and its composition and geological age are discussed.Research demonstrates that 9 species in 6 genera of the fossil plants are discovered in this study,and they belong to lycopsids,sphenopsids and ferns,respectively.Based on the analysis of the floral composition,the geological age of the Lindai plant assemblage belongs to the Early Carboniferous Viséan.The discovery of Lindai plant assemblage not only provides a new fossil evidence to restrict the age of bauxite deposits in Lower Carboniferous Jiujialu Formation of Central Guizhou Province,but also has great significance to further research the palaeoecological setting and floral evolution during the Early Carboniferous.

β-Sialon Produced by Carbon Thermal Nitriding Reaction of Bauxite

β-Sialon was produced by carbon thermal nitriding reaction in N_2 gas atmosphere when the mixtures of bauxite and anthracite were put into vertical furnace. According to the mass loss of raw materials and the result of X-ray diffration (XRD) of products, the influences of the process parameters on the compositions and relative contents of products, such as the fixed carbon content, the flow of N2, the soaking time and the temperature, were researched.