Grant funding for scientific and (or) scientific and technical projects for 2024-2026

Relevance: The project goal is the comprehensive recycling of chrome ore enrichment waste, which allows increasing the profitability of production and solving environmental problems of the region, reduction of energy and material costs with the production of high-value, wide-ranging applications of chromium (III) oxide, metallic chromium, platinum group concentrate, as well as other highly liquid commercial products. Main approaches to conducting research - scientific and technical knowledge and experience acquired implementation of the grant project for 2015-2017. 0722/GF4, Program BR05236406 for 2018-2020, completed by the development of an effective technology for processing waste from chrome ore enrichment to produce chromite concentrate, concentrates of non-ferrous metals, rare and rare earth elements and magnesium-containing products. The novelty of technical solutions is confirmed by 3 invention patents. Practical significance of research results ̶development of scientific and technical documentation to solve environmental resource-saving problems and obtain high-quality and valuable products, freeing up agricultural land areas occupied by a huge mass of toxic waste, employment and improving the well-being of the population; development and strengthening of the economic sovereignty of Kazakhstan. Industrially interested in the results of the project Kazchrome JSC, Aktobe Chromium Compounds Plant JSC and a plant producing chromium-containing ferroalloys (Aktobe, Aksu).

Project goal: Resolving problems related to natural resource rationing and implementing ecologically sustainable technologies to enrich chrome ore at Donskoy OMPP.

Objectives of the project include:

1. Development of an integrated technology for processing sludge from chrome ore enrichment to produce concentrates of chromium, platinoids and other commercial products.

2. Development of innovative technology for the production of chromium (III) oxide and chromium metal.

3. Enlarged laboratory tests of complex technology for processing sludge from chrome ore enrichment. Calculation of material balance. Issuance of initial data for the development of Technological Regulations and recommendations for implementation

Based on the research results, the following will be published:

− a comprehensive technology will be developed for processing sludge from chrome ore enrichment to produce concentrates of chromium, platinum group metals and other commercial products;

− an innovative technology for the production of chromium (III) oxide and chromium metal will be developed;

− large-scale laboratory tests of complex processing technology will be carried out. Large-scale laboratory tests of complex technology for processing chrome ore enrichment sludge. Calculation of material balance. Issuance of initial data for the development of Technological Regulations and recommendations for implementation.

- as a result of the project implementation three (3) articles and (or) reviews in peer-reviewed scientific publications indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science database and (or) having a CiteScore percentile in the Scopus database of at least 50 (fifty) and 1 patent for an invention will be published.

Relevance: The problems that the project aims to investigate. Involvement in industrial processing of technogenic raw materials of copper and uranium production based on the creation of technological solutions for extracting rhenium from them. The main approaches to research are to obtain new experimental data on the sorption of rhenium from industrial solutions using new sorption ion-exchange materials. The degree of influence of research results on the scientific and technical (including human resources) potential and competitiveness of scientific organizations and their teams, scientists. Research will help improve the level of scientific work and professional personnel; the latest scientific data in the field of synthesis of ion-exchange polymer materials and sorption of rare metals will be involved. Practical significance of research results. The development of methods for extracting rhenium from industrial waste is a pressing scientific and practical problem, given the value of this metal in modern industries. Planned research will make it possible to create a method for extracting rhenium from metallurgical waste. Rhenium is produced as a by-product when processing copper, molybdenum and lead raw materials. Abroad, more than 90% of rhenium produced is obtained as a by-product during the processing of molybdenum concentrates, in Kazakhstan - during the processing of copper concentrates. Organizing the process of extracting rhenium from waste solutions of copper production and solutions of underground leaching of uranium will significantly increase the production of rhenium in Kazakhstan and increase the complexity of the use of mineral raw materials.

Project goal:The goal of the project is to form a new scientific and practical approach to the processes of extracting rhenium from solutions and improving methods of recycling industrial waste.

Objectives of the project include:

Creation of interpolymer systems for selective extraction of rhenium ions from solutions.

Study of the structure of interpolymer systems, their properties and the sorption coefficient of rhenium ions from model solutions.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of interpolymer systems in the processes of sorption of rhenium ions from industrial solutions.

Expected results.

The following main results will be obtained:

- selection of ion exchangers was carried out to create stable interpolymer systems for the selective extraction of rhenium ions from solutions.

- the structure and properties of interpolymer systems, the physicochemical principles of rhenium extraction from model solutions were studied.

- interpolymer systems with improved physical and chemical properties, with functionally flexible, sorption-capacity capabilities, selective with respect to rhenium ions, have been created.

- an effective method has been developed for extracting rhenium from industrial solutions using interpolymer systems, which allows reducing the environmental load on the environment.

Based on the results of the project, at least 2 (two) articles and (or) reviews will be published in peer-reviewed scientific publications, indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded and included in the 1st (first) and (or) 2nd (second) quartile by impact factor in the database Web of Science and (or) having a CiteScore percentile in the Scopus database of at least 70 (seventy);

Relevance: Kazakhstan, with a developed mining and metallurgical industry, has great opportunities for processing lithium-rich waste and organizing the production of lithium and its compounds. There is no production of lithium products in our country at the moment, and existing research work is at the level of single theoretical studies that require further research and development. Tailings waste from the processing of rare metal ores contains 0.1-0.5% wt. Li2O, which corresponds in content to some ore raw materials of lithium. However, tailings waste from rare metal production differs from traditional sources of lithium raw materials and has a complex polycomponent composition, therefore, to obtain a concentrated lithium-containing product, it is required to conduct research to find acceptable processing methods. The development of a technology for processing waste from the rare metal industry with the extraction of lithium into a concentrated product will make it possible to create, with its industrial implementation, the production in Kazakhstan of lithium products that are highly in demand on the world market, ensure more rational use of natural resources, and also reduce the amount of harmful waste from the rare metal industry. During implementation of the project, the results of research on the development of technology can be used at enterprises in the mining, processing and metallurgical industries during processing of lithium-containing raw materials and in the production of lithium concentrate.

Project goal: To develop a technology intended to extract lithium and to obtain a concentrated product from tailings waste from the processing of rare metal ores.

Objectives of the project include:

1. Study of the processes of opening waste from processing rare metal ores with the extraction of lithium into solution.

2. Research on processing the solution after opening the tailings of rare metal production.

3. Development of a technological scheme for processing waste from rare metal production with the extraction of lithium and obtaining a concentrated product.

Expected results:

- The processes of opening waste from processing rare metal ores with the extraction of lithium into solution will be studied;

- research will be performed on processing the solution after opening the tailings of rare metal production;

- a technological scheme will be developed for processing waste from rare metal production with the extraction of lithium and obtaining a concentrated product.

The following will be published:

- 2 (two) articles and (or) reviews in peer-reviewed scientific publications, indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded and included in the 1 (first) and (or) 2 (second) quartile by impact factor in the Web of Science database and (or) having a CiteScore percentile in the Scopus database of at least 65 (sixty-five); as well as at least 1 (one) article or review in a peer-reviewed foreign or domestic publication recommended by KOKSNVO.

The results of the performed scientific work will become the basis for the creation of new production and technical developments that will make it possible to obtain lithium concentrate from man-made waste from rare metal production.

Relevance: The project is aimed at developing an effective technology for neutralizing the liquid phase of a tailings pond by sorption. Involvement of treated wastewater in economic needs. During the operation of gold processing production processes using sodium cyanide, significant volumes of highly toxic production waste are generated: liquid waste, gaseous emissions, solid tailings from cyanidation processes. It is well known that cyanide compounds are poisonous. All cyanide compounds capable of releasing the cyanide ion CN– have toxic properties, i.e. all having significant solubility. The implementation of the developed method will ensure the neutralization of the liquid phase of the landfill to an acceptable concentration of harmful impurities. When implementing technological processes, the negative impact on the environment is significantly reduced. The introduction of the developed neutralization technology will potentially significantly reduce the use of water resources at the processing plant, which will lead to savings. In addition, during the implementation of the technological process, man-made environmental pollution will be significantly reduced. This is an important step towards more environmentally friendly production. Thus, the development and implementation of an optimal mode of biochemical neutralization of the liquid phase of a tailings pond by sorption has great potential for improving the environmental situation and efficient use of resources. This is an important step towards sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Project goal:The goal of the project is to develop an innovative complex of chemical reagents for effective biochemical neutralization of the liquid phase of hydrometallurgical production tailings. This technology will help reduce the negative impact on the environment and increase the safety of neutralization processes.

Objectives of the project include:

During the implementation of the Project the following tasks will be performed.

1) Development of methods for the biological neutralization of the liquid phase of a tailings pond using the thionic bacterium Thiobacillus Ferrooxydans, which can oxidize sulfur minerals. To accomplish this task, ionic bacteria Thiobacillus Ferrooxydans are isolated and studied from the mineral, which act as oxidizers in an acidic environment and destroy the crystal lattices of gold-containing sulfide minerals.

2) Study of technological parameters of chemical neutralization of the liquid phase. To solve the problem, technological parameters for the chemical neutralization of the liquid phase of the waste absorption tank after flotation were determined. The choice of chemical reagents based on the T:L ratio, process time and solution concentration.

3) Approbation of laboratory research results and provision of preliminary data for the development of technological standards for the neutralization of the liquid phase of a waste site using the bichemical method. To solve this problem, optimal technological conditions for biochemical neutralization are developed and preliminary data are provided for the development of technological regulations.

Expected results:

1) Within the framework of this project, an optimal mode of biochemical neutralization of the liquid phase of a tailings sorption pond will be proposed. This will effectively eliminate pollution and reduce harmful effects on the environment.

2) In addition, during the research process, optimal technological parameters for neutralizing the liquid phase of the tailings sorption pond will be established. This will optimize the process and achieve maximum efficiency when using this technology.

3) To confirm the effectiveness of biochemical neutralization of the liquid phase of the tailings by sorption, laboratory tests will be carried out. The results of these tests will be used to draw up technological regulations for neutralization. Thus, the initial data for the implementation of this technology will be provided.

Relevance: The use of specially prepared fusel oil as a feedstock, which is a waste of alcohol production in Kazakhstan during the synthesis of composite xanthogenate, аeroflot and foamer, which, respectively, are a mixture of xanthogenates, dithiophosphates and alcohols of normal and isostroenie with different lengths of hydrocarbon radical significantly reduces the cost of reagents and improves flotation characteristics compared to the basic ones. The use of these reagents instead of the basic ones significantly intensifies the technological process of flotation of ores of non-ferrous and precious metals. The observed effect of increasing the technological parameters of flotation is explained by the presence in the composition of the composite reagent of active substances (xanthogenates, aeroflots and foamers) of normal and isostructure with different lengths of hydrocarbon radical. The presence of reagents with hydrocarbon radicals of iso- and normal structure creates favorable conditions for the dispersion interaction of their hydrocarbon chains. The project idea is to generate complex microbubbles (CMBs) that demonstrate enhanced flotation activity towards fine mineral particles using a specially modified generator (SMG). These microbubbles are composed of an air microbubble stabilized by an active foamer, followed by a layer of active collector microdroplets. Problems that the project aims to solve. It is recognized that finely dispersed valuable minerals, measuring less than 25 microns, are challenging to float using conventional and selective foreign flotation reagents. Consequently, the primary objective of this project is to develop environmentally friendly composite flotation reagents from cost-effective local raw materials, featuring regulated flotation activity and optimal hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values. Active microbubbles, microemulsions, and CMBs with increased flotation activity will be produced from these reagents using SMG. The scientific novelty of this project lies in a new approach to synthesizing composite reagents and regulating the HLB number, enabling the subsequent production of active microbubbles, microemulsions, and CMBs with heightened flotation activity. In contrast to microbubbles formed from water-soluble foaming agents, CMBs possess collective, foaming, and flocculating properties, elevating the flotation activity of fine minerals. Therefore, their significant presence in a mixture of microbubbles and microemulsions will optimize the extraction of valuable sludge minerals from complex gold ore raw materials.

Project goal:The goal of this project is to develop technology for synthesizing environmentally friendly composite flotation reagents with optimal HLB values using locally sourced raw materials through SMG.These advanced materials are intended for use in the beneficiation of fine-dispersed minerals extracted from refractory raw materials through multicomponent microflotation process.

Objectives of the project include:

1) The development of technology for synthesizing composite xanthogen, aerofloat, and frother with optimal hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) numbers from alcohol production waste, examination of their colloidal-chemical and flotation properties. Purification of the raw material, fusel oil, to eliminate impurities. Subsequent synthesis of composite xanthate, composite aerofloat and composite foamer from purified fusel oil, which contains both linear and branched-chain alcohols. Establishing a database for HLB numbers calculation using a specialized program based on the structural formulas of specific flotation reagents. Evaluating the HLB numbers of composite reagents through both computational and experimental methods. Investigating the colloidal-chemical properties of composite reagents and their flotation activity characteristics towards monominerals such as chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite and quartz.

2) Investigation of the colloidal-chemical and flotation properties of microbubbles and microemulsions with high flotation activity obtained from synthesized composite reagents with optimal HLB values using a specially modified generator (SMG). Production of microbubbles and microemulsions from synthesized composite frother, aerofloat and xanthate, as well as from their mixture employing SMG. Studies size distribution of microbubbles and microemulsions. Evaluation of the flotation activity of these microbubbles and microemulsions towards monominerals like chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite and quartz.

3) Development of multicomponent microflotation technology for the efficient recovery of finely dispersed minerals from gold-containing ores, employing microbubbles and microemulsions derived from composite flotation reagents with optimal HLB numbers. Investigation of the material and rational composition of gold-containing ores. Development of technology for the multicomponent microflotation of gold-containing ores, utilizing microbubbles and microemulsions obtained through a generator from active composite frother, xanthate, aerofloat, and their mixtures. Comparative technological indicators of flotation in the basic mode and in the multicomponent microflotation mode will be determined.

At the application stage, as a result, in cooperation with «ITС Novator» LLP, the special modified generator (SMG) was created, protected by Eurasian patent for generating microbubbles and microemulsions from a mixture of traditional reagents and reagents from abroad used in factories in Kazakhstan.

At the completion stage of the project, effective new composite xanthogenates, aeroflots and foamers from domestic raw materials with optimal ratios of polar and nonpolar groups will be obtained. The technology of multicomponent microflotation on gold- containing ore will be tested using microbubbles and microemulsions using SMG from the above-mentioned composite reagents in one of factories in Kazakhstan.

Expected results:

The research results will encompass the following achievements:

-The development of technology for synthesizing composite xanthate, aerofloat, and foamer with optimal HLB numbers from alcohol production waste. The colloidal-chemical and flotation properties of these synthesized compounds have been thoroughly investigated.

-Exploration of the colloidal-chemical and flotation properties of microbubbles and microemulsions exhibiting high flotation activity. These were obtained from the synthesis of active composite flotation reagents through a specialy modified generator.

-The creation of a multicomponent microflotation technology designed for the efficient recovery of finely-dispersed minerals from gold ores. This innovative process utilizes microbubbles and microemulsions obtained from the synthesis of active composite flotation reagents with optimal HLB values.

Relevance: The volume of waste generated at the titanium magnesium production facility grows annually as titanium tetrachloride is produced by UKTMK JSC, the total waste volume is more than 1.5 million tonnes. The spent titanium chlorinator melt (SMTC) accounts for 39.5 % and titanium chlorinator dust chamber perturbations (DC) account for 5.2 % of the total chloride waste. This waste contains up to 0.03-0.1 % of scandium oxide. The main objective of the project is to obtain a valuable commodity product of scandium concentrate and synthetic carnallite to be returned to production. The project will use chemical-analytical analysis, atomic-adsorption analysis using inductively coupled plasma, X-ray spectral, fluorescence analyses to determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of samples. Mineralogical and X-ray phase analyses together with electron probe microanalysis will identify the main phases of the samples to calculate the amount of reagents for leaching, sorption and desorption of scandium. Experimental and theoretical forms of scientific research will be applied, including analysis of patent and scientific and technical literature, interpretation and generalisation of research results, report writing. The hypothesis of the project is to obtain scandium concentrate with a content that meets the technical requirements. Development of an effective, low-waste and modern technology for extraction of scandium and synthetic carnallite from chloride waste using hydrometallurgical and sorption methods is the research strategy. Descriptive studies with the elaboration of scientific and technical literature and experimental, thermodynamic studies in solutions will be carried out. Leaching of chloride waste with conversion of scandium into solution in ionic form, selection of effective ionite for scandium concentration, desorbing solution, thermal treatment of scandium oxide, step-by-step precipitation of impurity components from solution and synthesis of carnallite from purified solutions will be carried out. Development of technological regimes in the course of extensive laboratory tests, compilation of material balance, development of technological scheme, issuance of initial data for technological regulations with a preliminary feasibility study will allow to prepare the project for commercialisation, solving both the social problem of the region and the environmental problem of waste processing.

Project goal:The goal of the project is to obtain scandium concentrate and synthetic carnallite during development of a low-waste technology for processing chloride waste from titanium-magnesium production.

Objectives of the project include:

1. Study of the composition and leaching process of titanium-magnesium production waste. The first task is fulfilled by physical and chemical studies of chloride waste and maximization of the transfer of scandium into solution with the separation of impurities during the leaching process.

2. Research on the concentration of scandium from solutions using sorption methods and the purchase of Olympus «VANTA С» spectrometer equipment (worth 30,000,000,0 tenge) for express analysis of rare and rare elements in solid and liquid samples. The second task is accomplished by the determination of the optimal ion exchanger based on the characteristics and absorbability of scandium from solutions, the establishment of the optimal conditions for the selected desorption of solution, and the synthesis of carnallite from purified solutions.

3. Development of a process flow and initial data for technological regulations.

Expected results:

- the composition and process of leaching of chloride waste will be studied;

- a study will be conducted to concentrate scandium from solutions with the use of sorption methods and equipment will be purchased Olympus «VANTA С» spectrometer (worth 30,000,000,0 tenge) for express analysis of rare and rare elements in solid and liquid samples;

- a process flow will be developed and initial data for the technological regulations will be provided.

Based on the research results, 2 articles will be published in peer-reviewed scientific publications in the scientific direction of the project, indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded and included in the first or second quartile by impact factor in the Web of Science database and (or) having a percentile according to CiteScore in the Scopus database less than 65 (sixty-five); as well as 1 article in a peer-reviewed foreign or domestic publication recommended by Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CQAFSHE).

Relevance:Direction of the project goal - Solving the problem of recycling large-scale environmentally harmful technogenic waste from the Pavlodar aluminum smelter (PAS) JSC «Aluminum of Kazakhstan», rational environmental management, radical modernization of alumina production technology, reduction of energy and material costs, import substitution and production of high-tech new commercial titanium products for domestic consumption and supply to the world market. The main approaches to conducting research are scientific and technical knowledge and experience acquired by the implementation of grant projects for 2018-2020. AR 05130549, AR 05130348, Contract No. 544-TMK/P dated 20.11.2018, Program 0139 for 2015-2017, successfully completed the creation of environmentally and cost-effective technical solutions for obtaining concentrates of titanium dioxide, gallium, vanadium, rare earth metals, iron oxide pigments, aluminum hydroxide, nanodisperse amorphous silica, cast iron, calcium nitrate and liquid glass from various types of raw materials, reduction of consumption of Volnogorsk ilmenite concentrate imported from Ukraine by 5% and improvement of technical and economic indicators of Ust-Kamenogorsk titanium-magnesium Plant (JSC "UK TMP") with an increase in titanium slag production by 2 times. Practical significance of research results ̶development of scientific and technical documentation for pilot industrial testing and commercialization of innovative technology that provides solutions to current environmental, resource-saving, import-substituting tasks necessary to prevent man-made disasters, freeing up agricultural land areas occupied by a huge mass of highly toxic technogenic waste accumulated in sludge storage facilities, reducing the cost of processing low-grade bauxite, employment and improving the well-being of the population; development and strengthening of the economic sovereignty of Kazakhstan. Metallurgical enterprises are industrially interested in the results of the project: PAS, JSC "UK TMP", JSC "Ulba Metallurgical Plant" (UMP) and paint and varnish plants - LLP ТОО "САҒАН COLOUR", "Lakra» (Pavlodar and Pavlodar region),"Rainbow","ASIA COLOR KAZAKHSTAN", LLP "SMASH LTD" with the trademark "GAUDI PAINT","KAZPOLIMERCOM" "Polymer Gold»(Almaty city and Almaty region). The scientific novelty of the project lies in the technology of joint processing of man-made waste from alumina production - waste and red mud from PAS, with the synthesis of nanostructured composite titanium pigments from industrial products.

Project goal:The goal of the project is to develop an innovative technology for the synthesis of nanostructured composite titanium pigments from industrial waste from alumina production in Kazakhstan, providing a solution to interrelated environmental, economic, import-substituting and social problems.

Objectives of the project include:

Stage 1: Optimization of technological regimes for the joint disposal of waste and red mud, with the production of marketable products of all valuable components.

Stage 2: Development of technical solutions for the synthesis of nanostructured composite titanium pigments, optimization of technological regimes and study of the physical and chemical properties of the resulting products.

Stage 3: Carrying out tests at the experimental metallurgical production of JSC IMOB, calculating the material balance of the technology, issuing initial data for the development of Technological Regulations and a feasibility study for the production of the synthesis of nanostructured composite titanium pigments from technogenic waste of alumina production in Kazakhstan.

Expected results:

̶ the optimal conditions for technological regimes of joint disposal of waste and red mud will be determined, with the production of marketable products of all valuable components;

̶ technical solutions for the synthesis of nanostructured composite titanium pigments will be developed, technological regimes will be optimized and the physicochemical properties of the resulting products will be studied;

̶ tests will be carried out at the experimental metallurgical production of JSC Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation (JSC IMOB), calculation of the material balance of the technology, issuance of initial data for the development of Technological Regulations and a feasibility study for the production of the synthesis of nanostructured composite titanium pigments from technogenic waste alumina production in Kazakhstan;

̶ three (3) articles and (or) reviews in peer-reviewed scientific publications indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science database and (or) having a CiteScore percentile in the Scopus database of at least 50 (fifty) and 1 patent for an invention will be published.

Relevance:The problem the project is aimed at. The current state of production of precious metals on a global scale is characterized by a significant depletion of the main reserves of easily processed and easily enriched primary gold ores with a constant decrease in the content of noble metals in them. There is an urgent need to attract significant volumes of new types of primary ores, many of which are complex in composition and structure - types of gold-containing raw materials that are resistant to opening and processing for this reason, to ensure the growth of their production. As is known, today more than half of the primary ores of gold deposits in the world are resistant to opening and, for this reason, the share of gold production from such raw materials currently does not exceed 8% of the total world volume of its production, while more than 50% of the confirmed reserves of this metal in the world is contained in such ores. Solvation of the problem of effectively extracting gold from new types of raw materials, especially from refractory ones, requires fundamentally new approaches. One of these areas is pyrometallurgical methods for opening particularly refractory gold raw materials and the use of technological schemes for gold extraction at operating copper smelters to extract precious metals from such ores, where the extraction of precious metals reaches 94 95 %. However, at these plants, technologies are aimed to maximize the extraction of copper, and precious metals are obtained as a by-product by using gold-containing ores in the form of fluxes. Therefore, the extraction of precious metals fades into the background. Hence, there is a need to revise existing technologies for smelting copper concentrates and converting copper matte to achieve maximum extraction of precious metals, including from refractory gold ores. The main research approaches: Refractory bedrock ores relatively rich in gold and copper sulfide concentrates from a copper smelter will be used during smelting of copper sulfide raw materials into mattes in laboratory conditions to study the process of using refractory gold raw materials. The scientific novelty of the proposed project is in the experimental establishment of the patterns of distribution of copper, gold and silver, as well as the main slag-forming oxides in the products of smelting copper charge together with refractory gold ores, as well as converting copper matte with primary gold ores.

Project goal:Development of technologies for pyrometallurgical opening of refractory bedrock gold ores, as well as technological parameters for the extraction of precious metals in the conditions of existing copper smelters in order to significantly increase the volume of production of precious metals.

Objectives of the project include:

1) Development of a technology for smelting refractory gold ores and copper concentrates to produce mattes with a high gold content.

2) Development of technology for processing refractory primary gold ores together with copper matte.

3) Development of optimal parameters for improved technologies intended to process refractory primary gold ores with copper concentrates and copper matte and development of practical recommendations based on them.

Expected results:

According to the research results:

- a technology will be developed for smelting refractory gold ores and copper concentrates to produce mattes with a high gold content;

- a technology will be developed for processing refractory gold ores together with copper matte;

- optimal parameters of improved technologies intended to process refractory bedrock gold ores with copper concentrates and copper matte will be worked out and practical recommendations based on them will be developed.

Based on the research results, 1 article will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific publication, indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded and included in the 1st quartile by impact factor in the Web of Science database and/or having a CiteScore percentile in the Scopus database of at least 80, and also received 1 patent for an invention.

Relevance:Project idea is to to use air microbubbles and a hydrophobic flocculant in flotation to effectively extract fine particles (less than 20 microns) of non-ferrous metals from man-made waste from a beneficiation plant. The problems that the project is aimed at. The mineral resource base of Kazakhstan is being depleted; millions of tons of waste from mining and mineral processing are stored in the country every year. Man-made mineral formations that contain components valuable for further processing are of particular interest. Waste recycling is also important for improvement of the environmental situation in the regions where processing plants are located. The problem of processing man-made waste is in the difficulty of beneficiation and fine dispersion of the non-ferrous metals contained in them.

Project goal:Development of a technology for deep processing of difficult-to-beneficiate, finely disseminated man-made raw materials containing non-ferrous metals in particle size classes less than 20 microns which are currently not extracted by modern beneficiation methods.

Objectives of the project include:

1) Study of the effect of ultrafine grinding, combined microflotation and hydrophobic flocculant on the floatability of copper, lead, zinc and iron minerals. The effect of ultrafine grinding, combined microflotation and hydrophobic flocculant on the floatability of chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and pyrite will be studied. Different types of composite flotation reagent emulsions based on the hydrophobic flocculant polyethyleneimine and butyl xanthate will be obtained and their physical and chemical parameters will be determined. During monomineral flotation, the optimal degree of grinding of minerals, the number and size of microbubbles, the flow rate and particle size of the hydrophobic flocculant microemulsion will be determined. The research results will be used in the development of a process flow and reagent regime intended to process copper-lead-zinc tailings.

2) Development of technology for deep processing of difficult-to-beneficiate man-made raw materials containing non-ferrous metals, with the use of ultrafine grinding, combined microflotation and a hydrophobic flocculant. The optimal degree of hydrophobicity of flocculants will be determined by calculation and experimental method of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of their molecules for the effective aggregation of ultrafine particles of valuable minerals. The kinetics of aggregation of ultrafine minerals (chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, pyrite) in the presence of an optimal amount of hydrophobic polymer and collector will be studied. Reagent flotation modes for the initial copper-lead-zinc tailings with the use of ultrafine grinding, basic reagents, combined microflotation and a hydrophobic flocculant will be developed. The optimal technological parameters for tailings flotation will be determined depending on pH, concentration and consumption of reagents. The results will be used to conduct large-scale laboratory tests and develop initial data for technological regulations.

3) Conduction of large-scale laboratory tests and development of initial data for technological regulations for the processing of difficult-to-beneficiate man-made raw materials containing non-ferrous metals, with the use of ultrafine grinding, combined microflotation and a hydrophobic flocculant. Issue of recommendations for implementation.

Large-scale laboratory tests will be performed, and initial data for technological regulations will be developed. Qualitative-quantitative, water-sludge schemes were calculated, points of additional water supply will be determined, and recommendations for implementation will be issued.

Expected results:

The following will be performed:

- the effect of ultrafine grinding, combined microflotation and hydrophobic flocculant on the floatability of copper, lead, zinc and iron minerals will be studied;

- a technology will be developed for deep processing of difficult-to-beneficiate man-made raw materials containing non-ferrous metals with the use of ultrafine grinding, combined microflotation and a hydrophobic flocculant;

- large-scale laboratory tests will be performed and initial data will be developed for the technological regulations for the processing of difficult-to-beneficiate man-made raw materials containing non-ferrous metals with the use of ultrafine grinding, combined microflotation and a hydrophobic flocculant. Recommendations for implementation were issued.

The following works will be published according to research results in the period 2024-2026:

- at least two (2) articles and (or) reviews in peer-reviewed scientific journals indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded and included in the first and/or second quartile by the impact factor in the Web of Science database and (or) having the CiteScore percentile in the Scopus database not less than 65 (sixty-five); - and at least 1 (one) article or review in a peer-reviewed foreign or domestic publication recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KOKSNVO).

Relevance:Abstract The research is aimed to solve the problems of import substitution, involving low- grade hard -to-beneficiate raw materials into the production sector with increase in the technological parameters of the flotation process. The problem the project is aimed at. The decline in the quality of initial mineral raw materials and the increasing involvement in the production of low-grade and hard -to-beneficiate ores has led to a decrease in the performance of flotation beneficiation, the main operation of their processing, and in some cases has revealed the impossibility to use traditional (classical) beneficiation technologies. In this regard, the current direction of scientific and technological development of the industry is the improvement of technologies for the beneficiation of non-ferrous and rare metal ores in general, and the synthesis of new flotation reagents based on domestic raw materials and the improvement of mineral extraction technologies based on them can be considered as one of the options for modernization of the flotation method. The results of the project will become the basis for the development of new sulfur-containing collectors from oil refining waste, will improve the technology intended to process low-grade, hard-to-beneficiate raw materials with increase in technological parameters of the flotation process, as well as solve the problem of import substitution in mineral processing. The practical significance of the study results, that is, the degree of their readiness for commercialization or application in a different capacity to solve urgent problems of social and economic and scientific and technological development of the Republic of Kazakhstan An easy-to-implement, affordable and effective method to obtain sulfur-containing collectors from oil refining waste will be developed during implemention of the Project. It will contribute to import substitution, the involvement in the production of hard-to-beneficiate low-grade raw materials with an increase in flotation rates, and will also enable the development of theoretical prerequisites for the use of a new class of sulfur-containing collectors and to identify their effectiveness during use in flotation processes of non-ferrous, and in the future, rare and noble metals. The scientific novelty of the project is in determination, based on an analysis of the qualitative composition and structural features of oil refining waste, the priority properties to obtain sulfur-containing collectors, developing a unique method to obtain sulfur-containing collectors, as well as determining their physical and chemical and flotation properties in comparison with the base ones.

Project goal:Use of oil refining waste to obtain sulfur-containing collectors and improvement based on the flotation technology of refractory sulfide ores.

Objectives of the project include:

The project's objectives include:

1) Analysis of the qualitative composition and structural features of oil refining waste. Development of a method for production of sulfur-containing collectors based on them Measurable indicators: density, aromatic hydrocarbons and sulfur content; time of exposure to the activator, frequency of exposure, size of the particles formed. Justification of the role of this task. The results obtained will become a criterion for development of a method for production of sulfur-containing collectors.

2) Study of the physical and chemical and flotation properties of the obtained sulfur-containing collectors in comparison with traditional ones. Measurable indicators: changes in electrokinetic and redox potentials, surface tension, wettability contact angle, floatability of sulfide monominerals. Justification of the role of this task. determination of the affinity degree of the obtained collectors in relation to monominerals of extracted metals and prediction of the possibility to use sulfur-containing collectors in the process of flotation of refractory sulfide ores.

3) Improvement of flotation technology for refractory sulfide ores based on the use of sulfur-containing collectors. Measurable indicators: Degree of flotation of non-ferrous metals, consumption coefficients. Justification of the role of this task. The efficiency of sulfur-containing collectors obtained from oil refining wastes for flotation of non-ferrous metals from refractory sulfide ores will be demonstrated.

Expected results:

According to the research results: - the priority composition and properties when choosing raw materials will be determined, the conditions to obtain sulfur-containing collectors will be developed; - the physical and chemical and flotation properties of the resulting sulfur-containing collectors will be studied; a forecast will be made regarding their use for flotation of refractory sulfide ores; - the technology for flotation of refractory sulfide ores with the use of sulfur-containing collectors obtained from oil refining waste will be improved and tested in enlarged laboratory conditions: the technological parameters of flotation of refractory sulfide ores will be developed in comparison with the base ones. Recommendations will be developed for the production of sulfur-containing collectors from the purification of domestic oil products and their practical use. Based on the research results, 3 articles and (or) reviews will be published in peer-reviewed scientific publications indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science database and (or) having a CiteScore percentile in the Scopus database of at least 50, at least 1 (one) patent for an invention (including a positive decision on it.

Relevance:A modern problem characteristic of many branches of non-ferrous metallurgy is the need to involve off-balance hard-to-beneficiate raw materials in production. The existing technology intended to process copper-nickel ores involves production of high-grade matte and subsequent pyro-hydrometallurgical operations. At the same time, this analog technology is imperfect and requires searching for innovative solutions taking into account nickel and copper recovery rates, associated specific production costs, high level of environmental pollution. The complexity of hydrometallurgy of nickel and copper is also the conditions of their selective separation, characterization of the composition of feedstock, properties of copper- and nickel-containing minerals, as well as the specifics of the effect of impurity elements on the leaching process. Thus, during dissolution of nickel-containing compounds, the active effect of chlorine ions present in the solvent on the process was established. Increase in the concentration of chlorine ions in the sulfate electrolyte up to 0.5 g/l significantly increases the dissolution rate of metallic nickel, and its extraction increases by 2-2.5 times. At the same time, the presence of chlorine ions more than 0.1 g/l has an extremely negative effect on the extractive technology of copper extraction which makes the chlorine oxidation method unacceptable for collective copper-nickel leaching methods. Another problem, especially characteristic for copper hydrometallurgy, is the factor of accumulation of excessive amounts of iron compounds in process solutions, as well as other impurities reducing production efficiency. The productive solution is in constant recirculation in the process of copper raw material processing which results in the gradual accumulation of by-product elements, in particular iron compounds, calcium, silicate compounds and others. At the initial stages of starting hydrometallurgical production, trivalent iron compounds in moderate concentrations act as a catalyzing oxidant. However, exceeding the concentration of trivalent iron ions, more than 10 g/l, adversely affects the extraction process, because it reduces the selectivity of the organic extractant for copper which results in deterioration of the quality of the electrolyte and cathode copper obtained during electrolysis, as well as increased electricity consumption.

Project goal:Project Objective - is to study the behavior of impurity elements during the leaching of copper–nickel ores and the selective isolation of copper and nickel to develop ways to minimize their impact on processes.

Objectives of the project include:

1) Comprehensive study of the complex composition of copper-nickel deposits and solutions after its leaching with the selection of suitable methods for selective extraction of copper and nickel, study of the effect of the main impurity elements on the processes of leaching and selection of copper and nickel, search for methods of removal or neutralization of inhibiting impurities.

2) Search for methods of collective and selective leaching for copper and nickel. Study of the effect of solution composition - acidity indicators of the medium and other parameters directly on the forms of copper and nickel: selection of basic precipitants and coagulants for iron ions and +2 and +3, chloride ions. Study of properties of multicomponent solutions of copper and nickel, methods and sequence of their separation, as well as selective neutralization of side impurities.

3) Study of combined technologies for processing copper and nickel raw materials, including separation and beneficiation methods. Extensive laboratory tests of complete hydrometallurgical cycles of copper and nickel extraction, with the introduction of stages of solution purification from iron and other compounds. Calculation of economic efficiency. Finalization of the final report.

Expected results:

As a result of the research conducted, there will be:

- The most optimal methods of leaching of copper and nickel from mineral raw materials of complex composition were selected;

- methods of collective and selective extraction of copper and nickel were investigated;

- the effect of impurities of elements on the process of leaching of copper and nickel was studied;

- methods of removal of side impurities complicating the process of copper and nickel extraction were selected;

- the effect of coagulants, precipitants and complexing agents on the parameters and quality of technological solutions was studied;

- laboratory tests on removal of iron impurities and other compounds from the solutions of the production cycle were performed;

- preliminary economic efficiency of application of methods of productive solution purification was evaluated;

- recommendations on industrial implementation were drawn up and issued.