Abstract
Pulverized waste (large-tonnage tailings) from the enrichment of non-ferrous metal ores pose a significant environmental threat and a health hazard to the personnel of enterprises and the population of nearby territories. In this regard, this study is devoted to solving the problem of dust suppression with the prospect of subsequent complex tailings processing. The effectiveness of a combined method combining fine-dispersed hydraulic spraying and pulsating ventilation for dust deposition from the tailings of the former Kentau Enrichment Plant (Kentau, Kazakhstan) has been experimentally studied. Laboratory tests were carried out on a specialized stand with monitoring of microclimatic parameters. The results showed that the combined method reduces the dust deposition time by approximately 30% compared to traditional irrigation and by more than two times compared to natural precipitation. Optimal process parameters have been established: nozzle diameter of 10 microns, liquid pressure of 5.4 MPa, air flow velocity of 4 m/s, pulsation frequency of 13 Hz. Based on the X-ray phase analysis of the tailings composition (the total content of zinc compounds is ~3.77%, lead ~4.47%), the economic feasibility of their complex processing is substantiated. A two-stage technology is proposed: preliminary, associated extraction of valuable metals (Zn and Pb) followed by the use of a non-metallized residue rich in oxides of silicon, aluminum and calcium in the production of building materials (cement clinker, ceramics). Thus, effective dust suppression is the first step towards the transition from passive waste storage to active recycling within the framework of the principles of circular economy, which will significantly improve the environmental situation in the region.