Emina Požega

Mining waste containing sulfide minerals is a potential source of acid drainage waters (Acid Rock Drainage - ARD), which can contribute to the mobilization of metals and other potentially harmful elements and pose a long-term risk to the environment. This study examines the potential for acid drainage generation from a sample of flotation tailings produced during the concentration of polymetallic lead-zinc sulfide ore. The ARD potential was assessed using the static method in accordance with the SRPS EN 15875:2013 standard by determining the acid potential (AP), neutralization potential (NP), neutralization potential ratio (NPR), and net neutralization potential (NNP). XRD analysis indicated the presence of approximately 4% pyrite, while the total and sulfur derived from sulfide minerals - sulfide sulfur contents were 2.20% and 1.95%, respectively. Based on the total and sulfide sulfur contents, NPR values of 0.13 and 0.15 and NNP values of -59.50 and -51.69 kg CaCO₃/t, respectively, were obtained. These results indicate a pronounced potential of the examined tailings for acid drainage generation.

Sample duplicates represent an important internal quality control (IQC) tool that enables continuous monitoring of analytical method precision during routine laboratory work. In this study, the use of water sample duplicates for monitoring the precision of an ICP-MS method using R-control charts was investigated. For each pair of results, the range (R) was calculated, and the control limits were established based on a reference data set. The results indicate that R-control charts enable straightforward monitoring of agreement between duplicate results and timely detection of deviations, demonstrating that sample duplicates are a useful tool for the IQC of an ICP-MS method.

The possibility of producing high quality Bi2Te3-x single crystal doped with Se using the Bridgman method was examined. Single crystal was successfully prepared. The Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 single crystal in 11 mm × 80 mm size was grown. Measurements of the thermoelectric properties indicate that bulk sample was of n-type conductivity, suggesting that major conductivity carriers were electrons. The resistivity (ρ), conductivity (k) and Seebeck coefficient (S) were measured simultaneously in temperature range from 40°C to 320°C. The obtained result of Seebeck coefficient (S) and resistivity (ρ) were presented in our investigation earlier. The obtained empirical formula does not deviate from the given compound formula.

A century of copper mining in Bor, Serbia, formed Robule Lake, an extreme acid mine drainage reservoir (pH 2.67). This study demonstrates the first stage of a multi-stage neutralization process using Ca(OH)2 up to pH 4. SEM-EDS analysis of the resulting sludge at pH4 evaluates its microstructure and elemental composition. Results show highly selective precipitation of trivalent iron (locally up to 50.35% Fe) alongside a crystalline gypsum matrix. Conversely, copper remains stable in solution, with losses restricted to just 0.60%, enabling its unhindered recovery in subsequent stages.

Water contamination by toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) represents a critical global challenge, requiring efficient and sustainable remediation technologies. Conventional removal methods are often limited by surface passivation and the risk of excessive metal leaching. This paper reviews the application of open-cell copper foams synthesized via an eco-friendly space-holder technique using raw cane sugar for the removal of Cr(VI) from drinking water. The foams, featuring 65% porosity, achieved complete Cr(VI) removal at pH levels up to 7.2 through a redox mechanism. Results indicate that removal efficiency improves with smaller pore sizes, confirming copper foam's potential as a sustainable solution for practical water purification.

The increasing demand for energy and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have stimulated interest in recovering energy from existing industrial processes. Industrial water systems, cooling circuits, process water networks, and wastewater treatment facilities represent significant sources of unused hydraulic energy. This paper analyses the potential of utilizing industrial water flows for electricity generation through mini hydropower plants. Technical aspects, application possibilities, advantages, limitations, and practical examples are discussed. The results indicate that mini hydropower systems can improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and contribute to sustainable industrial development.

During the mining works on the construction of the new production shaft of the Čukaru Peki mine in Bor, waste are excavated. This waste are temporarily deposited at the landfill in the immediate vicinity of the new production shaft. From the landfill, waste are loaded and transported to the waste dump where they are permanently disposed of. The construction of the landfill and waste dump site was carried out in the Gems software, in which a 3D model of these objects was constructed. Quantities were calculated in the Minex software.

Degraded areas created due to the construction of mining facilities are the result of mining activities aimed at the exploitation of copper at the Čukaru Peki location near Bor and as such are unfavorable for agriculture, but only for afforestation and grassing on already prepared areas.All degraded surfaces represent plateaus on which the corresponding buildings were built. After the end of exploitation, these buildings lose their purpose and will therefore be demolished. After that, all areas are slated for recultivation, which will include several phases. As these are degraded surfaces on which cultures cannot be established without previous works, it is necessary to form a 0.5 m soil layer on the surfaces. After that, recultivation will be carried out by grassing and afforestation of the areas.

Glavni prostor za odlaganje (rudarskog i dr.) otpada predstavljaju zemljane površine. Zemljište je prirodni univerzalni pročišćivač vode u kojem se kišnica filtrira i tako zaštićuje kvalitet i ispravnost podzemne pitke vode. Zemljište ima veliku apsorbcijsku sposobnost, fizičku i hemijsku. Čistoća zemljanih površina uveliko se narušava (pogoršava) odlaganjem otpada na površinu tla, koje je (eventualno) dozvoljena (projektom) za tu namenu. Da bi zaštitili tlo (šira okolina lokacije) od štetnih uticaja otpada (erozija, zagađenje i dr.) moramo ga prethodno zaštititi, pri čemu uveliko koristimo, kao jedno od rešenja, različite tipove geosintetike i pratećih geomaterijala.Odlagalište otpada predstavlja složenu geotehničku građevinu kojoj je osnovna namena sigurno (bez aktivnih rizika po živu okolinu) i ekološki prihvatljivo zbrinjavanje otpada, koji se ne može ili ga nije isplativo reciklirati, odnosno na drugi način korisno upotrebiti.Na odlagalištima raznih vrsta otpada (materijala) geomreže se koriste u funkciji ojačanja kao samostalni element ili kao sastavni deo geokompozita. Naravno, to se odnosi na geomembrane, geotekstile i druge vrste geosintetika u sklopu nekog od pokrivenih – zaštićenih ili drenažnih slojeva odlagališta. Geomreža mora ispunjavati uslove (otpornosti) mehaničke čvrstoće, kao i otpornost na hemijske agense i na povišenu temperaturu.

The specificity of the location of the RTH flotation tailings pit is reflected in the fact that it is surrounded by both old mining operations (old flotation tailings pit, Visoki Planiri) and mining facilities that are still in use (Bor flotation, Bor smelter, old Borski mine, etc.). Accordingly, it can be stated that there is a multi-year impact of these buildings on the location in question, as well as on the environment. Considering the characteristics of the facilities themselves - the RTH flotation tailings pond, it can be stated that the active surfaces of the flotation tailings pond (beach, dams) are the largest emitters of polluting substances at the site. Also, in the immediate vicinity is the Borska Reka as well as populated areas. Based on this, it is necessary to establish adequate monitoring for monitoring all medium, in order to monitor the quality of the living environment.