Composition and Useful Properties of Tailings of Marine Manganese Nodules and Crusts |
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Authors: | Zhimin Bai John C Wiltshire |
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Institution: | 1. School of Materials Science and Technology , China University of Geosciences , Beijing, China zhimibai@cugb.edu.cn;3. School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology , University of Hawaii , Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT Marine manganese nodules and crusts, when processed, yield tailings which may be utilized for environmental and economic benefit. The key to the reasonable and effective utilization of these tailings lies in making a systematic appraisal of their composition and properties. This article gives an introduction to the investigation of manganese tailings properties. The tailings have a high iron and/or manganese content, high surface area, high porosity, and fine grain size. Some tailings have a high rare earth element content which is valuable. They may also have high SO3, arsenic, and uranium contents which are harmful. Depending on the process used to produce the tailings, there will likely be some differences in chemical composition, mineral assemblages, surface area and adsorption capability, pore diameter and volume, density and pH. In assigning potentially beneficial applications for these tailings, these differences should be taken into account to optimize utilization. |
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Keywords: | manganese nodules tailings chemical composition physical properties |
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