Unveiling Mineral Dissolution-Precipitation Dynamics in Mine Waste Using Synchrotron X-ray Micro-CT for Enhanced Copper Recovery (2026)
Abstract
Mine waste from the Rishton and Baal Gammon sites in Northern Queensland presents significant environmental challenges due to residual metals and the risk of acid mine drainage (AMD). However, these wastes offer a secondary source of metals, such as copper (Cu). This study employs synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to investigate coupled mineral dissolution and precipitation in mine waste, focusing on the entrapment of Cu by Mn-oxides, Fe-oxides, and Si-precipitates during leaching. By elucidating these mechanisms, the research aims to optimize metal extraction techniques and demonstrate the broader application of synchrotron X-ray micro-CT in advancing mineral processing and waste management
