Resource and Economic Efficiency of Serpentinite Waste Utilization for the Production of Inorganic Magnesium Compounds

This article explores the current state and future directions in the processing and utilization of serpentinite waste generated during the mining and beneficiation of chrysotile-asbestos ores in Russia and Kazakhstan. Inefficient management of this waste leads to significant environmental impacts and deterioration of ecological conditions in industrial regions. A critical review of recent scientific publications and developments in the production of magnesium compounds from serpentinite is presented. Results. It is demonstrated that with proper technological approaches, serpentinite waste from chrysotile-asbestos processing can become a source of economic benefit. Examples are given of industrial production of high-purity chemical products derived from serpentinite waste. The article discusses the resource and economic efficiency of such processes, including research results obtained at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University on the integrated processing of serpentinite waste from the Zhitikara deposit. Scientific novelty. The proposed technology involves an innovative approach using thermally activated serpentinite for the purification and neutralization of magnesium extraction solutions, enabling the production of high-purity magnesium compounds from low-grade mineral feedstock. The novelty lies in the combination of acid leaching with solid-phase reagents derived from the same waste, making the process more sustainable and economically efficient. Practical significance. The developed technologies can be implemented at chrysotile-asbestos mining enterprises to reduce environmental burden and meet the increasing demand for magnesium compounds in Kazakhstan’s industry. Utilization of serpentinite waste not only mitigates environmental impact but also supplies key industrial sectors with valuable magnesium-based products.