Research on the Composition of Feldspar Production Waste and Prospects for its Use

The results of studies of the material composition of tailings from the feldspar production of JSC Vishnegorsk Mining and Processing Plant are presented, and the possibilities of their use as technogenic mineral raw materials are assessed. Size distribution, qualitative and quantitative analyzes of the chemical and mineral composition of the tailings were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The possibility of involving the modern tailings in a repeated technological cycle has been noted, especially considering the exclusion of crushing and grinding of the original ore from the technological process. It has been found that the tailings dump has the potential for significant concentrations (mg/kg): niobium (up to 390), cerium (up to 64.1), tantalum (74.3), neodymium (up to 15.2), germanium (up to 11.7), hafnium (up to 11.5). It is recommended to study the lower horizons of the Vishnegorsky MPP tailings dump for the presence of zones of possible enrichment in these elements, which is proposed to be carried out before the start of the reclamation process of the waste disposal site.