Copper deposits in China are mostly small- and medium-sized, with few large-scale ones. The average grade is low, with only 16.2% of rich copper resources (grade > 1%). This article systematically summarizes the types of copper deposits in China and highlights that important copper-forming areas are distributed in the Bangongco–Nujiang metallogenic belt, Gangdise–Southern Xizang metallogenic belt, Southwest Sanjiang metallogenic belt, East Tianshan–Beishan metallogenic belt, Daxing’anling metallogenic belt, and Eastern Jihei metallogenic belt. The deployment of a new round of breakthroughs in mineral exploration is centered on the formation of 11 large resource camps (Geji, Xinlong, Duolong, Xiongcun–Zhunuo, Julong–Jiama–Bangpu, Yulong, Pulang, Lala–Dongchuan, Dexing, Duobaoshan, and Tuwu–Yandong). Copper reserves are expected to increase by 11.95 million tons by 2025, 20.2 million tons by 2030, and 26.9 million tons by 2035. Furthermore, two new copper resource camps will be established, and nine large-scale copper resource camps will be consolidated by then.

The extraction, purification, and utilization of mineral resources have been among the largest anthropogenic sources of chromium (Cr) in soil. Determining Cr contamination in soil is a key issue prior to its appropriate remediation. Nevertheless, the efficient identification of large-scale soil Cr contamination requires continuous research. The present study proposes a continental-scale method to rapidly identify soil Cr contamination using visible-near infrared spectroscopy (vis-NIR) and machine learning (ML). A large dataset containing 18,675 topsoil samples from the Land Use/Land Cover Area Frame Survey 2009 projects across Europe was compiled. Five advanced ML algorithms were compared, and hyperparameter optimization was conducted using the grid search method. Permutation importance was employed to calculate the rank of each spectral wavelength, shedding light on the most sensitive spectral wavelength for Cr contamination. Results indicate that hyperparameter optimization had the most significant performance improvement on support vector machine (SVM), exhibiting an increase in training performance from 0.795 to 0.868. The achieved optimal SVM accuracy, area under the receiver operating feature curve, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.78, 0.85, 0.85, and 0.66, respectively, indicating excellent predictive performance on the Cr contamination classification. The optimal SVM model revealed that the most important spectral band for classifying Cr contamination was 1430–1433 nm. This finding implies that the adsorption of molecular water was closely related to the classification of Cr contamination. The current study introduces the first continental-scale identification of Cr contamination using vis-NIR, which has excellent guiding significance for Cr remediation and the identification of other heavy metals using vis-NIR.

As high-grade magnesite and brucite resources (hereinafter referred to as magnesium-containing minerals) are decreasing annually, developing flotation separation technologies capable of efficiently and economically extracting magnesium resources from low-grade magnesium-containing minerals is necessary. Although efficient flotation separation technologies for magnesium-containing minerals are well researched, related concepts are not yet clarified. Moreover, the industrial development of magnesium-containing mineral flotation technologies is limited by their low separation efficiency and environmental problems. This limitation has inhibited the full utilization of low-grade magnesium-containing minerals. This study comprehensively discusses the research progress of flotation separation technologies for magnesium-containing minerals, focusing on the crystal chemical and surface characteristics of magnesium-containing minerals and their gangue minerals, effect of inevitable ions on mineral flotation behavior, interaction effects of minerals, and research advancement of flotation reagents. The study aims to clarify the future development direction of the flotation separation of magnesium-containing minerals and provide theoretical support and technical references for an efficient separation.

This study comprehensively evaluates the integration and effectiveness of green mining technologies within the mining sector, specifically focusing on mitigating the environmental impact of traditional mining practices. The primary goal is to establish a sustainable mining model that significantly reduces energy consumption and minimizes ecological disturbances. To achieve this, the study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative data analysis from monitored mining sites and qualitative insights from industry experts. Key parameters include energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and reductions in chemical use. The findings reveal that effective integration of green mining technologies leads to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy consumption, and improved waste management compared to traditional methods. Specifically, the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources in mining operations has resulted in decreased carbon emissions and energy usage across studied sites. The research concludes that green mining practices, when supported by robust technological integration and regulatory frameworks, not only enhance environmental sustainability but also boost economic efficiency within the mining industry. This study recommends increased investment in the research and development of green technologies and calls for tighter regulatory oversight to ensure the widespread adoption and optimization of these practices.

Oxidized lead and zinc resources have been underutilized for a long time. With the rapid depletion of the lead–zinc sulfide ores, there is an urgent need to increase the efficient utilization of lead–zinc oxide ores. Flotation is a versatile method for the pre-enrichment of lead–zinc oxide ores. Due to the strong hydration of lead–zinc oxide minerals and the easy dissolution of metal ions on the surface, the flotation separation of lead–zinc oxide ores remains a major challenge to date. Therefore, sulfidation reconstruction of oxidized lead–zinc minerals prior to flotation is crucial for altering their surface properties. This paper reviews the progress of sulfidation pretreatment technology for typical lead–zinc oxide minerals, including cerussite, smithsonite, and hemimorphite. Currently, the utilization of sulfurizing agents for surface sulfidation pretreatment of lead–zinc oxide minerals, followed by flotation recovery using amine collectors, represents the most widely employed process. Constrained by factors such as low sulfidation rates and the propensity for sulfidation products to desorb, flotation recovery of lead–zinc oxide ores remains low. At present, reinforced mineral surface sulfidation by the addition of ammonium salts is a common method to increase the sulfidation rate of lead–zinc oxide ores. In particular, this paper summarizes the mechanisms of different sulfidation reconstruction technologies and analyses the main factors affecting surface sulfidation, as well as outlines the prospects for future research.

Discrete element method (DEM)-based simulations are crucial for bridging macro and micro research, particularly owing to the limitations of experimental methods. This paper reviews the simulation techniques used for particle breakage in DEM, summarizes the research status, and discusses pertinent issues to outline future prospects for particle breakage simulation. Fragment replacement method (FRM) and bonded particle method (BPM) are widely used to simulate particle breakage based on DEM. In BPM models, sub-particle size selection, particle cluster generation mode, and bonding parameters are crucial considerations. Although BPM can simulate the breakage of particles with complex shapes, it cannot re-simulate them, posing difficulties in coordinating calculation load and simulation accuracy. For FRM, the fragment replacement mode and particle breakage criteria are critical. The number and size of replacement particles are difficult to match with actual conditions, and ensuring mass conservation is significantly challenging. Although the initial computational load in FRM is relatively low, it increases significantly as the simulation progresses. To address these issues, we propose a simulation method that integrates BPM and FRM, allowing sub-particle breakage in BPM to be realized by FRM.

Two-dimensional layered aluminum-based adsorbents have been developed and successfully applied to enrich low-concentration lithium from shale gas produced water. The adsorbent, synthesized with a lithium-to-aluminum molar ratio of 0.6 in the salt solution, demonstrated exceptional performance characteristics. Its structure, featuring nano-encapsulated layers, facilitated lithium insertion, enhanced the surface area, and optimized pore size distribution for efficient adsorption. The adsorption equilibrium was reached within 60 min, closely aligning with the pseudo-second-order model. The isotherm analysis, based on the Sips model, suggested a non-homogeneous multilayer adsorption process. Additionally, the adsorbent showed exceptional selectivity for Li⁺ over Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺, ensuring effective lithium enrichment. Further desorption studies indicated that optimal conditions involved using deionized water at 333 K with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 80 mL/g. The adsorbent maintained robust performance and structural integrity through five adsorption–desorption cycles, highlighting its potential for recyclability and practical application in lithium recovery. These developments represent significant progress in harnessing lithium resources from shale gas produced water, thereby supporting advancements in clean energy technologies.

The exponential increase in the amount of research focused on clay-mineral-based tribo-composites has offered an unprecedented opportunity for their use in automobile, coating, lubricant, and mechanical bearing devices. Clay-mineral-based tribo-composites provide remarkable improvements in mechanical, thermal, and lubrication qualities that can be applied in industry. The clay mineral types, modification approaches, matrix materials, and synthesis methods all influence the obtained performance of tribo-composites. Herein, this paper presents recent advances in the modification strategies of seven typical clay minerals: sepiolite, vermiculite, palygorskite, montmorillonite, talc, kaolinite, and halloysite. The effects of these clay-minerals/clay-mineral-based composites on the resultant mechanical, lubrication, sound-absorbing, thermal and tribological functions of tribo-composites are also outlined. Furthermore, current theories and methods regarding performance prediction and design recommendations for advanced friction composite materials are discussed, with specific examples drawn from the scientific literature. This review aims to inspire further explorations on clay mineral modification techniques, taking advantage of the particular structures and physical and chemical properties to develop high-performance next-generation friction material products.