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Research Article
Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation
Muhammad Tariq,
Shahab Saqib,
Muhammad Mansoor Iqbal,
Adil Hussain,
Ahmad Raza*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-8
Received:
12 June 2025
Accepted:
20 February 2026
Published:
10 March 2026
Abstract: Extensive reserves of black shale in Pakistan are enriched with economically important metals such as vanadium (V), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), rubidium (Rb), and copper (Cu), alongside an appreciable content of organic carbon (OC). This study investigates the effectiveness of flotation techniques in upgrading the content of these metals and OC, while simultaneously examining the behavior of impurities. Two sets of flotation experiments were conducted utilizing kerosene oil as a collector and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to control pH. Pine oil was introduced as a frothing agent in Experiment-II. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) and TiO2. Experiment-I achieved enrichment ratios of 1.44 for TOC and 1.57 for TiO2, while Experiment-II achieved factors of 1.50 and 1.09, respectively. The flotation process selectively removed impurities such as SiO2, SO3, CaO, and Fe2O3 into the tailing’s fractions of both experiments. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed the successful upgrading of ZnO, CuO, and Rb2O, which were detected in either the tailings or concentrate but not in the feed samples. This research highlights the promise of optimized flotation processes for enhancing the value of black shale deposits, providing a foundation for further refinement and industrial application.
Abstract: Extensive reserves of black shale in Pakistan are enriched with economically important metals such as vanadium (V), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), rubidium (Rb), and copper (Cu), alongside an appreciable content of organic carbon (OC). This study investigates the effectiveness of flotation techniques in upgrading the content of these met...
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Review Article
Mechanisms and Processes of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration in Ethiopia: A Review
Tesfaye Tadesse Gebre*,
Amanuel Jorge
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
9-19
Received:
15 February 2026
Accepted:
28 February 2026
Published:
12 March 2026
Abstract: Photosynthesis, litter decomposition, and root exudation are key processes contributing to organic carbon sequestration in ecosystems. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a heterogeneous mixture of organic components, including microbial biomass, plant and animal residues, simple sugars, complex organic compounds, and carbohydrates. Globally, soils contain an estimated 1,550 Pg of organic carbon. However, historical land conversion for agriculture has caused substantial carbon losses, with approximately 78 Pg lost mainly through erosion and mineralization. In Ethiopia, SOC loss is similarly attributed to soil erosion and land use change, with estimates ranging from 15 to 1,000 kg ha-1 yr-1. SOC sequestration occurs through various mechanisms, including carbon inputs from plant litter, crop residues, and rhizodeposition. The stabilization of SOC plays a vital role in the long-term storage and protection of carbon in soils. Physical protection involves strong chemical bonding between SOC and the soil’s mineral matrix and the physical inaccessibility of SOC to decomposers. Biological protection involves the encapsulation of SOC within soil aggregates and hydrophobic domains of soil organic matter. Overall, SOC storage is influenced by complex interactions among soil, plant systems, and management practices. Effective soil management strategies can significantly enhance SOC sequestration in croplands.
Abstract: Photosynthesis, litter decomposition, and root exudation are key processes contributing to organic carbon sequestration in ecosystems. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a heterogeneous mixture of organic components, including microbial biomass, plant and animal residues, simple sugars, complex organic compounds, and carbohydrates. Globally, soils contai...
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Research Article
Comparative Mineralogical and Chemical Characterization of Kombelcha and Bombowha Kaolin Deposits, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
20-27
Received:
11 February 2026
Accepted:
24 February 2026
Published:
12 March 2026
Abstract: The investigation into the mineralogical and chemical properties of Ethiopian kaolin deposits is essential for transitioning the national manufacturing sector from a reliance on imported raw materials to domestic resource utilization. This study provides an exhaustive comparative characterization of the Kombelcha and Bombowha kaolin deposits, representing two distinct geological and environmental origins. Analytical techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and wet chemical analysis, were employed to delineate the characteristics of the raw materials and their behavior during high-temperature treatment. Kaolinite is the primary mineral phase in both deposits, yet the Bombowha occurrence is uniquely distinguished by the presence of halloysite and gibbsite, which are absent in Kombelcha. Chemically, the Bombowha kaolin exhibits higher purity, with Al2O3 content exceeding 35% and total iron and alkali impurities below 3%. In contrast, the Kombelcha kaolin averages 32% Al2O3 with significantly higher Fe2O3 (2.75%) and total alkalis (1.50%). Firing tests reveal that the Kombelcha deposit vitrifies at 1150°C, whereas the Bombowha deposit maintains refractoriness up to 1250°C. The study further evaluates the efficacy of kyanite additions (5–15%) in controlling firing shrinkage. Genetic evidence suggests that Kombelcha is a product of in-situ weathering of granite, while Bombowha originates from a complex interplay of hydrothermal alteration and subsequent weathering of pegmatitic and granitic dikes. These findings provide a scientific framework for the industrial application of these clays in ceramics, refractories, and paper manufacturing.
Abstract: The investigation into the mineralogical and chemical properties of Ethiopian kaolin deposits is essential for transitioning the national manufacturing sector from a reliance on imported raw materials to domestic resource utilization. This study provides an exhaustive comparative characterization of the Kombelcha and Bombowha kaolin deposits, repre...
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