Prospects for scandium mining in Ukraine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2713.112.05Keywords:
scandium, mineral deposits, mineral resources, miningAbstract
Background. The prospects for scandium mining in Ukraine are discussed. The important role of scandium in modern industry, as one of the high-tech metals, is highlighted.
Methods. Methods of collecting and analyzing published and archival materials, as well as methods of comparison and analogy were used in the study.
Results. It is emphasized, that Ukraine is among the world leaders in scandium resources. Ukrainian reserves of Sc are recorded in 13 host-rock (Zhovtorichenske, Stremyhorodske, Fedorivske, Torchynske) and placer deposits (Malyshivske, Valky Gatskivske, Vovchanske, Trostyanets, Zlobytske, Irshanske, Lemnenske deposit [West section], Lemnenske deposit [East section], Tarasivske). The geological structure and scandium mineralization of the Zhovtorichenske, Pershotravneve and Gannivske deposits are described. Other possible sources of Sc in Ukraine are also discussed. Potential technologies for scandium mining as a byproduct are considered.
Conclusions. A conclusion was drawn regarding the significant prospects of Ukraine for scandium mining. The Zhovtorichenske complex iron-uranium-vanadium-scandium deposit was identified as the most promising Sc-bearing object. Ways and directions of further research were outlined.
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