Institute of Geology, Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences (Petrozavodsk, Russia):

Shchiptsov V. V., Head of Department, Doctor of Geological & Mineralogical Sciences, Senior Researcher
Kevlich V. I., Researcher, Candidate of Engineering Sciences
Pervunina A. V., Senior Researcher, Candidate of Geological & Mineralogical Sciences, aelita@krc.karelia.ru

The article demonstrates the unique nature of shungite-bearing rocks, reflected in their geological, genetic, structural, physical, molecular, supramolecular, and electronic-energy characteristics. The study was based on the nine levels of high-carbon shungite rocks in the volcanogenic-sedimentary complexes of the Onega structure of the Paleoproterozoic Zaonezhskaya suite with an age interval of 2100 to 1920 Ga. The high-carbon shungite rocks of the Zazhoginskoe ore field are dominated by shungite matter and silica. No examples of shungite-bearing rock processing can be found anywhere in the world. There are several practical applications of shungite-bearing rocks, based on different grinding fineness classes (micro- and nanoscale). The paper describes various methodological approaches to shungite-bearing rock processing for the activation of shungite carbon. Experimental data have been obtained for methods that ensure a significant removal of aluminosilicate and silicate components, but have not been introduced in the industry. The paper presents the results of new studies for high-carbon shungite rocks using a combination of mineralogical and industrial methods for selecting the sample crushing/grinding size and ensuring the liberation of minerals using a concentrator table, as shown in the shungite-bearing rock separation diagram. The research is aimed at developing the theory and methods for sustainable subsoil use. Shungite-bearing rocks are being increasingly regarded as a multi-purpose raw material for various industries and spheres of life.
The work was carried out with the financial support of the topic research 210 of IG KarSC RAS 121040600173-1.

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