Uralasbest, Asbest, Russia¹ ; Ural State Mining University, Yekaterinburg, Russia²:
S. E. Punenkov^1,2, Chief Production Engineer, Head of Base Mineral Processing Department, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, ore-dressing@control.uralasbest.ru

Ural State Mining University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
N. S. Punenkov, Student

HSE University, Moscow, Russia
Yu. S. Kozlov, Student

Chrysotile is a serpentine mineral and represents an aqueous magnesium silicate: 3MgO₂SiO₂2H₂O. The open pit mining of chrysotile asbestos and its processing by the dry gravity (pneumatic) separation based on the aerodynamic properties of dissociated and flaked fibers with particles after milling is discussed. The information on chrysotile asbestos deposits in Russia and in Kazakhstan is given. The differences of the deposits are described, and the chrysotile asbestos mining technology and equipment are reviewed. The difficult geology of chrysotile asbestos ore occurrence governs the high mineral quality variability within a site of 6–12 m in a production blocks. Furthermore, asbestos ore features a high variety of enclosing rock composition, asbestos content and dressability. Currently, the chrysotile asbestos mines in Russia and in Kazakhstan adhere to the selective mining technology. Despite the adverse external impact, the industry advances effectively, diversifies production, undertakes integrated mineral processing, introduces advanced technologies and equipment, optimizes production processes, implements intelligent production management, and adopts automation and digitalization. As a result, the leaders of the industry have greatly improved their performance indicators. The chrysotile asbestos deposits in Russia and in Kazakhstan contain many associate rocks and minerals which appeal in terms of new product development and, accordingly, extra profit.

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