• Resources Recycling
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.38-44
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• 2023

Leaching tests were conducted using sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions to remove impurities from domestic graphite concentrate. As a result of the leaching experiment using sulfuric acid solution and sodium hydroxide solution, respectively, the difference of removal efficiency was insignificant when the concentration of sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid was 2 mol/L or more. The fixed carbon content increased with increasing the temperature in the sulfuric acid solution leaching, while it remains constant above 150℃ in sodium hydroxide solution. For the repeated sequential leaching tests, the leaching conditions were 2 mol/L NaOH, 200℃, 1 hour in the sodium hydroxide solution leaching and 2 mol/L H₂SO₄, 100℃, 1 hour in the sulfuric acid solution leaching, respectively. When sulfuric acid leaching followed by sodium hydroxide solution leaching was repeated 5 times, the fixed carbon increased to 99.95% and ash content decreased to 0.048%, while the fixed carbon increased to 99.98% and ash content was reduced to 0.018 when sodium hydroxide solution leaching followed by sulfuric acid solution leaching was repeated 5 times.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.66-72
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• 2022

The circularity and particle size distribution of products obtained from dry classification after circularity tests using a high-intensity mixer were investigated to evaluate the use of domestic graphite concentrate as a lithium-ion battery material. At a rotor speed of 3,000 rpm, the particle size and circularity of the concentrated sample and product were unchanged. The circularity increased and particle size decreased when the rotor speeds were increased to 6,000 rpm, 10,000 rpm, and 12,000 rpm and the operating time was increased. For instance, the circularity increased from 0.870 to 0.936 when the rotor speed was increased from 3,000 rpm to 12,000 rpm for an operating time of 10 min. After the circularity test, dry classification was performed, wherein the circularity of the coarse particles was found to have increased to 0.947. Round particles were observed in the SEM images, indicating that high circularity was successfully achieved.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.291-300
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• 2013

The potential mineral resources in North Korea are magnesite, limestone, coal, graphite, iron, gold, silver, lead, and zinc. North Korea is mainly exporting coal and iron to China(70%) and EU countries. Gold ore reserves(or resources) in North Korea are about 2,000 tons and annual production is 2 tons based on metal. Major gold mines are Sooan, Holdong, and Daeyoodong mines and six smelters are operating. Fe ore reserves (or resources) are 4.3 billion tons and annual production is about 5 million tons based on 63.5% Fe. Major iron mines are Moosan, Leewon, Eunryul, Shinwon, and Jaeryong and 7 smelters are operating. Pb and Zn ore reserves(or resources) are Pb 470,000 tons and Zn 15 million tons, and annual productions are about Pb 26,000 tons and Zn 50,000 tons based on metal respectively. Major Pb-Zn mines are Gumdock and Seongcheon mines. Magnesite ore reserves(or resources) are 2.8 billion tons (95% MgO) and annual production is about 150,000 tons. Major magnesite mines are Ryongyang, Daeheung Youth and Ssangryong mines, and 5 magnesium refractory factories are operating. Apatite ore reserves(or resources) are 340 million tons(30% $P_2O_5$) and annual production is about 300,000 tons(crude ore). Major apatite mines are Daedaeri, Dongam and Poongnyen mines. Coal is established as an important strategic fuel mineral resources and is a major energy source in North Korea. Coal ore reserves(or resources) are 18.6 billion tons and annual production is about 20 million tons. The main coal fields is located in southern Pyongan and the Jigdong mine is the biggest in North Korea.