Used automotive catalysts are a valuable source of rare and precious metals, which plays a key role in modern industry. These raw materials contain rare rare earths and precious metals, which makes their processing highly efficient andeconomically profitable. To develop a comprehensive processing technology, catalysts were studied using various analysis methods, such as chemical, X-ray, X-ray spectral, and electron microscopic analysis.The results of the phase analysis indicate that rare rare earths and noble metals are in various phase states, in the form of oxides embedded in the aluminosilicate matrix of the catalyst. These data are of critical importance for the creation of effective methods of metal extraction. The key ap-proaches for processing these raw materials are pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical technologies, each of which has its own advantages and unique performance criteria.This article focuses on the physico-chemical studies of spent catalysts and the proposed method of their opening, which makes it possible to efficiently extract rare, rare-earth and precious metals. The research results can be used to optimize existing and develop new technological schemes for processing secondary raw materials.

This study investigates the effect of zirconium on the superplastic properties of titanium alloys at various tem-peratures and strain rates. It has been established that zirconium significantly influences the strain rate sensitivity coefficient (m), mechanical stability, and plasticity. At elevated temperatures, zirconium-containing alloys exhibit a stable m-value within a specific strain rate range, followed by a sharp decline. In contrast, zirconium-free alloys show a gradual decrease in m as the strain rate increases. The optimal temperature-strain rate conditions for superplastic deformation depend on zirconium content. Alloys with lower zirconium concentrations demonstrate high plasticity at moderate temperatures and intermediate strain rates, whereas alloys with higher zirconium content require lower strain rates to achieve uniform deformation. Beyond a certain threshold, an increase in zirconium content results in reduced plasticity and strain localization. Additionally, zirconium in-creases flow stress, while higher temperatures contribute to its reduction; however, this is accompanied by grain coarsening,which negatively affects mechanical properties. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy revealed that after superplastic deformation, all investigated alloys develop a fine-grained structure consisting of equiaxed α-and β-grains. The average grain size increases compared to the initial state, indicating dynamic recovery and recrystallization processes. The results confirm the feasibility of using these titanium alloys in superplastic forming technologies. The identified correlations provide a basis for optimizing thermomechanical processing parameters to achieve a balance between high plasticity and me-chanical stability, which is crucial for industrial applications.

This study presents the methodology, approach, and results of calculating the components of water and salt bal-ances based on three years of field research on the reuse of collector-drainage water in theTasmurun area of the Bakbakty irrigation system, under arid and low-water conditions typical for water-demanding rice fields. Balance calculations were based on data from in situobservations with active involvement of local farmers, ensuring data reliability. The water balance showed a slightnegative discrepancy ranging from 0.4-0.6% in 2022 and 0.001-0.02% in 2023-2024, confirmed by groundwa-ter level monitoring and maps. The salt balance showed a slight accumulation, with values from +0.016 to +0.29 t/ha in field No. 2 and +0.049 to +0.089 t/ha in field No. 4. Seasonal salt increases were linked to leaching regimes and the dominance of easily soluble salts, posing no threat to land reclamation status.

The whole world aims to reducecoal consumption, but despite such a policy,there are countries where its con-sumption continues to grow (China, India). If coal consumption grows, the volume of ash and slag waste (materials) that must be utilized and processed to obtain final products grows. The main elements included in the by-product of coal combustion are SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3. The paper provides a review of the use and processing of ash and slag materials for recycling as well as potential directions for their disposal: as well as potential directions for their disposal: cement production, geopolymer, in zeolite synthesis, microsphere separation, in agriculture, in land reclamation, in phytoremediation as reagents for water purifi-cation, in road construction for backfilling abandoned mines. The authors employed physicochemical analysis methods to confirm that the primary components of the material are SiO2(65.9%) and Al2O3(22.5%). It has been established that a high proportion of silicon and aluminum can be an effective raw material for construction and geopolymer materials, as well as in the production of ceramic products. Availability of Fe2O3(5.54%) suggests possibilities for its use in catalytic processes and pigment production. The alkaline reaction of the aqueous extract of the ash (pH=9.25) correlates well with its chemical com-position and confirms the presence of active alkaline components in the material. This alkaline nature of the ash favors geopol-ymerization processes and increases the material's reactivitywhen interacting with acidic activators. Additionally, the minor presence of TiO2(1.11%) may improve themechanical properties of ash-based materials.

Ventilation for underground mines plays an essential role in production activities by ensuring labor safety and maintaining environmental conditions. Mine ventilation is also one of the most effective methods for preventing methane gas and coal dust explosions. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the ventilation network annually and calculate the overall ventilation requirements for underground mines in the Quang Ninh coalfield. Based on the production plan and ventilation needs of the Khe Cham Coal Mine, the authors surveyed and evaluated the mine ventilation network, thereby proposing solu-tions to improve the ventilation system and calculating the ventilation parameters for 2025. To achieve the research results presented in this article, the authors used methods such as data collection, analysis and synthesis, field surveys, result analysis and evaluation, combined with numerical modeling using ventilation software to verify calculation results. To ensure ventila-tion for Khe Cham Coal Mine in 2025, two main fan stations –No1 at level +35 and No2 at level +112 should be operated joint-ly, with the following calculated working modes: fan station No1 at level +35: airflow of 193.72 m³/s, air pressure of 448 mmH₂O, impeller angle of 40°; fan station No2 at level +112: airflow of 155.8 m³/s, air pressure of 419.5 mmH₂O, impeller angle of 35°. Based on the analysis of data collected at the Khe Cham Coal Mine, the paper assesses the overall ventilation status of the mine. It proposes solutions to improve the ventilation network, ensuring safety during production activities. Addi-tionally, it determines the combined working mode of the two main fan stations, providing a foundation for developing the general ventilation plan for Khe Cham Coal Mine in 2025.

This paper presents the results of a study of the strengthening of iron ore raw materials obtained by oxidative roasting of granules and pellets using gaseous fuel and agglomeration with combustion of solid fuel in the agglomeration layer. Differences in the mechanisms of mineral formation of granules, pellets and agglomeratesappear at the stage of liquid-phase strengthening and are due to the different role of iron in formingthe strengthening melt. At the same time, in the agglomerate, granules and pellets, iron is in different valence states, affecting the processes' features. Iron can be in a trivalent state in the iron-silicate melt of granules and pelletsand is not a silicate-forming component of the charge. The silicate compositions of the binders in the entire studied range of basicities (0.3-1.5) are located along the line of the CaO–SiO2connection, which is de-termined using the phase diagram of the CaO–Fe2O3–SiO2system. During agglomeration, the silicon-containing melt is formed under conditions of excess FeO, which directs the process of mineral formation during the creation of the iron-silicate binder of the agglomerate. Under standard agglomeration conditions, silicate binders with a basicity of 1.0-1.5 are formed in the olivine field of the CaO–FeO–SiO2phase diagram, covering a wide range of compositions. The processes of mineral for-mation in batches, by hardened methods, both during the firing of granules, pellets, and during agglomeration, have shown that changing the oxidation potential of the gas phase is an effective lever on the path not only to improving the properties of fer-rous sand -a waste product of alumina production, but also to creating both new binders and new types of iron ore raw materi-als suitable for smelting ferrosilicon.

The article discusses the prospects for developinglithium-ion batteries, emphasizinglithium-enriched transition metal oxides used as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIB). The primaryfocus is on materials with the formula xLi₂MnO₃⋅(1−x)LiMO₂ (where M=Mn, Ni, and Co) that exhibit high discharge capacity (over 250 mAh/g) and specific energy (over 950 Wh/kg), surpassing traditional cathode materials such as LiCoO₂, LiMn₂O₄, and LiFePO₄. These oxides combine the monoclinic phase of Li₂MnO₃ and the trigonal phase of LiMO₂, which ensures their high performance. However, the authors note severalproblems, including low speed characteristics, irreversible capacity of the first cycle, and degradation of voltage and capacity during cycling. These problems are linked to the creation of spinel-like structures, unwanted reactions at the sur-face with the electrolyte, and the release of oxygen. The authors propose modification methods like protective coatings, alloy-ing, and the creation of composite structures to enhance the characteristics. The article also includes an overview of other common cathode materials such as LiCoO₂, LiMn₂O₄, LiNiO₂ and their combinations, highlighting their advantages and limita-tions. Special attention is paid to promising materials, including LiNi₁/₃Co₁/₃Mn₁/₃O₂ and LiFePO₄, which have balanced elec-trochemical and economic properties. It was also emphasised that further research is needed to understand the degradation mechanismsand optimise the structure of lithium-enriched oxides. Resolving these issues can help create better and more reliable cathode materials for LIB, which is crucial for advancing electric vehicles and other energy-intensivetechnologies.

This study investigates the mechanical and tribological properties of monolayer TiN coatings and multilayer TiN/TiCN coatings deposited via direct current magnetron sputtering onto titanium substrates (VT1-0). The coatings were characterized bymicrostructure, nanohardness, elastic modulus, and tribological performance under lubricated friction condi-tions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the coatings exhibit a uniform microstructure without visible defectsand a typical columnar growth morphology. Nanoindentation tests demonstrated that the multilayer TiN/TiCN coatings possess enhanced hardness (up to 23.5 GPa) and elastic modulus (191 GPa) compared to the monolayer TiN, attributed to interlayer strengthening effects and redistribution of residual stresses. Tribological tests using a ball-on-disk configuration under lubri-cated conditions showed that the multilayer coatings exhibit a significantly lower coefficient of friction (0.10–0.13) and im-proved wear resistance compared to the TiN coating. This behavior is associated with TiCN layers, which reduce interfacial adhesion, promote uniform load distribution, and facilitatesthe formation of a protective tribofilm. The results confirm that the TiN/TiCN multilayer coatings offer superior mechanical and tribological properties, making them promising candidates for engineering components operating under friction and wear conditions.

The object of this study is renewableenergy sources in the Republic of Kazakhstan, with an emphasis on the ge-othermal resources of the Zharkent field. Geothermal energy is a promising direction in ensuring energy independence and sustainable development, especially in the context of the needto decarbonize the economy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The objective of this work is to develop and scientifically substantiate an integrated complex for the production of heat and electricity based on the geothermal resources of the Zharkent field. The study included an analysis of the hydrogeothermal characteristics of the field, an assessment of the energy potential of existing geothermal wells, and a selection of the mosteffi-cient technologies, including binary geothermal units, heat pump systems and direct heat supply systems. A feasibility study of the proposed solutions was carried out considering the climatic, geological and infrastructural features of the region. The re-search results can be applied in the development of pilot projects in the field of geothermal energy, as well as within the framework of the state strategy for the transition to a «green»economy. The proposed complex is capable of increasing the energy sustainability of the Zhetysu region and becoming an example for the implementation of similar solutions in other re-gions of Kazakhstan.

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the Shu-Ile metallogenic zone using modern geo-physical, geochemical methods and technologies of remote sensing of theEarth. The purpose of the study was to establish patterns of ore deposits within the zone based on new geodynamic approaches and the integration of multidisciplinary geologi-cal data. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to create sound predictive models of mineral deposits, including gold, polymetals and related elements, in conditions of a complicated geological situation and the exhaustion of lightly ex-plored resources.During the research, data from gravimetry, magnetic surveying, electromagnetic sensing and remote sensing data, as well as geochemical characteristics of ore-bearing formations, were analyzed. These data were compared with the results of field observations, stratigraphic and tectonic constructions. A comprehensive analysis made it possible to identify zones of active interaction between the mantle and the earth's crust, manifested in the form of deep faults, subvertical conduc-tivestructures and tectonically weakened zones that play a key role in the formation of ore nodes.Based on a set of geophysi-cal and geochemical features, a new approach to forecasting gold-sulfide and polymetallic mineralization is proposed. It in-volves modeling deep structures and assessing the degree of their influence on the surface manifestations of ore mineralization. The results obtained are of great practical importance: They can be used to optimize exploration activities, increase the effi-ciency of drilling programs, and minimize financial costs.The proposed methodology can be successfully applied in other metallogenic provinces of Central Asia, which emphasizes the versatility and practical significance of the work performed.