RATIONAL USING OF RAW MATERIALS DURING EXPLOITATION OF THE ZAVALIEVSKY GRAPHITE DEPOSIT

Abstract

Based on the analysis of the Zavalivskyi graphite deposit exploitation prospects, the article outlines the ways of rational development and integrated use of its raw materials, which include transition to the underground and combined extraction of the graphite ores, improvement of the enrichment schemes, expanding of the range of the Zavalivskyi graphite plant’s production, use of the spent quarry for overburden and tailings dumping. An important component of the rational exploitation of the Zavalivskyi graphite deposit is the integrated use of its raw materials: (1) the deposit is the only one in Ukraine which mines pomegranate ores, which have good prospects nowadays; in terms of the technical characteristics, the pomegranate concentrate from Zavalivskyi graphite deposit is not inferior to that from other world producers; (2) the plant does not use all possible amount of the overburden rock formations for building-stone production; (3) the overburden sands, clays and loam have high technological characteristics and the economic feasibility study of their selective development should be envisaged; (4) graphite ore flotation tailings need further study to be used in the building and glass industries; (5) use of mineral pigments (ocher, seladonite) is possible after selective extraction, special separate storage and development of an enrichment and preparation technology; (6) jasper, chalcedony and opal specimens from Zavalivskyi graphite deposit have high decorative, textural and consumer characteristics and are suitable for production of various jewellery and decorative items; (7) among the host rocks of Zavalivskyi graphite deposit there are veins of unique, rare mineral – grautite; also mineralogically interesting is the presence of barite, horsex, pyrite, galena, coarse-grained graphite clusters, etc. Selling of these specimens as collectibles and organization of mineralogical excursions can also give some economic effect. The introduction of rational methods of development and integrated use of Zavalivskyi graphite deposit will make this object strategically important for the economy of Ukraine.

Keywords

• ukrainian shield
• zavalivskiy graphite deposit
• graphite ore
• rational development of the deposit