(Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic, 2026) Manasijevic, Dragan

Vacuum distillation represents an effective technique for the separation and purification of metals based on differences in vapor pressure. In this work, the separation behavior in Ag–Sn, Bi–Sn, Cu–Sn and Sb–Sn alloy systems was thermodynamically evaluated. Activities of liquid phase components were calculated using the CALPHAD method and COST 531 thermodynamic database for lead-free solders. Based on these data, separation coefficients were determined over a wide temperature and composition range. In addition, vapor–liquid equilibrium calculations were performed using Gibbs energy minimization implemented in HSC Chemistry software in order to estimate equilibrium distributions of components between vapor and liquid phases under reduced pressure. The results reveal pronounced differences in separation behavior among the investigated systems. Bi and Sb exhibit significantly higher volatility than Sn, with separation coefficients reaching values much higher than unity over a wide temperature range, enabling efficient removal from tin melts during vacuum distillation. In contrast, Ag and Cu show much lower relative volatility and separation coefficients close to unity, indicating limited separation efficiency. The calculated molar fluxes further represent the theoretical maximum evaporation rates under the considered conditions. These results provide a thermodynamic basis for assessing vacuum distillation as a refining method for Sn-based alloys.

(University of Belgrade – Technical Faculty in Bor, 2026) Trifunović, Vanja; Milić, Snežana; Avramović, Ljiljana; Vasiljević, Sanela; Medić, Dragana; Nedelkovski, Vladan; Božić, Dragana

The paper investigated the stabilization process of the solid residue obtained after the hydrometallurgical treatment of EAF dust, which, due to elevated concentrations of heavy metals, shows toxic properties and does not meet the requirements for safe disposal. Stabilization was carried out by adding lime (5–10 wt.%) with the aim of immobilizing heavy metals. The results of the LP and TCLP tests showed that the efficiency of the stabilization process depends on the pH value of the environment and the amount of added lime. Under optimal stabilization conditions, specifically with the addition of 6 wt.% lime, effective immobilization of metals was achieved and the waste was classified as non-hazardous, enabling its safe disposal in a non-hazardous waste landfill.

(Institute of Metals and Technology, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 2026) Trifunović, Vanja; Milić, Snežana; Avramović, Ljiljana; Dimitrijević, Silvana; Medić, Dragana; Vuković, Nikola; Jelić, Ivana

Due to the high content of zinc in electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, despite its classification as a hazardous solid industrial waste, it can be used as a secondary raw material for its separation. After the detailed characterization of a representative sample of EAF dust, the two-step leaching process of EAF dust was investigated for the recovery of zinc and other components. The leaching process was carried out in two steps: in the pretreatment step (water leaching) and the sulfuric acid leaching step. With defined optimal process parameters the zinc leaching rate is 90.5 %. After the applied two-step leaching process of the EAF dust, the resulting leaching products were characterized, a kinetic analysis was performed, and the zinc leaching mechanism was determined.

(MDPI, 2026) Đorđević, Ivan; Medić, Dragana; Gajić, Nataša; Nujkić, Maja; Nedelkovski, Vladan; Stanković, Sonja; Cvetković, Aleksandar

This study investigates the leaching behavior of the LiNi0.65Co0.25Mn0.10O2 cathode material in a phosphoric acid medium, with metallic copper recycled from spent battery components serving as a reducing agent. The aim was to develop an efficient approach for the recovery of Li, Ni, Co, and Mn while providing a mechanistic understanding. Leaching experiments were performed by varying key parameters, including copper addition, acid concentration (0.2–0.8 mol·L−1), cathode mass (0.2–1.0 g), stirring rate (0–600 rpm), and temperature (35–80 ◦C). Thermodynamic analysis, supported by Pourbaix and species distribution diagrams, was used to interpret metal behavior. The results show that lithium is readily dissolved, whereas the extraction of Ni, Co, and Mn depends on the presence of copper, which enables their reduction and dissolution. Optimal conditions (0.4 mol·L−1 H3PO4, 0.2 g Cu, 600 rpm, 80 ◦C) enabled rapid extraction, exceeding 90% within 30 min, while near-complete extraction (~100%, 99%, 99%, and 97% for Li, Ni, Co, and Mn) was achieved after 60 min. Structural analysis revealed a transformation from the layered structure to spinel-like intermediates, followed by their dissolution and formation of copper phosphate phases. The proposed system represents an efficient approach for the sustainable recycling of NMC cathodes.

(Univerzitet u Beogradu – Tehnički fakultet u Boru, 2026) Kalinović, Jelena

(University of Belgrade – Technical Faculty in Bor, 2026) Papludis, Aleksandra; Alagić, Slađana; Milić, Snežana; Medić, Dragana; Jelena, Nikolić; Stankov Jovanović, Vesna; Stojanović, Gordana

In this work, the capacity of unwashed aerial parts of plant species: common ivy (CI), lilac (CL), and fig (CF), for DhA detection in biomonitoring purposes was investigated, using GC/MS, and the Pearson’s correlation analysis. Additionally, the detected DhA concentrations were compared with the interrelated lawmaking. GC/MS detected many considerable DhA quantities and documented different capacity of the investigated species for DhA deposition/bioaccumulation, where CI, and CF, showed a better ability for the atmospheric dust retention than CL. However, the highest DhA concentrations were detected in CL parts: 1200.9 μg/kg for stems, and 174.5 μg/kg for leaves, which is even higher than the related USEPA limit values (LVs) for residential soils. Simultaneously, for CL parts, the highest number of locations lacking in DhA was found. Other species showed that almost all selected locations had measurable DhA concentrations, often at the levels that surpassed mentioned USEPA LVs. This means that all locations with such levels may signify possible dermal risks from direct contacts with aerial parts. The results of the Pearson’s analysis confirmed that the industrial center in Bor, with the heating plant and the mining-metallurgical complex, can be one of significant but not the main source of DhA.

(Institut za tehnologiju nuklearnih i drugih mineralnih sirovina, 2026) Trumić, Milan; Milošević, Vladan; Čarapić, Jelena; Nikolić, Vladimir

Modern trends in mining require the integration of technical and technological solutions that simultaneously optimize economic parameters and minimize anthropogenic environmental impacts. Cemented Paste Backfill (CPB) technology represents an effective method for stabilizing underground mined-out areas and ensuring sustainable tailings management. This paper analyzes the key environmental and economic aspects of CPB application from the perspective of rock mass geomechanical stability, protection of groundwater and surface waters, and operational cost structure. In addition to a comparative analysis between CPB systems and conventional surface tailings disposal, global and domestic case studies are considered in assessing the justification of initial capital investments (CAPEX).