Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation

Muhammad Tariq; Shahab Saqib; Muhammad Mansoor Iqbal; Adil Hussain; Ahmad Raza

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11

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Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation

Muhammad Tariq, Shahab Saqib, Muhammad Mansoor Iqbal, Adil Hussain, Ahmad Raza^*

Published in Science Discovery Chemistry (Volume 1, Issue 1)

Received: 12 June 2025 Accepted: 20 February 2026 Published: 10 March 2026

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Abstract

Extensive reserves of black shale in Pakistan are enriched with economically important metals such as vanadium (V), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), rubidium (Rb), and copper (Cu), alongside an appreciable content of organic carbon (OC). This study investigates the effectiveness of flotation techniques in upgrading the content of these metals and OC, while simultaneously examining the behavior of impurities. Two sets of flotation experiments were conducted utilizing kerosene oil as a collector and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to control pH. Pine oil was introduced as a frothing agent in Experiment-II. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) and TiO₂. Experiment-I achieved enrichment ratios of 1.44 for TOC and 1.57 for TiO₂, while Experiment-II achieved factors of 1.50 and 1.09, respectively. The flotation process selectively removed impurities such as SiO₂, SO₃, CaO, and Fe₂O₃ into the tailing’s fractions of both experiments. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed the successful upgrading of ZnO, CuO, and Rb₂O, which were detected in either the tailings or concentrate but not in the feed samples. This research highlights the promise of optimized flotation processes for enhancing the value of black shale deposits, providing a foundation for further refinement and industrial application.

Published in	Science Discovery Chemistry (Volume 1, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11
Page(s)	1-8
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Black Shale, Chimiari, Froth Floatation, Recovery, Upgradation

References

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[6]	A. A. M. S. M. S. M. M. I. B. M. Muhammad Tariq, "Characterization of Black Shale of Chimiari Khyber Pakthunkhawa Region of Pakistan for Its Potential as Multi Minerals," International Journal of Science and Research, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 231-238, 2013.
[7]	G. L. M. S. J. C. H. G. H. D. W. Biao Fu, "A comparative study on the mineralogy, chemical speciation, and combustion behavior of toxic elements of coal beneficiation products," Fuel, vol. 228, pp. 297-308, 2018.
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[12]	Y.-F. Z. Richard J. Haynes, "Chapter Five - Retention of heavy metals by dredged sediments and their management following land application," in Advances in Agronomy, D. L. Sparks, Ed., Academic Press, 2022, pp. 191-254.
[13]	S. F. Sabag, "Technical Report on The Polymetallic Black Shale SBH Property Birch Mountains, Athabasca Region, Alberta, Canada., prepared for Dumont Nickel Inc.," 2008.
[14]	C. W. Z.-g. D. M.-t. L. X.-b. L. G. F. Cun-xiong LI, "Recovery of vanadium from black shale," Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. s127-s131, 2010.
[15]	H. N. B. A. G. I. A. B. M. A. M. R. A. Fozia Anjum, "Bioleaching of copper, cobalt and zinc from black shale by Penicillium notatum," African Journal of Biotechnology, vol. 8, no. 19, pp. 5038-5045, 2009.
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APA Style

Tariq, M., Saqib, S., Iqbal, M. M., Hussain, A., Raza, A. (2026). Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation. Science Discovery Chemistry, 1(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11

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ACS Style

Tariq, M.; Saqib, S.; Iqbal, M. M.; Hussain, A.; Raza, A. Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation. Sci. Discov. Chem. 2026, 1(1), 1-8. doi: 10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11

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AMA Style

Tariq M, Saqib S, Iqbal MM, Hussain A, Raza A. Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation. Sci Discov Chem. 2026;1(1):1-8. doi: 10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11

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@article{10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11,
  author = {Muhammad Tariq and Shahab Saqib and Muhammad Mansoor Iqbal and Adil Hussain and Ahmad Raza},
  title = {Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation},
  journal = {Science Discovery Chemistry},
  volume = {1},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-8},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sdc.20260101.11},
  abstract = {Extensive reserves of black shale in Pakistan are enriched with economically important metals such as vanadium (V), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), rubidium (Rb), and copper (Cu), alongside an appreciable content of organic carbon (OC). This study investigates the effectiveness of flotation techniques in upgrading the content of these metals and OC, while simultaneously examining the behavior of impurities. Two sets of flotation experiments were conducted utilizing kerosene oil as a collector and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to control pH. Pine oil was introduced as a frothing agent in Experiment-II. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) and TiO2. Experiment-I achieved enrichment ratios of 1.44 for TOC and 1.57 for TiO2, while Experiment-II achieved factors of 1.50 and 1.09, respectively. The flotation process selectively removed impurities such as SiO2, SO3, CaO, and Fe2O3 into the tailing’s fractions of both experiments. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed the successful upgrading of ZnO, CuO, and Rb2O, which were detected in either the tailings or concentrate but not in the feed samples. This research highlights the promise of optimized flotation processes for enhancing the value of black shale deposits, providing a foundation for further refinement and industrial application.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation
AU  - Muhammad Tariq
AU  - Shahab Saqib
AU  - Muhammad Mansoor Iqbal
AU  - Adil Hussain
AU  - Ahmad Raza
Y1  - 2026/03/10
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11
T2  - Science Discovery Chemistry
JF  - Science Discovery Chemistry
JO  - Science Discovery Chemistry
SP  - 1
EP  - 8
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11
AB  - Extensive reserves of black shale in Pakistan are enriched with economically important metals such as vanadium (V), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), rubidium (Rb), and copper (Cu), alongside an appreciable content of organic carbon (OC). This study investigates the effectiveness of flotation techniques in upgrading the content of these metals and OC, while simultaneously examining the behavior of impurities. Two sets of flotation experiments were conducted utilizing kerosene oil as a collector and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to control pH. Pine oil was introduced as a frothing agent in Experiment-II. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) and TiO2. Experiment-I achieved enrichment ratios of 1.44 for TOC and 1.57 for TiO2, while Experiment-II achieved factors of 1.50 and 1.09, respectively. The flotation process selectively removed impurities such as SiO2, SO3, CaO, and Fe2O3 into the tailing’s fractions of both experiments. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed the successful upgrading of ZnO, CuO, and Rb2O, which were detected in either the tailings or concentrate but not in the feed samples. This research highlights the promise of optimized flotation processes for enhancing the value of black shale deposits, providing a foundation for further refinement and industrial application.
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Muhammad Tariq

Mining Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

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Shahab Saqib

Mining Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

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Muhammad Mansoor Iqbal

Mining Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

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Adil Hussain

Mining Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

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Ahmad Raza

Mining Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

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http://orcid.org/0009-0009-3300-3826

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Tariq, M., Saqib, S., Iqbal, M. M., Hussain, A., Raza, A. (2026). Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation. Science Discovery Chemistry, 1(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11

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ACS Style

Tariq, M.; Saqib, S.; Iqbal, M. M.; Hussain, A.; Raza, A. Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation. Sci. Discov. Chem. 2026, 1(1), 1-8. doi: 10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11

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AMA Style

Tariq M, Saqib S, Iqbal MM, Hussain A, Raza A. Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation. Sci Discov Chem. 2026;1(1):1-8. doi: 10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11,
  author = {Muhammad Tariq and Shahab Saqib and Muhammad Mansoor Iqbal and Adil Hussain and Ahmad Raza},
  title = {Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation},
  journal = {Science Discovery Chemistry},
  volume = {1},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-8},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sdc.20260101.11},
  abstract = {Extensive reserves of black shale in Pakistan are enriched with economically important metals such as vanadium (V), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), rubidium (Rb), and copper (Cu), alongside an appreciable content of organic carbon (OC). This study investigates the effectiveness of flotation techniques in upgrading the content of these metals and OC, while simultaneously examining the behavior of impurities. Two sets of flotation experiments were conducted utilizing kerosene oil as a collector and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to control pH. Pine oil was introduced as a frothing agent in Experiment-II. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) and TiO2. Experiment-I achieved enrichment ratios of 1.44 for TOC and 1.57 for TiO2, while Experiment-II achieved factors of 1.50 and 1.09, respectively. The flotation process selectively removed impurities such as SiO2, SO3, CaO, and Fe2O3 into the tailing’s fractions of both experiments. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed the successful upgrading of ZnO, CuO, and Rb2O, which were detected in either the tailings or concentrate but not in the feed samples. This research highlights the promise of optimized flotation processes for enhancing the value of black shale deposits, providing a foundation for further refinement and industrial application.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Upgradation of Chimiari Black Shale Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Region of Pakistan by Froth Floatation
AU  - Muhammad Tariq
AU  - Shahab Saqib
AU  - Muhammad Mansoor Iqbal
AU  - Adil Hussain
AU  - Ahmad Raza
Y1  - 2026/03/10
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11
T2  - Science Discovery Chemistry
JF  - Science Discovery Chemistry
JO  - Science Discovery Chemistry
SP  - 1
EP  - 8
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdc.20260101.11
AB  - Extensive reserves of black shale in Pakistan are enriched with economically important metals such as vanadium (V), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), rubidium (Rb), and copper (Cu), alongside an appreciable content of organic carbon (OC). This study investigates the effectiveness of flotation techniques in upgrading the content of these metals and OC, while simultaneously examining the behavior of impurities. Two sets of flotation experiments were conducted utilizing kerosene oil as a collector and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to control pH. Pine oil was introduced as a frothing agent in Experiment-II. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) and TiO2. Experiment-I achieved enrichment ratios of 1.44 for TOC and 1.57 for TiO2, while Experiment-II achieved factors of 1.50 and 1.09, respectively. The flotation process selectively removed impurities such as SiO2, SO3, CaO, and Fe2O3 into the tailing’s fractions of both experiments. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed the successful upgrading of ZnO, CuO, and Rb2O, which were detected in either the tailings or concentrate but not in the feed samples. This research highlights the promise of optimized flotation processes for enhancing the value of black shale deposits, providing a foundation for further refinement and industrial application.
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
ER  -

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