Browsing by Author "Monson Geerts, Stephen D"

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Bench-Scale Evaluation of Hydrometallurgical Processing to Recover Vanadium from Minnesota Titanium Resources
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2021-10) Hudak, George J; Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Chen, Jonathan; Halim, A; Sridhar, Ram; Lakshmanan, V.I.
Vanadium is the twenty-second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and occurs as a major component (greater than 10% by weight) in 156 minerals that occur in a variety of mineral deposit types. These mineral deposit types are globally distributed and include vanidiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) deposits, sandstone hosted (SSV) deposits, shale-hosted vanadium deposits, and vanadate deposits (Kelley et al., 2017). The Duluth Complex of northeastern Minnesota contains a variety of base and precious metal resources (Fig. 1), including a number of Mesoproterozoic-age copper-nickel-cobalt-platinum group element (Cu-Ni-Co-PGE) resources as well as a series of younger, Mesoproterozoic-age oxide ultramafic intrusions (OUIs) that contain both titanium and vanadium resources (Minnesota Minerals Coordinating Committee, 2016; Table 1). Vanadium deposits within OUI deposits associated with the Duluth Complex are classified as vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM-type) vanadium deposits by the United States Geological Survey (USGS; Kelley et al., 2017). World resources of vanadium are greater than 63 million tons; however, vanadium concentrations generally constitute less than 2% of the deposit host rock (Polyak, 2021). In 2020, mine production of vanadium worldwide was approximately 94,800 tons, with the United States (0.2%), Brazil (7.7%), China (61.6%), Russia (21.0%) and South Africa (9.5%) being the major producers (Polyak, 2021). Vanadium is utilized in a variety of applications. Its principal use is for the production of metal alloys such as high-strength steel and alloys utilized in the aerospace industry. It is also used for catalysts in the chemical industry, in ceramics, in glasses, and as a pigment (Schulz et al., 2017). Production of carbon-, full-alloy-, and high-strength low-alloy steels accounted for 18%, 45%, and 33% of domestic consumption in 2020, respectively (Polyak, 2021). The emerging need for large-scale “green” electrical energy storage associated with wind, solar, and other intermittent power sources may result in major utilization of vanadium in the form of vanadium redox-flow batteries (VFRB) which take advantage of the various electrical valencies of vanadium cations (https://energystorage.org/why-energy-storage/technologies/vanadium-redox-vrb-flow-batteries/). As well, vanadium is utilized in other battery applications, including lithium-vanadium-phosphate batteries and lithium ion batteries (Schulz et al., 2017). Commercial products resulting from processing of vanadium ores include ferrovanadium (FeV, an iron-vanadium alloy), which is used in the production of steel alloys, vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), which is commonly utilized as a chemical catalyst, and ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3), a precursor for the production of vanadium pentoxide, catalysts, and analytical reagents (Pérez-Benítez and Bernès, 2018). In 2020, U.S. net import reliance for vanadium was 96%, with major import sources being Brazil, South Africa, Austria and Canada (United States Geological Survey, 2021). A large portion of domestic needs could be met by domestic resources and secondary recovery processes (Polyak, 2021). As a result of this large net import reliance, vanadium is considered a critical mineral resource in the United States (Executive Order 13817 “Federal Strategy to Ensure Reliable Supplies of Critical Metals”; Schulz et al., 2017; Nassar and Fortier, 2021). Results of recent hydrometallurgical experiments conducted by Process Research Ortech (PRO) and the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) indicate that vanadium concentrations continue to increase within titanium raffinate as recycling of organics takes place in a closed-system hydrometallurgical circuit developed to produce TiO2 and Fe2O3 products from the Longnose OUI mineral deposit (Hudak et al., 2021). The research described in this report discusses collaborative research conducted by PRO and NRRI to evaluate whether or not high-purity vanadium materials (specifically ammonium metavanadate and vanadium pentoxide) could be produced as by-products of hydrometallurgical processing of the titanium raffinate solutions resulting from continuous pilot-scale hydrometallurgical processing of Longnose mineral concentrates (Hudak et al., 2021).
The Beneficial Use of Biosolids from the City of Grand Rapids: A Preliminary Assessment of its Impact on Shallow Soil Water
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1996-04) McCarthy, Barbara J; Monson Geerts, Stephen D
The project was coordinated by the NCES with technical assistance provided by the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) to evaluate the impact of applying biosolids and wood ash to forest land on shallow soil water in the unsaturated zone. The overall purpose of the project is to determine if biosolids can be used in a beneficial manner, alone, or in combination with wood ash, as part of managing the reforestation of timber land in northern Minnesota. Biosolids from the City of Grand Rapids were applied by NCES staff on research plots planted with tree seedlings in the summer of 1995. The biosolids were applied at two rates, 15 and 30 ton/acre, with and without wood ash applied at a rate of 10 ton/acre. This report presents the first year results for soil water monitoring during the summer-fall of 1995.
The Beneficial Use of Biosolids from the City Of Grand Rapids: A Second-Year Assessment of Its Impact on Shallow Soil Water
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1997-01) McCarthy, Barbara J; Monson Geerts, Stephen D
This report, which presents the results of year-two of a proposed three-year study, is part of a biosolids utilization project sponsored by the City of Grand Rapids at the North Central Experiment Station (NCES). The project was coordinated by the NCES, with technical assistance provided by the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRl). The overall purpose of the project is to determine if biosolids could be used in a beneficial manner, alone, or in combination with wood ash, in the management of the reforestation of timber land in northern Minnesota. The purpose of this component of the project is to evaluate the impact of applying biosolids, with and without wood ash, on soil water in the unsaturated zone. Biosolids from the City of Grand Rapids were applied by NCES staff on research plots planted with tree seedlings in the summer of 1995. The biosolids were applied at two rates, 15 and 30 ton/acre, with and without wood ash applied at a single rate of 10 ton/acre. This report presents the second year results for soil water monitoring during the summer/fall of 1996.
The Beneficial Use of Biosolids from the City of Grand Rapids: A Third-Year Assessment of Its Impact on Shallow Soil Water
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1998-10) McCarthy, Barbara J; Monson Geerts, Stephen D
This report, which presents the results of the third year of a three-year study, is part of a project sponsored by the City of Grand Rapids at the North Central Experiment Station (NCES) on the beneficial re-use of biosolids. The project was coordinated by the NCES, with.technical assistance provided by the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI). The overall purpose of the project is to determine if biosolids can be used in a beneficial manner, alone, or in combination with wood ash, in reforestation practices in northern Minnesota. The purpose of this portion of the project is to evaluate the impact of applying biosolids, with and without wood ash, on shallow soil water in the unsaturated zone of a newly reforested area. Biosolids from the City of Grand Rapids were applied by NCES staff on research plots planted with various tree seedlings in the summer of 1995. The biosolids were applied at two rates, 15 and 30 ton/acre, with and without wood ash applied at a single rate of 10 ton/acre. This report presents the results from the third year of the study of soil water monitoring during the summer/fall of 1997. Annual reports were prepared in 1996 (McCarthy and Monson Geerts 1996) and 1997 (McCarthy and Monson Geerts 1997) that summarized the data from the first two years of the project.
Burntside Lodge Wastewater Treatment System Monitoring Report Summer 1996 and 1997
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1998-03) McCarthy, Barbara J; Monson Geerts, Stephen D
The treatment and dispersal of domestic wastewater from resorts are a significant issue in northeast Minnesota due to restrictive site and soil conditions. Within the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) service area (Taconite Tax Relief Area), there are approximately 400 resorts that depend on onsite wastewater treatment systems. Of these, it is estimated that 200 resorts are likely to be in non-compliance with state rules (Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080). Two pilot projects were initiated in 1995 within the IRRRB service area to demonstrate the use of alternative wastewater treatment technologies for resorts with difficult site conditions. This project is a cooperative effort between the IRRRB, Northern Lights Tourism Alliance (NLTA), counties within the IRRRB service area, the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), University of Minnesota-Duluth, and Ayres Associates Inc. The wastewater treatment systems for the first pilot projects were constructed in 1996 at Burntside Lodge and at Dodge's Log Lodges. This report summarizes the water quality performance data from the Burntside Lodge wastewater treatment system that operated successfully during the summers of 1996 and 1997.
Development of Alternative On-site Treatment Systems for Wastewater Treatment: A Demonstration Project for Northern Minnesota
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1997-12-31) McCarthy, Barbara J; Axler, Richard P; Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Henneck, Jerald; Crosby, Jeff; Nordman, Del; Weidman, Peter; Hagen, Timothy S; Anderson, James; Gustafson, David; Kadlec, Robert; Otis, Richard; Sabel, Gretchen
The major objectives at the northern site were 1) to design, construct, monitor and compare the yearround performance of alternative treatment systems, with respect to a conventional trench system, for treatment of typical single family wastewater flows (based on the removal of fecal coliform bacteria, BOD5, TSS, phosphorus, and nitrogen); 2) to compare subsurface water quality at several depths below drainfield trenches receiving discharge water from a conventional (i.e., septic tank) and alternative systems; 3) to design, construct, and monitor the performance of a subsurface drip irrigation system at different depths in the s0il; 4) to design, construct, and monitor the performance of a pressurized sewage treatment system utilizing small diameter pipe and a subsurface flow, constructed wetland treatment system for a .cluster of lakeshore homes on Grand Lake in order to demonstrate that this alternative technology could correct a problem representative of numerous other situations in Minnesota; and 5) to develop a technology transfer plan for effectively communicating the results of this study to the private sector, the public (i.e., potential users), and the appropriate local and state agencies.
Differences in Particulate Matter (Dust) Between Non-modified and Light-Modified (170°C) Wood Species
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2018-11-12) Aro, Matthew D; Monson Geerts, Stephen D; French, Suzanne; Cai, Meijun
There has been much speculation on whether the practice of heat modification of various wood species has a direct effect on the dust created when these woods are machined. An initial study was initiated to compare non-modified wood species with their lightly modified (170 °C) counterparts, specifically as a gravimetric characterization of the wood particulate matter (PM) generated through typical cutting practices. Five different species were compared, including: Yellow Poplar, Red Maple, White Ash, Aspen and Balsam Fir. Aerosol wood PM sampling was conducted at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) as collaboration between the Wood Utilization Materials & Bio-Economy (Wood Group) and the Mineral/Materials Characterization Group, a sub-group within the Minerals – Metallurgy - Mining (M3) NRRI Initiative Group. The study was designed primarily as a first-pass analysis in which size-fractionated sampling, based on aerodynamic diameter of the dust particles, was utilized to evaluate if there were any dramatic differences between the non-modified and light modified (170 °C) wood species.
Geological and Geochemical Reconnaissance for Rare Earth Element Mineralization in Minnesota
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2014) Hauck, Steven A; Heine, John J; Severson, Mark J; Post, Sara P; Chlebecek, Sara; Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Oreskovich, Julie A; Gordee, Sarah M
Geology and Mineralization in the Dunka Road Copper-Nickel Mineral Deposit, St. Louis County, Minnesota
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1990-03) Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Barnes, Randal J; Hauck, Steven A
The Dunka Road Cu-Ni deposit is within the Partridge River Intrusion (T. 60 W., R. 13 W.), which is part of the Duluth Complex, and is approximately 1.1 b.y. (Keweenawan) in age. Relogging of 46 drill holes at the Dunka Road Cu-Ni deposit identified four major lithologic units and several internal ultramafic subunits that can be correlated over two miles. The ultramafic subunits (layers of picrite to peridotite) exhibit relative uniform thicknesses and are present at the same relative elevation within the major lithologic units. The major lithologic units, the same as delineated by Severson and Hauck (1990), and upward from the basal contact are: Unit I, a fine- to coursegrained a sulfide-bearing troctolite to pyroxene troctolite (450 ft. thick) with associated ultramafic layers I(a), I(b), and I(c); Unit II, a medium- to coarse-grained troctolite to pyroxene troctolite (200 ft. thick) with a basal ultramafic layer II(a); Unit III, a finegrained, mottled textured troctolitic anorthosite to anorthositic troctolite (150 ft. thick) with one minor ultramafic layer III(a); and Unit IV, a coarse-grained troctolite/pyroxene troctolite to anorthositic troctolite with associated ultramafic layers IV(a) and IV(b). Most sulfide mineralization occurs within Unit I. Within Unit I the sulfide mineralization is both widespread but variable in modal percentage (rare to 5%), continuity and thickness (few inches to tens of feet). Sulfide mineralization is somewhat related with proximity to: hornfels inclusions, the basal contact with the footwall Virginia Formation, and some of the internal ultramafic layers within Unit I. Precious metal mineralization (Pd+Pt+Au) is associated with fracturing and alteration of the host rocks. The alteration assemblage is chlorite, bleached plagioclase, serpentine and uralite. Pd+Pt values range from 100 to >2400 ppb over 10 foot intervals. These intervals can occur independently as 10 to 50 foot zones, or as part of a larger correlatable occurrence/horizon. Two mineralized subareas within the Dunka Road deposit are: 1) an area which is peripheral to a highly anomalous Pd occurrence (reported by Morton and Hauck, 1987; 1989) herein termed the "southwest area", and 2) the "northeast area" which contains several drill holes that have near surface intercepts of >1% Cu. There are four somewhat large mineralized occurrences within the study area that carry >300 ppb combined total Pt+Pd+Au. These mineralized zones appear to be stratigraphically controlled by the ultramafic subunits within Unit I. Three of the four correlatable zones are found within the southwest area, and range from 40 to 130 feet thick. High Pd values within these zones range from 10 to 20 feet thick with values of 800 to 1650 ppb Pd. In the northeast area, the fourth mineralized zone appears continuously throughout Unit I. This zone ranges from 120 to 300 feet thick. High Pd values within this zone range from 10 to 40 feet thick with values of 800 to 1500 ppb Pd. Many 5 to 30 foot intersections of >1 ppm Pd+Pt+Au occur throughout the mineral deposit. Geostatistical analysis based on 72 vertical holes and 12 angle holes suggests: 1) the base of the complex is a critical datum with the higher grade intercepts located between 100 and 400 feet above the base; 2) high inter-element correlations support local redistribution/concentration of primary mineralization by a secondary hydrothermal process and thus, polymetallic mining selectivity is possible; 3) the available drilling gives a spacial range of geologic influence at 400 foot centers, but sufficient angle drilling is not available to assess the potential of high grade, steeply dipping mineralized zones; 4) additional vertical in-fill drilling will almost certainly not discover any additional quantity of ore within the volume of rock studied; but 5) additional angle drilling to assess the potential of high grade, steeply dipping, mineralized zones would benefit a more complete geostatistical analysis.
Geology, Stratigraphy, and Mineralization of the Dunka Road Cu-Ni Prospect, Northeastern Minnesota
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1991-06) Monson Geerts, Stephen D
The Dunka Road Cu-Ni prospect is located within what is informally known as the Partridge River Intrusion (T. 60 W., R. 13 W.), which is part of the 1.1 b.y. (Keweenawan) Duluth Complex. Seven major lithologic units, along with several internal ultramafic subunits, have been identified and are correlatable over the prospect. The ultramafic subunits (layers of picrite to dunite) exhibit relative uniform thicknesses and are present at the same relative stratigraphic position within the major lithologic units. The major lithologic units, delineated by Severson and Hauck (1990) and Geerts et al., 1990, are defined as upward from the basal contact as follows: Unit I, a fine- to coarsegrained sulfide-bearing anorthositic troctolite to pyroxene troctolite (450 ft. thick) with associated ultramafic subunits I(a) and I(b); Unit II, a medium- to coarse-grained troctolite to pyroxene troctolite (200 ft. thick) with a basal ultramafic subunit II(a); Unit III, a fine-grained, mottled textured troctolitic anorthosite to anorthositic troctolite (250 ft. thick); Unit IV, a coarse-grained pyroxene troctolite to anorthositic troctolite (300 ft. thick); Unit V, a coarse-grained anorthositic troctolite (300 ft. thick); Unit VI, a fine- to coarse-grained troctolitic anorthosite to troctolite (400 ft. thick) with basal ultramafic subunit VI(a); and Unit VII, a coarse-grained troctolitic anorthosite to anorthositic troctolite (400+ ft. thick) with basal ultramafic subunit VII(a). Most sulfide mineralization occurs within Unit I. The sulfide mineralization is both interstitial and widespread, but variable in modal percentage (rare to 5%), continuity, and thickness (few inches to tens of feet). Sulfide mineralization is generally related with proximity to: hornfels inclusions; the basal contact with the footwall Virginia Formation; and some of the internal ultramafic subunits within Unit I. Primary sulfide mineralization includes chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, cubanite, and pentlandite. Minor amounts of bornite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, talnakhite, mackinawite, and/or valleriite along with both native copper and gold have also been identified. Pt+Pd values range from 100 to >2400 ppb over 5 and 10 foot intervals, and occur as isolated values or within stratigraphic horizons within Unit I. Several Cu/PGE-enriched horizons (using a 0.5% Cu and >800 Pt+Pd cut-off) have been identified and occur laterally throughout the prospect. Intersected by 76 drill holes, the most continuous horizon (RED Horizon) is found directly beneath ultramafic subunit II(a), within the uppermost portion of Unit I. This horizon ranges from 5 to 100 feet thick (average 33 ft.) and contains average values of 0.6% Cu and 1000 ppb Pt+Pd. Two other horizons (ORANGE Horizon and YELLOW Horizon) occur beneath the RED Horizon and are intersected by 67 and 48 drill holes, respectively. These are less continuous horizons that range from 5 to 140 feet thick (average 35 ft.) and contain average values of 0.6% Cu and 750 ppb Pt+Pd. Only one PGE-enriched horizon has been identified outside of Unit I. This horizon (MAGENTA Horizon) occurs in Unit VI, and is located approximately 150 feet beneath ultramafic subunit VII(a). Although it has been identified in only six drill holes to date, it ranges from 6 to 40 feet thick (average 25 ft.) and contains average values of 0.7% Cu and 1500 ppb Pt+Pd. The predominant host rock for these Cu/PGE-enriched horizons is coarse-grained anorthositic troctolite, which may exhibit some subtle fracturing associated with minor alteration. The alteration assemblage within these mineralized zones is serpentine, uralite, and saussurite. This type of alteration assemblage has also been observed throughout the entire prospect, but is not always associated with mineralization. Although the majority of sulfide mineralization is believed to be primary, mineralized zones that are intersected by fractured/altered zones can contain secondary sulfides and textures, suggesting local enrichment. The majority of the sulfide is coarsegrained (5 mm) and commonly rimmed by secondary red-brown biotite. Ilmenite occurs in two habits within these zones, as euhedral to subhedral laths interstitial to silicate crystals, and as "blebiii like" shiny black droplets within the sulfides. This second ilmenite habit has only been identified in sulfide-bearing zones that are enriched in Pd and/or Pt. A total of 16 samples (13 mineralized, 3 unmineralized) were analyzed for PGEs. Results of the PGE scans indicate that the original magma contained all of the dissolved sulfides and PGEs upon reaching the final site of the intrusion. Therefore, the mineralized horizons contain values of PGEs similar to that of the mantle. No PGE-enriched reefs are found at Dunka Road, most probably due to low concentrations of PGEs in the original mantle melt. The geochemistry of samples taken from the Dunka Road prospect support this theory.
Land Application of De-Inking Residue
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1996-04) McCarthy, Barbara J; Monson Geerts, Stephen D
Pulp facilities which recycle office waste paper generate a large amount of waste by-products in the process of producing high-grade pulp. The paper-like substance, called de-inking residue, was evaluated for use as a soil amendment on land used for crop production in northeast Minnesota. Research plots were established in the fall of 1993 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The 10- by 20-foot plots were arranged in a randomized block design with 3 replications consisting of 3 levels of de-inking residue, 3 nitrogen rates, 1 manure rate, and 2 crops commonly produced in the region, for a total of 19 treatment combinations. Thirty-six lysimeters were installed to monitor changes in subsurface water quality. Soils were evaluated to determine impacts of de-inking residue on soil chemical properties. Crop yields and plant nutrient levels were determined in the late summer and early fall of 1994. De-inking residue was not a significant source of plant nutrients and cannot be classified as an Agricultural Liming Material (ALM). De-inking residue had a minimal impact on the chemical properties of soils and on subsurface water quality. The highest alfalfa yields typically occurred with the application of the following treatment combinations: 1) only nitrogen fertilizer, 2) nitrogen fertilizer with manure, 3) nitrogen fertilizer, manure, and 10 ton/acre de-inking residue, 4) 150 lb/acre nitrogen with 10 ton/acre de-inking residue applied in the fall, and 5) 300 lb/acre nitrogen with 10 ton/acre de-inking residue applied in the spring. The highest corn silage yields occurred with the application of the following treatment combinations: 1) no nitrogen, manure, or de-inking residue, applied in the spring, 2) only nitrogen fertilizer, 3) nitrogen fertilizer with manure, 4) spring application of 300 lb/acre nitrogen fertilizer with 10 ton/acre de-inking residue, 5) nitrogen fertilizer, manure and 10 ton/acre de-inking residue, and 6) 150 lb/acre nitrogen with 10 ton/acre de-inking residue applied in the fall. The alfalfa and corn plant analyses indicated that both nutrient and metal levels were within published sufficiency ranges, with few significant differences due to treatment effects.
LCMR clay project: NRRI summary report
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1990-10) Hauck, Steven A; Heine, John J; Zanko, Lawrence M; Power, B; Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Oreskovich, Julie A; Reichhoff, J
Minnesota has a variety of clays and shales that have potential as industrial clays. These clays are: 1) Precambrian clays; 2) Paleozoic shales; 3) pre-Late Cretaceous primary (residual) and secondary kaolins; 4) Late Cretaceous ball clays and marine shales; 5) Pleistocene glacial clays; and 6) Recent clays. Minnesota clays are currently used for brick and as a portland cement additive. Other potential uses include filler and coating grade kaolins, ceramic tile, refractory products, lightweight aggregate, sanitaryware, and livestock feed filler. Precambrian clays occur in the 1 .1 Ga Keweenawan interflow sediments of the North Shore Volcanic Group, the Middle Proterozoic Thomson Formation and in the Paint Rock member of the Biwabik Iron-Formation on the Mesabi Iron Range, all in northeastern Minnesota. The Paint Rock clays have potential as red coloring additives and glazes. Paleozoic shales in southeastern Minnesota are primarily kaolinitic and illitic shales that are interbedded with limestones. The Ordovician Decorah and Glenwood Formations are marine shales that, in the past, have been used to make bricks, tile, and lightweight aggregate. The thickness of these shales ranges from 10-90 feet. The Decorah Shale has the lowest firing temperature with the best shrinkage and absorption characteristics of all the Minnesota clays. The pre-Late Cretaceous primary and secondary kaolins are found in the western and central portions of Minnesota; the best exposures are located along the Minnesota River Valley from Mankato to the Redwood Falls area and in the St. Cloud area. The primary or residual kaolinitic clays are the result of intense weathering of Precambrian granites and gneisses prior to the Late Cretaceous. Subsequent reworking of these residual clays led to the development of a paleosol and the formation of pisolitic kaolinite clays. Physical and chemical weathering of the saprolitic kaolinite-rich rocks produced fluvial/lacustrine (secondary) kaolinitic shales and sandstones. Recent exploration activity is concentrated in the Minnesota River Valley where the primary kaolin thickness ranges from 0 to 200 + feet, and the thickness of the secondary kaolins ranges from 0-45 + feet (Setterholm, et al, 1989). Similar kaolinitic clays occur in other areas of Minnesota, e.g., St. Cloud and Bowlus areas. However, less information is available on their thickness, quality, and areal distribution due to varying thicknesses of glacial overburden. Cement grade kaolin is extracted from two mines in the residual clays in the Minnesota River Valley, and a third mine there yields secondary kaolinite-rich clays that are mixed with Late Cretaceous shales to produce brick. During the Late Cretaceous, Minnesota was flooded by the transgressing Western Interior Sea, which deposited both non-marine and marine sediments. These sediments are characterized by gray and black shales, siltstones, sandstones, and lignitic material. Significant occurrences of Late Cretaceous sediments are found throughout the western part of the state, with the best exposures located in Brown County, the Minnesota River Valley, and the St. Cloud area. In Brown County, the maximum thickness of the Late Cretaceous sediments is > 100 feet. These sediments thicken to the west and can be covered by significant thicknesses ( > 300 ft.) of glacial overburden in many areas. Current brick production comes from the Late Cretaceous shales in Brown County. In the past, the Red Wing pottery in Red Wing, Minnesota, used Cretaceous and some Ordovician sediments to produce pottery, stoneware, and sewer pipe. Glacial clays occur in glacial lake, till, loess, and outwash deposits, and these clay deposits range in thickness from 5 to 100 + feet. Much of the early brick and tile production (late 1800s and early 1900s) in Minnesota was from glacial clays. The last brickyards to produce from glacial lake clays, e.g., Wrenshall in northeastern Minnesota and Fertile in west-central Minnesota, closed in the 1950s and 1960s. There has also been some clay production from recent (Holocene) fluvial and lake clays that have thicknesses of 2-10 + feet. Both recent and glacial clays are composed of glacial rock flour with minor quantities of clay minerals. Carbonates can be a significant component of many of these clays. Glacial lake clays in northwestern Minnesota (Glacial Lake Agassiz - Brenna and Sherack Formations) begin to bloat at 1830 ° F due to the presence of dolomite and smectite clays. These clays are a potential lightweight aggregate resource. Geochemistry, clay mineralogy, particle size, cation exchange capacity (CEC), raw and fired color, and firing characteristics are useful in distinguishing different potential industrial uses for Minnesota clays. These physical and chemical characteristics help to distinguish potentially useful clays from those with less desirable characteristics, e.g., high quartz or silica content, high shrinkage or absorption upon firing, undesirable fired color, too coarse-grained, CEC of < 5 milliequivalents, etc. Certain clays, e.g., the bloating Decorah and Brenna Formation clays, and the high alumina, refractory, pisolitic clays of the Minnesota River Valley, have physical and chemical characteristics that indicate further exploration and product research are necessary to fully evaluate the potential of these clays.
Mineland Reclamation using Office Waste Paper De-Inking Residue
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1994-03) McCarthy, Barbara J; Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Johnson, Kurt W; Malterer, Thomas J; Maly, Craig C
Pulp facilities which recycle office waste paper generate a large amount of waste by-products in the process of producing high-grade pulp. The paper-like residue, called de-inking residue, was evaluated for use in the restoration of vegetation on coarse taconite tailings in NE Minnesota. The mineland reclamation rules specify that a 90 percent vegetative cover shall be established on tailings after three growing seasons, however this level of cover on coarse tailings has not been consistently achieved in Minnesota using standard restoration practices. Research plots were established in 1992 at Eveleth Mines arranged in a randomized block design with three replications using five levels of de-inking residue, five levels of fertilization and two plant mixes. A total of twenty-five treatment combinations were assigned to 2.5m- by- 4.0m plots and lysimeters were installed to monitor changes in sub-surface water quality. Coarse tailings were evaluated to determine the effects of de-inking residue on their chemical properties. Vegetative cover was measured in July and September in 1992 and 1993 and nutrient levels were determined in plant samples. Fertilization and de-inking residue amendments had significant effects on the vegetative cover of both introduced and native plant species. De-inking residue had a minimal impact on the chemical properties of coarse tailings at rates up to 80 dry ton/acre and on sub-surface water quality at a depth of four feet. Vegetative cover for introduced species increased from no cover, to 49 percent the first growing season, to 90 percent at the end of the second growing season on tailings fertilized at the highest level and amended with residue at 10 ton/acre. At the same fertilizer and de-inking residue rate, vegetative cover for native plants increased from no cover to 7 percent the first growing season, to 69 percent at the end of the second growing season. Alfalfa had lower levels of boron, magnesium, and manganese on residue amended plots in 1992 and 1993. Bluestem had higher levels of calcium and zinc, but lower levels of magnesium and manganese on residue amended. plots. Cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc in alfalfa and bluestem did not accumulate to toxic levels. Deinking residue appears to have benefited vegetative growth after two growing seasons using deinking residue applied at 10 dry ton/acre with fertilizer applied at 160 lb/acre of nitrogen and 359 lb/acre of phosphorus.
Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study: Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter - Development of Standard Operating Procedures for Particle Collection and Gravimetric Analysis
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2013-06) Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Hudak, George J; Marple, Virgil; Lundgren, Dale; Bernard, Olson; Bandli, Bryan; Brecke, Devon M
Since late 2008, the Natural Resources Research Institute’s overall participation in the Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study has been focused on the characterization of aerosol particulate matter on the Mesabi Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota. This study is formally known as the “Environmental Study of Airborne Particulates,” and it is one of five studies being conducted by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and the Natural Resources Research Institute. An initial standard operating procedure (SOP) for particle sampling associated with the “Environmental Study of Airborne Particulates” was first developed through planning and collaboration with aerosol scientists at the University of Minnesota, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Since then, through additional experimentation and revisions, the original SOP sampling document has evolved into the comprehensive narrative that it is at present. This current document outlines a history of evolving in-house experiments and observations that ultimately resulted in the development of the SOP adopted by and practiced in the “Environmental Study of Airborne Particulates.” Equipment utilized in sample collection included the Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposition Impactor (MOUDI; Marple et al., 1991), a device which collects size-fractionated samples of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ranging from 30.0 to 0.056 microns, and a final filter that collects particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 0.056 microns. As well, a Total Filter Sampler (TFS), which collects all size fractions of particulate matter on a single substrate, was utilized so that particulate could be evaluated using Minnesota Department of Health analytical methods (Minnesota Department of Health Method 852). Results from the MOUDI sampling allow particulate matter (PM) to be classified into specific size classifications including: PM1, PM2.5 and PM10, which are important in assessing potential air quality measurements. As well, samples collected using the MOUDI sampler could be further evaluated using a wide variety of physical and chemical methods (for example, analysis using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, chemical analysis using proton induced X-ray emission analysis (PIXE)).
Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study: Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter in Mesabi Iron Range Communities and Taconite Processing Plants - A Characterization of the Mineral Component of Particulate Matter
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2019-12) Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Hudak, George J; Marple, Virgil; Lundgren, Dale; Zanko, Lawrence M; Olson, Bernard; Bandli, Bryan
The Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study (MTWHS) was initiated in 2008 and included a multicomponent study to further understand taconite worker health issues on the Mesabi Iron Range (MIR) in northeastern Minnesota. Approximately $4.9 million funding was provided by the Minnesota Legislature to conduct five separate studies related to this initiative, including:  An Occupational Exposure Assessment, conducted by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH);  A Mortality (Cause of Death) study, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH;  Incidence studies, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH;  A Respiratory Survey of Taconite Workers and Spouses, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH; and  An Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter, conducted by the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). Results of the four studies conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH can be found on the Taconite Workers Health Study website (http://taconiteworkers.umn.edu/news/documents/Taconite_FinalReport_120114.pdf). NRRI’s “Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter” comprises a multi-faceted characterization of size-fractionated airborne particulate matter (PM) from MIR community “rooftop” locations, background sites, and all taconite processing facilities active between 2008 and 2014. Characterization includes gravimetric determinations, chemical characterization, mineralogical characterization, and morphological characterization. This report specifically discusses the mineralogy and morphology of EMPs collected from the rooftops of five communities located within the MIR, three reference or background locations, and the six taconite processing plants. The samples were collected between 2008 and 2011.
Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study: Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter in Mesabi Iron Range Communities and Taconite Processing Plants - Development of Standard Operating Procedures for Particulate Collection and Gravimetric Analysis
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2019-12) Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Hudak, George J; Marple, Virgil; Lundgren, Dale; Olson, Bernard; Zanko, Lawrence M; Bandli, Bryan; Brecke, Devon M
The Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study (MTWHS) was initiated in 2008 and included a multicomponent study to further understand taconite worker health issues on the Mesabi Iron Range (MIR) in northeastern Minnesota. Approximately $4.9 million funding was provided by the Minnesota Legislature to conduct five separate studies related to this initiative, including:  An Occupational Exposure Assessment, conducted by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH);  A Mortality (Cause of Death) study, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH;  Incidence studies, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH;  A Respiratory Survey of Taconite Workers and Spouses, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH; and  An Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter, conducted by the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). NRRI’s “Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter” comprises a multi-faceted characterization of size-fractionated airborne particulate matter (PM) from MIR community “rooftop” locations, background sites, and all taconite processing facilities active between 2008 and 2014. Characterization includes gravimetric determinations, chemical characterization, mineralogical characterization, and morphological characterization. This report discusses the standard operating procedures for particle collection and gravimetric analysis. The methodology and practices that have been developed and performed have been completed in conjunction with NRRI’s Science Advisory Board and in collaboration with aerosol scientists at the University of Minnesota Department of Mechanical Engineering and University of Florida-Gainesville. As well, this report outlines the development of the sampling methodology and the history of in-house experiments conducted throughout the project to strengthen the sampling design that ultimately resulted in the development of the standard operating procedures adopted by, and practiced in, this portion of the study. Definitions for specific terms used in this document are consistent with terminology described in Appendix G.
Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study: Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter in Mesabi Iron Range Communities and Taconite Processing Plants - Elemental Chemistry of Particulate Matter
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2019-12) Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Hudak, George J; Marple, Virgil; Lundgren, Dale; Gordee, Sarah M; Olson, Bernard; Zanko, Lawrence M
The Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study (MTWHS) was initiated in 2008 and included a multicomponent study to further understand taconite worker health issues on the Mesabi Iron Range (MIR) in northeastern Minnesota. Approximately $4.9 million funding was provided by the Minnesota Legislature to conduct five separate studies related to this initiative, including: ▪ An Occupational Exposure Assessment, conducted by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH); ▪ A Mortality (Cause of Death) study, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH; ▪ Incidence studies, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH; ▪ A Respiratory Survey of Taconite Workers and Spouses, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH; and ▪ An Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter, conducted by the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). NRRI’s “Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter” comprises a multi-faceted characterization of size-fractionated airborne particulate matter (PM) from MIR community “rooftop” locations, background sites, and all taconite processing facilities active between 2008 and 2014. Characterization includes gravimetric determinations, chemical characterization, mineralogical characterization, and morphological characterization. This report specifically discusses the elemental chemistry of particulate matter (PM) collected from the rooftops of five communities located within the Mesabi Iron Range (MIR), three reference or background locations, and the six taconite processing plants while they were active (operating) and inactive (temporarily, but completely, shut down). The samples were collected between 2008 and 2011.
Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study: Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter in Mesabi Iron Range Communities and Taconite Processing Plants - Mesabi Iron Range Community Particulate Matter Collection and Gravimetric Analysis
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2019-12) Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Hudak, George J; Marple, Virgil; Lundgren, Dale; Zanko, Lawrence M; Olson, Bernard
The Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study (MTWHS) was initiated in 2008 and included a multicomponent study to further understand taconite worker health issues on the Mesabi Iron Range (MIR) in northeastern Minnesota. Approximately $4.9 million funding was provided by the Minnesota Legislature to conduct five separate studies related to this initiative, including:  An Occupational Exposure Assessment, conducted by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH);  A Mortality (Cause of Death) study, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH;  Incidence studies, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH;  A Respiratory Survey of Taconite Workers and Spouses, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH; and  An Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter, conducted by the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). NRRI’s “Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter” comprises a multi-faceted characterization of size-fractionated airborne particulate matter (PM) from MIR community “rooftop” locations, background sites, and all taconite processing facilities active between 2008 and 2014. Characterization includes gravimetric determinations, chemical characterization, mineralogical characterization, and morphological characterization. This report specifically discusses the methods and gravimetric results of multiple aerosol PM sample collections from five communities located within the MIR, as well as three background locations. The samples were collected between 2008 and 2011.
Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study: Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter in Mesabi Iron Range Communities and Taconite Processing Plants - Taconite Processing Facilities Particulate Matter Collection and Gravimetric Analysis
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2019-12) Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Hudak, George J; Marple, Virgil; Lundgren, Dale; Zanko, Lawrence M; Olson, Bernard
The Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study (MTWHS) was initiated in 2008 and included a multicomponent study to further understand taconite worker health issues on the Mesabi Iron Range (MIR) in northeastern Minnesota. Approximately $4.9 million funding was provided by the Minnesota Legislature to conduct five separate studies related to this initiative, including:  An Occupational Exposure Assessment, conducted by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH);  A Mortality (Cause of Death) study, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH;  Incidence studies, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH;  A Respiratory Survey of Taconite Workers and Spouses, conducted by the University of Minnesota SPH; and  An Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter, conducted by the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). NRRI’s “Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter” comprises a multi-faceted characterization of size-fractionated airborne particulate matter (PM) from MIR community “rooftop” locations, background sites, and all taconite processing facilities active between 2008 and 2014. Characterization includes gravimetric determinations, chemical characterization, mineralogical characterization, and morphological characterization. This report specifically discusses the methods and gravimetric results of multiple aerosol PM sample collections from active (operating) and inactive (temporarily, but completely, shut down) taconite plants on the MIR. Taconite plant samples were collected in 2009 and 2010.
Northern Lights Resort Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Ray, Minnesota
(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2002-09) McCarthy, Barbara J; Monson Geerts, Stephen D; Henneck, Jerald
The treatment and dispersal of domestic wastewater from resorts is a significant issue in northeast Minnesota due to the common occurrence of restrictive sites and poor soil conditions across the region. Within the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Agency (IRRRA) service area, called the Taconite Tax Relief Area (TIRA), there are an estimated 400 resorts that depend on the use of onsite wastewater treatment systems to treat and disperse wastewater generated at the facility back into the environment. Of these, perhaps as many as 200 resorts could be in non-compliance with local/county ordinances or state rules (Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080). Pilot projects for resorts were initiated within the IRRRA service area in 1995 to demonstrate the use of non-standard or alternative types of onsite wastewater treatment technologies effective on difficult sites. This project was a cooperative effort by the IRRRA, Northern Lights Tourism Alliance (NL TA), counties in northeast and north central Minnesota, the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) University of Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Minnesota Department of Health. Onsite wastewater treatment systems for the first pilot projects were constructed and monitored in 1996 at Burntside Lodge, near Ely on Burntside Lake (McCarthy and Monson Geerts, 1998) and at Dodge's Log Lodges, on the north shore of Lake Superior just south of Knife River. The third pilot project was constructed and monitored in 1998 which services the IRRRA office building (Monson Geerts et al., 2002) and the fourth project was constructed at Northern Lights Resort, located on Lake Kabetogama in 1999. This report summarizes the construction and performance of the Northern lights Resort wastewater treatment system during the first two summers of operation.

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