Nitrogen and Oxygen in the Mining Industry

In metal extraction processes, nitrogen is used to reduce oxygen content in metal compounds. This is achieved by introducing nitrogen into ore beneficiation stages, where elevated temperatures help remove oxygen and improve the purity and quality of the resulting metals.

Thanks to its chemical inertness, nitrogen plays several key roles in metallurgical operations:

• Ore beneficiation

  Nitrogen limits the presence of oxygen during processing, reducing metal oxidation and improving overall product quality.

• Metal smelting

  Nitrogen is used to create an inert atmosphere, displacing oxygen to prevent unwanted oxidation during high-temperature operations, thereby preserving the integrity of the metal.

• Storage

  Inert nitrogen environments help protect raw metal materials from oxidation and corrosion during long-term storage. This is especially important for preserving metals and semi-finished products over extended periods.

Nitrogen is also essential for safe storage and transport of flammable and explosive materials. By displacing atmospheric oxygen, it helps prevent combustion and explosive reactions.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

In the oil and gas sector, nitrogen is widely used for hydraulic fracturing operations. Pressurised nitrogen is injected into the wellbore to fracture shale formations, enhancing well output and reservoir permeability.

Nitrogen-based fracking is a clean and efficient alternative to traditional water or water-sand mixtures. Its inert properties make it non-reactive with rock formations, improving operational safety and reducing environmental impact.

How Fracturing Works

During the fracturing process, nitrogen is mixed with water or other fluids and injected at high pressure into the well. This pressure breaks apart shale layers, increasing reservoir access and improving hydrocarbon flow. Nitrogen enables faster, more efficient extraction with lower water use and reduced costs.

Blasting Operations

Nitrogen is also employed in controlled blasting for ore extraction. It helps create safe and predictable detonation conditions, mitigating the risks of accidental ignition or explosive chain reactions.

In both hydraulic fracturing and blasting applications, nitrogen enhances safety, operational control, and productivity across mining operations.

Oxygen Applications in Mining

• Respiratory systems for miners

  Supplied to breathing apparatus for safe work in low-oxygen or hazardous environments.

• Ore processing

  Oxygen promotes oxidation during beneficiation, improving yield and recovery of precious and base metals.

• Welding and cutting

  Used as an oxidising gas in cutting torches to increase flame temperature and combustion efficiency.

• Coal extraction

  Enhances the combustion process in coal mining, improving energy output and extraction rates.

• Coal oxidation

  Oxygen assists in the controlled oxidation of coal, raising thermal efficiency and lowering pollutant content, including sulphur.

• Mine ventilation

  Oxygen-enriched air can improve combustion in underground seams, increasing mining efficiency.

• Coal gasification

  Used to accelerate the reaction rate and improve the quality of the synthetic gas produced.

In smelting and refining operations, oxygen plays an essential role in boosting process performance and material quality:

1. Metal oxidation: Facilitates the oxidation of metals like iron, nickel, and copper during ore smelting, removing impurities and enhancing product purity.
2. Process efficiency: Using oxygen instead of air for combustion raises temperatures and boosts throughput while reducing emissions.
3. Temperature control: Enables precise temperature regulation during smelting for optimal melting conditions.
4. Shorter melt cycles: Increased oxidation rates speed up smelting, improving output and reducing downtime.

Overall, oxygen is critical in improving process efficiency, reducing fuel usage, cutting emissions, and enhancing metal quality throughout the mining and metallurgy chain.

For operations that require low-concentration nitrogen or oxygen, membrane-based nitrogen generators and PSA oxygen stations offer flexible, on-site gas supply solutions. These systems can be containerised, making them ideal for use in remote mining locations or field-based installations.

If you require assistance with oxygen supply equipment or have any related questions, contact us at +7 (495) 150-44-22 or email info@onhs.ru.

Our team will be happy to assist.