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Nadine M. Piatak-Hackley

Nadine Piatak-Hackley is a Research Geologist with the USGS Geology, Energy & Minerals (GEM) Science Center in Reston, VA.

Nadine Piatak is a Research Geologist conducting investigations to better understand the geochemical processes that control the source, transport, and fate of trace elements associated with mineral deposits and mines. Her work has involved determining the geochemical characteristics of different types of mine waste as well as waters and stream sediments influenced by mining or by natural mineral weathering providing insight into near-surface processes that impact aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and, potentially, human health. Additionally, she is investigating the life cycles of byproduct critical elements such as germanium and gallium. This work involves understanding the partitioning of byproduct elements during natural and anthropogenic processes. Aspects of this work include examining the geochemistry that leads to enrichment of byproduct critical elements in certain types ore deposits and understanding how mineralogical hosts and speciation influence their recovery efficiencies during ore-processing and refining.

Professional Experience

  • USGS Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, 2020 - Present

  • USGS Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center, 2001 - 2020

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. Geology, The Ohio State University, 2000

  • B.S. Geology, The Ohio State University, 1998

Science and Products

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XRD lab

Research Mineralogy - X-ray Diffraction Lab

The primary goal of this project is to ensure the availability of state-of-the-art mineralogical analyses and, when needed, development of new analytical methods that can be applied to topical studies in Energy and Minerals Mission Area, as well as the other mission areas. The project includes mineralogy by X-ray diffraction (XRD), qualitative and semi-quantitative x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
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Research Mineralogy - X-ray Diffraction Lab

The primary goal of this project is to ensure the availability of state-of-the-art mineralogical analyses and, when needed, development of new analytical methods that can be applied to topical studies in Energy and Minerals Mission Area, as well as the other mission areas. The project includes mineralogy by X-ray diffraction (XRD), qualitative and semi-quantitative x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy...
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Image shows industrial piles of gray rock

Emerging Geoenvironmental Issues Related to Proposed Mining in the Lake Superior Region

We are studying environmental issues related to mining, and potential mining, in the Great Lakes region, continuing the study of characterizing baseline geochemistry of several watersheds in Minnesota and Michigan, examining the potential for aquatic toxicity from metals, and examining the acid-neutralizing and acid-generating potentials of mine waste, and the environmental, and possible human...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
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Emerging Geoenvironmental Issues Related to Proposed Mining in the Lake Superior Region

We are studying environmental issues related to mining, and potential mining, in the Great Lakes region, continuing the study of characterizing baseline geochemistry of several watersheds in Minnesota and Michigan, examining the potential for aquatic toxicity from metals, and examining the acid-neutralizing and acid-generating potentials of mine waste, and the environmental, and possible human...
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microscopic gold and lead particles

Sources, Forms, Extractability of Metals in Non-Ore Deposit Sources

This project explored potential recovery and environmental consequences of metals in mining and mineral processing wastes as a function of ore deposit geology, and in debris from demolished or burned buildings.
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
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Sources, Forms, Extractability of Metals in Non-Ore Deposit Sources

This project explored potential recovery and environmental consequences of metals in mining and mineral processing wastes as a function of ore deposit geology, and in debris from demolished or burned buildings.
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MC-ICP-MS equipment

Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development

The Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development Project (MMAMD) provides access to the expertise of highly experienced research scientists and state of the art analytical instrumentation to develop new and unique analytical capabilities to solve complex problems beyond routine analysis.
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
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Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development

The Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development Project (MMAMD) provides access to the expertise of highly experienced research scientists and state of the art analytical instrumentation to develop new and unique analytical capabilities to solve complex problems beyond routine analysis.
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Filter Total Items: 16

Electron microprobe analyses of sphalerite from Central and East Tennessee mining districts, the Red Dog mining district (AK), and the Metaline mining district (WA)

Electron microprobe analyses of sphalerite (ZnS) were collected on samples from current or past mining operations in the USA with a specific focus on germanium (Ge), a byproduct critical mineral recovered from sphalerite. Data and methods reported are part of a research study published in the 'Related External Resources' section below.
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Molecular-scale speciation of germanium and copper within sphalerite from Central Tennessee mining district (TN), Red Dog mining district (AK), and Metaline mining district (WA)

Oxidation state and bonding environment of Ge and Cu in ZnS and Zn mineral concentrates from a variety of sources [Central Tennessee mining district (TN), Metaline mining district, (WA), and Red Dog mine (AK)] were determined by linear combination fits from x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis. Sphalerites from the East Tennessee mining district contained Ge in concentrations that were too
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Trace element composition and molecular-scale speciation characterization of sphalerite from Central and East Tennessee mining districts, Red Dog mining district (AK), and Metaline mining district (WA)

Germanium (Ge) is an element deemed critical globally, and used in electronics, communication, and defense applications. The supply of Ge is limited and as demand for it increases, its criticality increases. Germanium is exclusively recovered as a byproduct of either coal mining or zinc (Zn) mining, and the main mineral hosting Ge in Zn deposits is sphalerite (ZnS). However, the mechanisms of Ge e
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Solid and aqueous geochemistry for mill tailings and other ore processing materials

These worksheets contain data from geochemical analyses of solid mill tailings and other ore processing materials from worldwide localities, and leachates from those samples.
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Mineral abundances within bulk and size-fractionated mine waste from the Tar Creek Superfund Site, Tri-State Mining District, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Mineral abundances within bulk and size-fractionated mine waste from sampled historical waste piles from the Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma, U.S.A., were determined by Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Data and methods reported are part of a research study published below in the 'Related External Resources' section.
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Molecular speciation of Ge within sphalerite, hemimorphite, and quartz from mine waste from the Tar Creek Superfund Site, Tri-State Mining District, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Oxidation state and bonding environment of Ge in minerals within mine waste from sampled historical waste piles from the Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma, U.S. were determined by linear combination fits from x-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) analysis. Ge content in quartz within these wastes was determined using XANES edge steps, and Ge content in sphalerite was compared using XANE
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Elemental concentrations for bulk and size-fractionated mine waste from the Tar Creek Superfund Site, Tri-State Mining District, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Elemental concentrations for bulk and size-fractionated mine waste from sampled historical waste piles from the Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma, U.S. were determined after dissolution via acid digests or a sodium peroxide fusion. Elemental concentrations were determined for the leachate from a simulated rainwater leach of mine wastes. Data and methods reported are part of a research study publi
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Electron microprobe analyses of sphalerite and hemimorphite from mine wastes from the Tar Creek Superfund Site, Tri-State Mining District, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Electron microprobe analyses of sphalerite (ZnS) and hemimorphite (Zn4Si2O7(OH)2·H2O) from sampled historical waste piles were conducted with a specific focus on germanium (Ge). In mine wastes at the Tar Creek Superfund Site, Oklahoma, USA, Ge is associated with ZnS (sphalerite) as expected, but weathering in the waste piles has led to a significant amount of Ge being incorporated into a zi
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Environmental (hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur) stable isotope data from the Elizabeth copper mine Superfund site, Vermont, USA

Stable hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and sulfur (S) isotope data were collected from the Elizabeth copper mine Superfund site, South Strafford, Vermont. Sample media include surface water (H and O), groundwater (H and O), dissolved sulfate (O and S), and sulfide minerals in bulk mill tailings samples. Where available, supporting data for water samples include discharge, pH, specific conductance, and d
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Geochemical characterization, acid neutralization potential, and phosphate removal capacity of modern and legacy iron and steel slag from the Chicago-Gary area of Illinois and Indiana, USA

Steelmaking slag from near Chicago, USA, may be a viable option for treating phosphate-rich or acidic waters. Iron and steel slags from legacy and modern operations in the Chicago-Gary area of Illinois and Indiana, USA, are predominantly composed of Ca, Fe, and Si, with generally lesser amounts of Al, Mg, and Mn. Simulated weathering tests suggest that potentially deleterious elements such as Cr a
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Estimates of mineral abundances based on Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data from mill tailings and other ore processing materials

This worksheet displays the results of mineral abundance estimates based on Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of mill tailings and other ore processing materials from worldwide localities. Data are also provided to show variation in mineral abundance estimates for subsplits in individual samples. Samples were analyzed using a PANalytical X'Pert Pro diffractometer using Cu rad
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Chemistry, morphology, modal mineralogy, and photomicrographs of amphiboles and other minerals in the Ironwood Iron-Formation, Gogebic Iron Range, Wisconsin, USA

The Ironwood Iron-Formation, part of the Gogebic Iron Range in Wisconsin, is a Paleoproterozoic Superior-type banded iron formation (BIF) with substantial iron resource potential. The development of a Mesoproterozoic contact metamorphic aureole related to the emplacement of the Mellen Intrusive Complex resulted in the production of a variety of silicate minerals in the western portion of the Iron
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Filter Total Items: 55

A novel non-destructive workflow for examining germanium and co-substituents in ZnS

A suite of complementary techniques was used to examine germanium (Ge), a byproduct critical element, and co-substituent trace elements in ZnS and mine wastes from four mineral districts where germanium is, or has been, produced within the United States. This contribution establishes a comprehensive workflow for characterizing Ge and other trace elements, which captures the full heterogeneity of s
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Mineral Resources Program, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Germanium redistribution during weathering of Zn mine wastes: Implications for environmental mobility and recovery of a critical mineral

Germanium (Ge) is a metal used in emerging energy technologies, communications, and defense, and has been deemed critical by the United States due to its essential applications and scarce supply. Germanium is recovered as a byproduct of zinc (Zn) sulfides, and mining and processing of these materials lead to waste that could act both as a source of extractable Ge and a source for exposure to human
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Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Introduction: Metallurgical slags - Environmental liability or valuable resource?

Slags are important by-products generated by ferrous and non-ferrous pyrometallurgical operations, with hundreds of millions of tonnes generated globally each year. Depending on the chemical and mineralogical compositions of slags, they may be disposed of as waste, which can then weather and release contaminants into the environment with the potential to impact the ecosystem and humans. Alternatel
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Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Weathering of slags

Weathering is a natural process causing the transformation of minerals, rocks, and related materials like glass under near-surface conditions. Although metallurgical slags are human-made materials, they also undergo natural weathering processes. As base metal slags weather, the released solutions may contain contaminants that could pose an environmental risk. On the other hand, weathering of ferro
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Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Geochemistry and mineralogy of metallurgical slag

Slag is a waste product from the pyrometallurgical processing of natural ores or the recycling of man-made materials. This chapter provides an overview of the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of different types of slag. A review of the analytical methods used to determine these characteristics is also provided. Ferrous slags include blast furnace, steelmaking, and ferroalloy slags; th
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Metamorphic amphiboles in the Ironwood Iron-Formation, Gogebic Iron Range, Wisconsin: Implications for potential resource development

No abstract available. 

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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Bascom ARgon Dating (BARD) Laboratory

Evaluating the utility of principal component analysis on EDS x-ray maps to determine bulk mineralogy

Due to advances in EDS technology, electron microscopy techniques have become an important tool to determine the relative abundance of mineral phases. However, few studies have directly compared EDS X‐ray mineralogy with traditional techniques for assessing bulk mineralogy and elemental composition. We show that analysing a limited area (~ 0.5–3.2 mm2) of fine‐grained metal extraction samples usin
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Micrometer-scale characterization of solid mine waste aids in closure due diligence

Precious- and base-metal mining often occurs in deposits with high acid-generating potential, resulting in mine waste that contains metals in forms of varying bioavailability, and therefore toxicity. The solids that host these metals are often noncrystalline, nanometer to micrometer in size, or undetectable by readily available analytical techniques (e.g., X-ray diffraction). This analytical short
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Hydrologic balance, water quality, chemical-mass balance, and geochemical modeling of hyperalkaline ponds at Big Marsh, Chicago, Illinois, 2016–17

Hyperalkaline (pH greater than 12) ponds and groundwater exist at Big Marsh near Lake Calumet, Chicago, Illinois, a site used by the steel industry during the mid-1900s to deposit steel- and iron-making waste, in particular, slag. The hyperalkaline ponds may pose a hazard to human health and the environment. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency
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Energy and Minerals, Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center

Geochemical characterization of iron and steel slag and its potential to remove phosphate and neutralize acid

Iron and steel slags from legacy and modern operations in the Chicago-Gary area of Illinois and Indiana, USA, are predominantly composed of Ca (10 - 44 wt. % CaO), Fe, (0.3 - 28 wt. % FeO), and Si (10 - 44 wt. % SiO2), with generally lesser amounts of Al (< 1 15 wt. % Al2O3), Mg (2 11 wt. % MgO), and Mn (0.3 9 wt. % MnO). Mineralogy is dominated by CaMgAl silicates, FeCa oxides, Ca-carbonates,
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Water Resources, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Niobium and tantalum

Niobium and tantalum are transition metals that are almost always found together in nature because they have very similar physical and chemical properties. Their properties of hardness, conductivity, and resistance to corrosion largely determine their primary uses today. The leading use of niobium (about 75 percent) is in the production of high-strength steel alloys used in pipelines, transportati
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Environmental considerations related to mining of nonfuel minerals

Throughout most of human history, environmental stewardship during mining has not been a priority partly because of the lack of applicable laws and regulations and partly because of ignorance about the effects that mining can have on the environment. In the United States, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, in conjunction with related laws, codified a more modern approach to mining, inc
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Science and Products