Gabibulla Bakhshali Shakhtakhtinski is a prominent scientist in the field of inorganic and analytical chemistry, chemistry and technology of inorganic materials and processing of mineral raw materials, brilliant teacher and educator of generations of Azerbaijanian chemists and technologists. An active member of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, Honoured Scientist of Republic, doctor of chemistry, professor G.B.Shakhtakhtinski was called “agsakkal” (elder) of Azerbaijanian chemists.

Gabibulla Bakhshali Shakhtakhtinski was born on 9 September, 1900 in Shakhtakhty village of Nakhchivan region, Erivan province (at present Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic). He belongs to famous family of Shakhtakhtinski that gave to Azerbaijan in the last century and at the beginning of XX century a pleiad of bright, highly intelligent diplomats and publicists, prominent scientists, public and military figures, those who promoted development of science and culture. His father Bakhshali aga Shakhtakhtinski was a highly educated person of his time, he worked as a translator in the customs-house, and in 1907 was arrested by tsarist government for “seditious” ideas of independence and liberal thinking. After release he worked in Moslem charitable society till his last days (1918). He inspired in his children love for education, science.

When he was nine, G.B. Shakhtakhtinski entered the Erivan classical gymnasium, he studied there up to last year, and then due to Armenian- Azerbaijan conflict he was transferred to second Baku gymnasium. He graduated from this gymnasium in 1920. G.B. Shakhtakhtinski not only the witnessed Armenian Azerbaijan conflict at the beginning of the century, but he was also an eye-witness of establishment of the First Independent Democratic Azerbaijan Republic in the East.

During 1920-21 G.B.Shakhtakhtinski worked as an inspector in People’s Commissariat. In 1921 he was sent to Azerbaijan State University to continue his education. While studying at the III course of Medical Fac. ulty of the University, he at the same time entered Azerbaijan Polytechnic Institute, chemical-technological faculty (at present – Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University).

In 1926 G.B. Shakhtakhtinski graduated from Medical faculty of the University with diploma of doctor, and in 1930 – from chemical- technological faculty of Polytechnical Institute with diploma of engineer- technologist. After that his life was devoted to chemistry.

Young Azerbaijan state needed educated people, specialists and G.B. Shakhtakhtinski, still being a student, since 1923 taught in secondary educational institutions – vocational schools, technical secondary schools etc.

In 1924, still being a student, he was appointed a laboratory assistant of the laboratory of analytical chemistry of the Azerbaijan Polytechnic Institute. In 1930 G.B. Shakhtakhtinski was appointed assistant of Chair of inorganic and analytical chemistry, after one year he became Head of Laboratory of quantitative analysis. During these years G.B. Shakhtakhtinski spared no efforts and knowledge for organisation of analytical laboratories, establishment of scientific foundations for teaching methodology in ana- lytical and inorganic chemistry. He also took an active part in organisation of chemical laboratories in Tadjikistan Polytechnic Institute and received a gratitude from the Minister of Higher and Secondary Special Education of the USSR.

Since 1934 G.B. Shakhtakhtinski worked as a senior lecturer and since 1937, during 22 years, he was a Head of Department of analytical chemistry.

Since 1930, G.B. Shakhtakhtinski worked simultaneously in several organisations, he taught at the Azerbaijan State University, Azerbaijan Agricultural Institute (in Baku and Gyanja), Azerbaijan Medical Institute, Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute. His working ability was amazing.

When G.B. Shakhtakhtinski became an academician and was involved in time-consuming studies of problems of chemical technology and metallurgy, having a great number of students, followers, post-graduate students and those preparing doctor theses under his leadership, this eminent scientist still found time to read for students the course of technology of inorganic materials at the M.Azizbekov Azerbaijan Institute of Oil and Chemistry. During many years of pedagogical activity G.B. Shakhtakhtinski taught the foundations of chemistry and grew thousands of engineers, doctors, teachers, researchers, specialists in agriculture, specialists who later worked in all spheres of national economy both in our Republic and outside it. Many of his former students became prominent scientists and public figures themselves. Among those – academicians, Heroes of Socialist Labour Rustam Ismailov and Murtuza Nagiev, academicians Ali Kuliyev and Aladdin Kuliyev, Soltan Mekhtiyev, Imam Mustafayev, Veli Akhundov, Ali-Ashraf Ali-zade, Shafayat Mekhtiyev, Togrul Shakhtakhtinski, Musa Musayev and others.

G.B. Shakhtakhtinski was a classic of chemical science in Azerbaijan and really the elder one, brilliant teacher and wonderful person. One of his former students academician Veli Yusuf oglu Akhundov wrote to him: “Dear teacher! Was not it just yesterday, when tall, handsome (as Chekhov wrote: «Everything must be nice in a man») young man taught us chemistry in N.Narimanov vocational school, and day after day demonstrated on his own example that one must fight for knowledge, for truth and fairness in life, honesty and decency? We, your students tried to follow your example during our lives. Your image of <teacher» in real sense of this word remains in depths of our hearts, it positively influenced characters of young people. Although half a century passed since that time we still remember your ideals and unselfishness in life. I will not mention your tremendous achievements in science and education of young generation, I would only say that during the years when I worked with you in our Academy, my first impressions of you enriched and owing to our collabo- ration I understood better the role of a man in the world…»

In 30-s G.B. Shakhtakhtinski, alongside with pedagogical activity carried out scientific researches on a wide scale. At that time he commenced studies in the area of arsenate-iodometry, an important part of analytical chemistry.

G.B. Shakhtakhtinski was one of pioneers in teaching chemical subjects in Azerbaijan native language, he wrote the first text-book on quantitative chemical analysis (two editions: 1937, 1953). Teachers and students use this text-book until present. Studies in the area of analytical chemistry and development of this science in the Republic are closely related with the name of G.B. Shakhtakhtinski.

In 1940 G.B. Shakhtakhtinski successfully defended candidate the sis: «Iodometric determinations of arsenic acid and magnesium using iodine solvents».

During the years of Great Patriotic war G.B. Shakhtakhtinski, at request of Sovnarkom was supervising work of special chemical group that produced ammunition for defense of the country using local raw stock and materials. For his contribution G.B. Shakhtakhtinski was awarded Certificate of Honour of Supreme Council of the Azerbaijan SSR and Medal for Labour Valour during the Great Patriotic War.

After the War, alongside with fruitful pedagogical activity G.B. Shakhtakhtinski continued his scientific researches, mainly related with development of iodometric and arsenate-iodometric methods of analytical chemistry. These studies resulted in development of over forty new express and accurate methods of determination of almost all elements of Periodic System both individually and in combinations. Besides macro-methods G.B.Shakhtakhtinski developed unique micro-methods of metal determination that play a great role in modern analytical chemistry. He successfully applied developed methods for analysis of various ores, alloys, rocks, building materials, etc.

Owing to high scientific level, depth of theoretical knowledge and high accuracy developed methods became recognised both in the former Soviet Union and abroad. These methods were referred to in scientific pa- pers and text-books as «G.B. Shakhtakhtinski’ methods». He developed a major and important section of analytical chemistry called “Arsenate- Iodometry”.

In February, 1949 G.B. Shakhtakhtinski defended doctor thesis “Arsenate method of iodometry” at Chemical Faculty of M. Lomonosov Moscow University. In October 1949 he got scientific degree of doctor of chemical sciences, in January 1950 became a professor.

Having worked over 35 years in Azerbaijan Polytechnic, later M.Azizbekov Azerbaijan Institute of Oil and Chemistry, from laboratory assistant to professor, G.B. Shakhtakhtinski had major scientific achievements in the area of classical analytical chemistry and recognised globally. However, being chemist-technologist he understood that he could be more useful for his country in an important applied area processing and efficient use was of mineral resources of the Azerbaijan Republic. He told: «Classical analytical chemistry was very important, however future is with technology. Besides oil, Azerbaijan is rich in various mineral resources – iron ore, alunites, ores of non-ferrous and rare-earth metals, salt, barites, serpentinites, other mineral resources that are often used non-economically and sometimes are not used at all. Today we must think about future prosperity of Azerbaijan, and must begin researches on efficient use of these riches». It is amazing how fifty years ago G.B. Shakhtakhtinski looked into the future.

Early works of G.B. Shakhtakhtinski were devoted to investigations on salt of Beyuk-Shor lake, gypsum, barite, use of natural Ggas as a reducer of barite, aimed to production of barium hydroxide, etc. Garadag cement plant was built based on his studies of limestone.

In September, 1959, on the initiative of G.B. Shakhtakhtinski the first laboratory of this kind “Laboratory on technology of mineral substances” was established at the Institute of Chemistry of the Azerbaijan of Academy of Sciences. G.B. Shakhtakhtinski left the Chair of Analytical Chemistry to his pupils and undertook scientific supervision of new ti laboratory, he had to realize his scientific ideas. During 27 years in this Hlaboratory large-scale scientific researches were carried out on study and complex use of mineral resources of Azerbaijan. In this laboratory talented scientist once more demonstrated his creative ability and potential.

Investigations of G.B. Shakhtakhtinski on processing of mineral resources of Azerbaijan include the problems of efficient use in complex processing of major mineral materials alunites, polymetallic ore from Filizchai, iron ore from Dashkesan, barites, pyrite, pyrrhotite (magnetic pyrite), titanium-magnetites, salt, dolomites, etc. These studies required use of such disciplines, as technology of inorganic substances, chemistry and metallurgy of non-ferrous, ferrous and rare-earth metals, very important for economy of Azerbaijan.

On the basis of accumulations of alunite ore in Zaglik (Azerbaijan takes the 2-nd place in the world in alunite reserves), in the beginning of 60-s the first plant on production of raw aluminum in the world was built in Gyanja. Here alumina and some by-products were produced from alunite. However the plant was built within a short time period, without due testing of the process, it had significant technological disadvantages, quality of the end product was not high, losses amounted to millions of roubles. Production was not ecologically safe.

Such large chemical-metallurgical production as complex processing of alunites, that had analogs in the world, required detailed studies for improvement of technology, efficiency of processing, possibility of recovery of valuable components at various stages of the process and G.B. Shakhtakhtinski immediately began these studies.

Investigations carried out by G.B.Shakhtakhtinski and his colleagues covered almost all stages of existing processes – crushing, grinding and pelletization of alunite, calcination and reduction, hydrochemical processes.

To avoid dust-priming and losses of fine, most enriched alunite fractions at its calcination and reduction, G.B.Shakhtakhtinski suggested to carry out pre-pelletizing of ground alunite with simultaneous calcination in the rotating furnace, thus completely eliminating dust-priming (occasionally reaching 20%) and other disadvantages of the plant. Another important solution worked out by G.B.Shakhtakhtinski to use converted natural gas for reduction of alunite instead of low efficient solar oil. This allowed to improve permeability for gas and pellet restoration ability, provided better recovery of aluminum oxide, production of pure alumina and sulphuric acid at the expense of elimination of side reactions that took place on alunite reduction using solar oil. The process was also more cost- effective.

Developed processes were successfully tested in laboratory by G.B.Shakhtakhtinski and his staff, and later on pilot plant, at the Experi- mental Plant of Non-Ferrous Metals in Gyanja. The plant here was on continuous operation type, pelletizing and calcination was done in rotating furnace combined with rector wherein alunite was reduced using converted natural gas. Using new process, alongside with by product – sulphuric acid, elementary sulphur was produced from exhaust sulphuric gases.

Although recommendations of G.B.Shakhtakhtinski were highly estimated and approved by the USSR Ministry of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy, the head design institute GAMI which was supervising work of Ganja plant made obstacles to implementation of novel technologies. However, later managers of this Institute GAMI saw the results of their policy and poor condition of the plant. Beginning from mid 70-s instead of solar oil they began using at Ganja plant elementary sulphur as alunite reducer This partly improved technological parameters and quality of product however serious disadvantages still remained at the Plant. Imported sulphur was less efficient than converted natural gas, and besides other disadvantages use of sulphur results in formation of excess sulphuric acid Also, the Plant had to work with orientation to imported raw material bauxite, and local resources of alunite were not practically used for production of alumina and aluminum.

G.B.Shakhtakhtinski and his colleagues also studied problems of recovery of rare elements gallium and vanadium from recycled solution that are usually lost in production of alumina. Efficient methods of recovery of gallium and vanadium were developed and tested on commercial aluminate solutions. With design capacity of Ganja Aluminum Plant developed processes allow to recover, besides key product, up to 15 ton of gallium and hundreds tons of expensive and scarce vanadium oxide annually. Results of these studies on recovery of gallium and vanadium from alunites were described by G.B.Shakhtakhtinski in his books (1968, 1974).

G.B.Shakhtakhtinski and his colleagues also carried out very inter- pesting investigations on recovery of sulphates of alkali metals at the begin- ning of the process of hydrochemical processing of alunites. This allows to produce high quality alumina, and also to use efficiently sub-grade rocks, poor in alunites and rich in kaolinites. As a result alumina, aluminium sul- phate are produced (used for water treatment, to supply population with pure potable water), alum (skin/hides tanning, treating fabric, etc.), and other products, thus extending war materials base of aluminum industry.

All described methods developed by academician G.B.Shakhtakhtinski regarding complex treatment of alunites are very im- portant for Ganja Production Organisation «Glinozem» («Alumina») – bot at present and for the future. Without complete upgrading the Plant will not be able to use local resources of alunite and overcome current crisis.

Another important major problem studied by G.B.Shakhtakhtinski – production of elementary sulphur from exhaust sulphuric gases of various production plants of non-ferrous metallurgy and closely related problem of efficient use and complex processing of polymetallic ores from Filizchai field.

Production of sulphuric acid everywhere at non-ferrous metallurgy plants from exhaust sulphur-containing gases is not always cost-effective, as transportation and storage of acid is not easy. At the same time, in many scases production of elementary sulphur is more efficient, as this product is widely used in chemical industry, production of paper, rubber, production of matches, oil industry, agriculture, defense, et al. This product is 3 times cheaper and easier to transport. This issue was raised by G.B.Shakhtakhtinski as one of most urgent, not only for upgrading of Ganja Aluminium Plant, but also when designing and building new allurgical complexes. met.

In July of 1965, in letter from the State Committee on ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metallurgy under the USSR State Planning Committee to the Head of Azerbaijan Government it was stated that decision had been taken to build the Works on production of non-ferrous metals based on Filizchai field of polymetallic ores discovered in Azerbaijan. It was planned to use melting for processing of collective ore concentrate which provides output of enriched sulphuric gases. Construction of metallurgical works in Azer. baijan would be economically viable only in case if elementary sulphur is produced from the exhaust gases. It was planned to commence scientific researches in the institutes of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, as there was no known efficient method for extraction of sulphur from gases It was also stated in the letter that if there was no possibility to produce elementary sulphur from ore they would produce only selective concen- trates and send them to other metallurgical plants of the country.

At the meetings in the Council of Ministers of Azerbaijan G.B.Shakhtakhtinski was authorised to work on this problem as he has an experience of studies on recovery of sulphur from the exhaust gases. Spe- cial laboratory was organised on production of elementary sulphur from exhaust gases under the Organisation on Non-Ferrous Metallurgy and G.B.Shakhtakhtinski was appointed head of this laboratory.

In 2-3 years G.B.Shakhtakhtinski with his staff developed highly efficient catalytic method of production of elementary sulphur by way of reduction of sulfurous anhydride using converted natural gas. This method had some advantages comparing to conventional methane process, it allowed to use twice lower reduction temperature, higher reaction rate and achieve 97-98% sulphur yield, with its high quality. The process was highly estimated and approved by the USSR Ministry of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy for commercial use not only in Filizchai, but also in Norilsk ore mining and processing enterprise. Operating conditions in Norilsk were very hard, huge volumes of exhaust sulphuric gases resulted in acidic rains, and production of acid from gases was senseless as there was no possibility to export it or to use in conditions of polar climate. Leading design institutes of the country: Uralgiprokhim, Giprotsvetmet, Unipromed and other prepared working designs of separate units of equipment for sulphur production based on G.B.Shakhtakhtinski’ method. However, when a rail-train with Filizchai ore was sent to Ust-Kamenogorsk works to test on existing plant of electrothermal cyclone melting of collective concentrate, the process of separation of Filizchai ore into key components failed, and operation of Filizchai field was terminated for a long time. The process of production of elementary sulphur, nevertheless, was successfully introduced at Norilsk ore mining and processing enterprise and Ryazan metallurgical plant.

G.B.Shakhtakhtinski continued working on the problem of processing of Filizchai polymetallic ores containing to 40 valuable elements. Studies carried out by his colleagues covered processing of both selective concentrates – copper, zinc, lead, pyrite and also collective ore concentrate of non-ferrous metals. G.B.Shakhtakhtinski understood that as composition of this ore was unique, it was very difficult to enrich it, and metals of some concentrates got lost in concentrates of other metals, absolutely new schemes of processing of the ore itself had to be developed, without enrichment stage, so that to provide maximum, wasteless recovery of individual components, production of non-ferrous, rare, dissipated and noble metals, utilization of sulphide sulphur and iron, and also protection of the environment, as this Sheki-Zagatal zone was especially vulnerable to contamination. Successors of G.B.Shakhtakhtinski continue investigations on processing on non-enriched ore, and most acceptable autoclave method is at present near completion.

In laboratory of G.B.Shakhtakhtinski they developed processes related to various related disciplines – technology of inorganic substances, chemistry and metallurgy of ferrous, non-ferrous, rare, trace rare metals. Such studies could constitute a theme for individual institutes, that is why G.B.Shakhtakhtinski tried to organise Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Mineral Substances and Metallurgy on the basis of his laboratory. In 1981, as the first step of establishment of the Institute, Division of Mineral Substances and Metallurgy was organised in the Institute of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. G.B.Shakhtakhtinski remained the head of this Division to his last days.

This Division included Laboratory of mineral substances (head of laboratory – academician G.B.Shakhtakhtinski) and new laboratories of his employees Laboratory of technology of direct production of iron and metal powders (head of laboratory candidate of chemical science, senior researcher Z.I.Alizade), Laboratory of chernistry and technology of processing of polymetallic ores (head of laboratory – candidate of chemical science, senior researcher A.A.Musayev). At the same time Special Design. Technology Bureau was established under the Institute of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, its task being complex processing of mineral raw materials (Director – T.K. Mustafayev). candidate of technical sciences, senior researcher G.B.Shakhtakhtinski put forward one more important problem. In 1960, when everywhere in the world classic method of processing of iron ore was applied – “blast furnace” – “open-hearth furnace”, and few scientists considered processes of direct production of iron, G.B.Shakhtakhtinski formulated the task of reduction of iron from Dashkesan ore using natural gas. This was easily explained. Pioneer of ferrous metallurgy in Azerbaijan, Sumgait pipe-rolling plant had no raw stock for steel melting, whereas the country possessed rich accumulations of iron ore in Dashkesan, the largest in Caucasus, and large reserves of natural gas.

Under the leadership of G.B.Shakhtakhtinski processes of direct reduction of Dashkesan iron ore and other iron-containing raw materials. loose and bedrock titanomagnetites, pyrites, pyrite cinder, mill scale, etc., using natural gas. Investigations of G.B.Shakhtakhtinski and his pupils formed a foundation for production of iron for steel melting without the use of blast furnace. It allowed to reduce costs and protect the environment. Concept of upgrading of enterprises of ferrous metallurgy in Azerbaijan was developed. It consisted in solid-phase reduction of local raw ore using natural gas as a reducer, with production of metal pellets for steel melting and iron powder for powder metallurgy, with simultaneous recovery of titanium, chromium, vanadium, manganese, cobalt, copper and other valuable components.

In Decree of the Azerbaijan Cabinet of Ministers of 30 November, 1994 “On program of complex development of metallurgical industry of Azerbaijan” stage-by-stage upgrading of ferrous metallurgy was specified. German metallurgical concern “Ferrostal” was general designer of complex with annual capacity of 1 million ton of steel using Dashkesan iron ore as a raw stock.

In the area of ferrous metallurgy G.B.Shakhtakhtinski also foresaw the future: at present in all countries of the world where resources of iron ore and natural gas are available processes of direct production of iron and arc furnaces are displacing blast furnaces and open-hearth furnaces, other large, costly and non-ecological plants.

G.B.Shakhtakhtinski was a prominent scientist, he saw future perspectives of science development, he developed new trends in analytical and inorganic chemistry, technology of processing of mineral substances. Outstanding soviet scientists, academicians I.V.Tananayev, I.P.Alimarin, N.M. Zhavoronkov et al. gave high estimate to works of G.B.Shakhtakhtinski. On the meeting of the Scientific Board of Chemical Faculty of Moscow University academicians A.A.Balandin, S.I.Volfkovich, V.A.Kargin, A.N.Nesmeyanov, P.A.Rebinder, A.N.Frumkin, correspondent members of the USSR Academy of Sciences Ya.I.Gerasimov, O.A.Reutov, N.I.Shuikin, N.M.Emanuel at al. unanimously supported candidature of G.B.Shakhtakhtinski to be elected academician of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences avoiding the stage of correspondent member.

Results of works of G.B.Shakhtakhtinski are summarised in books and textbooks, 400 scientific papers, Author’s Certificates and scientific reports. He supervised work of over 40 candidates and doctors of science, thousands of engineers-technologists, chemists, teachers, researchers. One can find references on works by G.B.Shakhtakhtinski in numerous books of famous foreign scientists.

Besides scientific activity and teaching G.B.Shakhtakhtinski was a prominent public figure. Since 1952 he was a member of Scientific Council on analytical chemistry under the Institute of geochemistry and analyti- cal chemistry of the USSR Academy of Sciences named after Vernadski. In 1967-71 he was the chairman of Scientific Council “Inorganic chemistry” of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, in 1981-86 – member of Scientific Council “Powder metallurgy” under Presidium of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, in 1983-85 chairman of section “Complex processing of mineral raw materials and metallurgical processes” of Scientific Council “Inorganic and physical chemistry” of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences. G.B.Shakhtakhtinski was a member of Joint Scientific Council of Y.G.Mamedaliyev Institute of Petrochemical Processes of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, member of Scientific Council of Technological Faculty of the M.Azizbekov Azerbaijan Institute of Oil and Chemistry, member of Azerbaijan division of Society “Znanie”, scientific consultant of the Azerbaijan Soviet Encyclopedia. From 1959 and to the last days of his life G.B.Shakhtakhtinski was member of the Editorial Board of “Azerbaijan Chemical Journal” and editor of a number of books on inorganic and analytical chemistry, technology of inorganic substances

For many years of fruitful scientific and pedagogical activity aca- demician G.B.Shakhtakhtinski was awarded with an Order of October Revolution, medals, Certificate of Honour of Presidium of Supreme Council of Azerbaijan SSR. He was given a title of Honoured scientist of the Republic.

Talented scientist and teacher, modest person, intelligent and kind man, patriot of his motherland Gabibulla Bakhshali oglu Shakhtakhtinski was respected by several generations of scientists of various disciplines and general public. On the eve of his 120 anniversary we remember him with gratitude, once more estimate his scientific inheritance, his brilliant ideas New routes in science developed by G.B.Shakhtakhtinski today are especially important with the purpose of improvement of economic potential of sovereign Azerbaijan and rational use of huge mineral resources of the country.

All those who knew Gabibulla Bakhshali Shakhtakhtinski, his students, colleagues and friends are grateful for this.

The founders, editor-in-chief and editorial staff of “Chemical Problems” journal congratulate the member of editorial board of the journal, academician Dilgam Tagiyev on his 75 th anniversary. They wish him good health, longevity, and success in scientific work and in his personal life.

The international member of the Editorial Board of the journal “Chemical Problems” Corresponding Member Evelina Slavcheva took office as President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. At a ceremony held at BAS, Prof. Julian Revalski, Member of BAS, symbolically handed over the key of the Academy to the newly elected President. The founders, editors and members of the editorial board of the journal “Chemical Problems” congratulate her on this occasion and wish her good health, greater achievements and success in the future.