Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Alum mines and mining'
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1
Wang, Quanxi. "Integrated stability mapping system for mines." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 2005. https://eidr.wvu.edu/etd/documentdata.eTD?documentid=4287.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2005.Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains ix, 145 p. : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.). Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 118-122).
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Talhi, Korichi. "Aspects of blasting in surface mines." Thesis, University of Surrey, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.280422.
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Joubert, Barend Daniel. "Small-scale gold mining in southern Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005615.
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The general characteristics of gold deposits are reviewed, and a classification of gold deposits based on mineability is proposed. Evaluation, mlnlng and beneficiation methods are briefly discussed. It is concluded that the most viable targets for small-scale companies comprise deposits that require the least pre-production time and expense. Great potential exists for the small-scale reclamation of gold from tailings dumps and abandoned mines in Southern Africa. There is also potential for developing new smallscale gold mines in the Archaean greenstone terranes of the Zimbabwean and Kaapvaal cratons.
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Forrest, W. "The development of new coal mines." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.378766.
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Carr, Frank. "Government decision-making and environmental degradation: a study relating to mining activities in Papua New Guinea." Thesis, Carr, Frank (2007) Government decision-making and environmental degradation: a study relating to mining activities in Papua New Guinea. Masters by Research thesis, Murdoch University, 2007. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/502/.
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Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country possessing abundant resources of gold, oil, copper, timber, and fish stocks. It is hampered in its development and management of these resources, however, by serious problems of governance and corruption. These problems are evident throughout the economy and also in the management of the environment. The level of environmental damage caused by the mining industry in PNG is now such that it will require extensive rehabilitation, if the areas affected can, indeed, ever be fully rehabilitated. The mining companies which precipitated this damage were licensed and encouraged by the PNG Government in the initiation and exercise of the mining operations. The resulting environmental impact has affected the lives of thousands of New Guineans to their detriment. The degradation caused remains
unredressed.
Compounding the problem, there is a growing reliance by Papua New Guinea on mineral exploitation for foreign direct investment, government revenues, and foreign exchange. Gold exports accounted for the biggest share of export revenues in 2002 representing 37.5% of the total. In light of this growing dependency on mining activities, there is a correspondingly urgent requirement to address the deficiencies in the administrative, monitoring, and policing aspects of the protection of its environment.
Despite the public evidence of the damage to the environment and the ensuing affect on the people of Papua New Guinea by mining activities; and despite universal condemnation of these activities and the companies responsible; the companies continue to conduct these activities without official hindrance and with little apparent concern for the long-term ramifications of their actions.
This thesis will examine the degradation resulting from the mining activities of companies in Papua New Guinea over the last three decades - particularly those of Placer Dome's Porgera gold mine, BHP's Ok Tedi gold and copper mine (the waste from both of which is dumped into the Ok Tedi and Strickland rivers which are tributaries of the Fly River and form part of the Fly River system) and Lihir Gold Limited's gold mine on Lihir Island. It will examine the extent to which the Government of Papua New Guinea may have wittingly (in the sense of a prescience as to the possible or probable likelihood of deleterious impact) or unwittingly contributed to that degradation as a result of its actions or omissions.
Studies of available literature suggest that there has been little attention paid to the subject of culpability on the part of successive PNG governments in matters of environmental damage. This research will contribute to reducing this gap in the literature by focusing on possible motives of the PNG government and its actors which precipitated those decisions and which resulted in environmental degradation. The discussion will examine the likely motivation of the PNG government in its deliberations and decisions and the extent to which corruption and incompetence may have played a role.
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Carr, Frank. "Government decision-making and environmental degradation : a study relating to mining activities in Papua New Guinea /." Carr, Frank (2007) Government decision-making and environmental degradation: a study relating to mining activities in Papua New Guinea. Masters by Research thesis, Murdoch University, 2007. http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/502/.
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Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country possessing abundant resources of gold, oil, copper, timber, and fish stocks. It is hampered in its development and management of these resources, however, by serious problems of governance and corruption. These problems are evident throughout the economy and also in the management of the environment. The level of environmental damage caused by the mining industry in PNG is now such that it will require extensive rehabilitation, if the areas affected can, indeed, ever be fully rehabilitated. The mining companies which precipitated this damage were licensed and encouraged by the PNG Government in the initiation and exercise of the mining operations. The resulting environmental impact has affected the lives of thousands of New Guineans to their detriment. The degradation caused remains
unredressed.
Compounding the problem, there is a growing reliance by Papua New Guinea on mineral exploitation for foreign direct investment, government revenues, and foreign exchange. Gold exports accounted for the biggest share of export revenues in 2002 representing 37.5% of the total. In light of this growing dependency on mining activities, there is a correspondingly urgent requirement to address the deficiencies in the administrative, monitoring, and policing aspects of the protection of its environment.
Despite the public evidence of the damage to the environment and the ensuing affect on the people of Papua New Guinea by mining activities; and despite universal condemnation of these activities and the companies responsible; the companies continue to conduct these activities without official hindrance and with little apparent concern for the long-term ramifications of their actions.
This thesis will examine the degradation resulting from the mining activities of companies in Papua New Guinea over the last three decades - particularly those of Placer Dome's Porgera gold mine, BHP's Ok Tedi gold and copper mine (the waste from both of which is dumped into the Ok Tedi and Strickland rivers which are tributaries of the Fly River and form part of the Fly River system) and Lihir Gold Limited's gold mine on Lihir Island. It will examine the extent to which the Government of Papua New Guinea may have wittingly (in the sense of a prescience as to the possible or probable likelihood of deleterious impact) or unwittingly contributed to that degradation as a result of its actions or omissions.
Studies of available literature suggest that there has been little attention paid to the subject of culpability on the part of successive PNG governments in matters of environmental damage. This research will contribute to reducing this gap in the literature by focusing on possible motives of the PNG government and its actors which precipitated those decisions and which resulted in environmental degradation. The discussion will examine the likely motivation of the PNG government in its deliberations and decisions and the extent to which corruption and incompetence may have played a role.
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Stewart, Penelope Clair. "Minimising dilution in narrow-vein mines /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2005. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe18948.pdf.
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Sellami, Moncef. "Recoverable reserve estimation in multiple seam mines." Thesis, This resource online, 1993. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-09192009-040606/.
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Harvey, Harvey Blevins Madison D. Soyini. "Mines-bodies a performance ethnography of Appalachian coal mining /." Chapel Hill, N.C. : University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2006. http://dc.lib.unc.edu/u?/etd,187.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2006.Title from electronic title page (viewed Oct. 10, 2007). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Communication Studies (Performance Studies)." Discipline: Communication Studies; Department/School: Communication Studies.
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Bétournay, M. C. "The stability of shallow stopes of hard rock mines." Thesis, McGill University, 1995. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=28678.
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Canadian hard rock mine extraction practices have commonly created shallow stopes, 12% of which have caved to surface, from instabilities originating from stope hangingwalls, crowns or footwalls. To date, however, mine operators have applied few of the available data gathering and design tools to strike a balance between maximum economic excavation dimension and stope viability. The preference has been to use personal mining experience.Several common rock mass environments are surveyed as well as the various ways in which shallow stopes have failed. It has been found that these rock masses develop gravity-induced movement in the form of plug failures, ravelling of rock blocks, strata failures, chimneying disintegration, and rock mass block caving.
New failure-specific analytical equations are developed here for these common failure mechanisms. They address the mechanics of the failure process and incorporate the capability to arrive at the ultimate failure outline, for comparison to the location of the bedrock surface.
This research has shown that: plug failures occur along steep, uninterrupted discontinuities bounding large blocks. Plug failure potential reduces substantially with confining compressive stress, discontinuity inclination, the absence of low friction surfaces and shearing of intact rock interrupting the discontinuity. Ravelling requires little peripheral confining stress for stabilization and prevention of block falls or slides. However, inherent conditions such as shallow dipping or vertically dipping joints can cause block falls to develop to surface. Low confining stresses, resulting from multiple stope extraction in orthogonal horizontal directions, would offer conditions suitable for plug and ravelling failures. Strata failures are caused by excessive stope spans, but the limited loading received from above strata is such, that the failure cavity created is of limited vertical extent, some 25% of the stope width. Chimneying disintegration occurs in weak rock masses with low cohesion, over narrow openings that can be as deep as 275 m. The onset of chimneying disintegration can be created by compressive stresses, but develops as a result of mobilization of the rock mass by gravity in active shear. Block caving requires large spans to develop, and stabilizing could be overcome from arching stresses overcoming bulk arching strength. Controlling instability elements are tabulated for these failure mechanisms. A limit equilibrium correlation between span and cohesion for chimneying disintegration is presented, and the controlling limits between the occurrence of chimneying disintegration and block caving is discussed. Ravelling and chimneying disintegration are the most expected failure mechanisms for shallow stopes of hard rock mines. Although failure of the shallow stope may start around its periphery, stope failure to surface would likely occur in or close to the surface crown pillar.
Although the analytical equations developed require input of in situ stresses defined by numerical modelling in order to yield a precise answer, conventional numerical modelling or empirical methods are shown to be unable to predict stope failures as the analytical equations have. A step-by-step stability analysis procedure is presented, incorporating rockmass environment, expected failure mechanism(s), and applicable data gathering and anlytical methods. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
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Mamurekli, Deniz. "Blast-induced ground vibration modelling in open-pit mines." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.357797.
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Hadjigeorgiou, John. "Studies of machine-ground interaction in surface mines." Thesis, McGill University, 1993. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=41124.
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Ground preparation design encompasses problems of ground characterization, equipment selection and performance. Ground characterization has in the past been the subject of empirical diggability classification schemes based on case studies. A new system is proposed for evaluating the ease of excavation of different ground conditions, is put forward. This has been applied successfully in different field studies. While such empirical schemes are useful to mining design, there still remains a basic lack of understanding of machine-ground interaction in the excavation process. This will be essential for long term machine and method advancement.This thesis reviews the approach and methodology adopted for the development of predictive digging models in mining. Past theoretical attempts to model soil-rock cutting processes are critically evaluated and an analytical digging model applicable to fragmented rock is proposed. Physical modelling studies, concentrating on the interaction between machine and spoil characteristics, are reported. These considered in particular the digging profile propagated by cable shovel operation, the impact of geotechnical parameters on the profile, and the efficiency of digging in fragmented rock. These were undertaken in a controlled laboratory environment based upon an instrumented scale model and photographic studies. The salient parameters influencing the efficiency of the digging processes are identified and a bucket filling model for cable shovels is proposed.
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Naidoo, Kumendrie. "Considerations for stope gully stability in gold and platinum mines in South Africa." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2001. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-11302005-123445/.
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Madalane, Thembi. "The obligation to rehabilitate mining areas : post mining activities." Thesis, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/905.
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Thesis (LLM) -- University of Limpopo, 2012The study focuses on rehabilitation, since absence of proper rehabilitation process result in indelible damage to the environment. South Africa, like many other countries, is faced with many environmental problems caused by mining. These problems are particularly caused by, inter alia, abandoned mining areas without rehabilitation, inadequate environmental impact assessment after closure, inadequate financial provision for rehabilitation, and lack of monitoring and aftercare system after post mine closure. The study found that many Companies ignore laws governing prospecting, extraction and rehabilitation. The main purpose of this research is to investigate and recommend guidelines in the rehabilitation process so as to instil respect for the environment. The study therefore recommended strict legislation relating to environmental protection against mining.
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Brendliner, Robert Lee. "Toxicity analysis of coal mining industry NPDES discharges in Southwest Virginia /." This resource online, 1991. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-01122010-020036/.
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Griffin, Kenneth R. "Design Criteria for Wireless Mesh Communications in Underground Coal Mines." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/76759.
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The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006 was enacted in response to several coal mining accidents that occurred in the beginning of 2006. The MINER Act does not just require underground mines to integrate wireless communication and tracking systems, but aims to overall enhance health and safety in mining at both surface and underground operations. In 2006, the underground communication technologies available to the mining industry had inherent problems that limited communication capabilities. Since the passage of the MINER Act, there have been several developing applications for underground wireless communications. Underground wireless communications allow signals to propagate and take multiple paths to destinations providing a survivable, redundant, and adaptable means of communication and tracking. An underground wireless communications allow underground and surface personnel to directly correspond to one another without being as restricted as hardwired systems. Communication systems also allow miners to be tracked underground to provide a real-time or last known post-accident position, and ensure a more efficient rescue operation.
In order to increase the overall efficiency of developing communication systems there is a need for modeling of wireless signal propagation in underground mines. Research, modeling, and analysis of wireless signal propagation in underground mines ongoing and developing with underground communications systems as the systems progress. The work on this project is based upon the Accolade system from L-3 Communications Global Security and Engineering Solutions but applies to all underground wireless mesh systems currently available. A general approach is taken to solving underground wireless communications networks to allow the design criteria to be adaptable to other communication systems belong the Accolade system.
The data is based upon measurements and field work that took place July 2007 through December 2008 in International Coal Group's Sentinel Mine in Philippi, West Virginia. Comms, a computer method developed at the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research at Virginia Tech, allows underground mine communication networks to be solved and analyzed. Comms was developed to solve and analyze underground wireless communication networks. The method which Comms solves communication networks is not mine specific and may be adapted to predict the performance of a system(s) in another mine.
The developed model discussed in Chapters 3 and 4 highlights the general signal loss parameters that are encountered by wireless signals in a mine. The model predicted the signal strength observed when encountering those categorized signal losses within 16 percent of the data measured during a mine survey. The model has been developed in a general manner to allow future investigation and pinpointing of additional interferences that occur within the underground environment.
Wireless communications have proven to be the way of the future and will continue to be integrated into underground coal mines as mandated by the MINER Act. Wireless communications systems are a redundant and survivable means of communication that will be utilized in not only emergency and rescue efforts but daily operational communication as well.Master of Science
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Abbasy, Farzaan. "An investigation into application of geothermal energy in underground mines." Thesis, McGill University, 2014. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=123077.
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Energy conservation is an important policy for every nation. Exploiting sustainable energy resources has gained ground due to shortages and increasing prices of fossil fuels. Mining represents a significant portion of Canada's resource-based industry sector and consumes a huge amount of energy for operation and post-mining activities. Therefore, any cut in energy consumption lowers costs and increases profits. Underground mines have excellent potential for implementation of geothermal energy systems using one of two methods. In the first, underground mine water that has flowed through warm layers of the ground and found its way to mine openings is pumped to the surface for use in open loop geothermal cycles. In the second method, underground openings and spaces that provide easy access to low-to-medium temperature rock formations are used in closed loop geothermal cycles. This research primarily focuses on providing guidelines for using geothermal energy in underground mines and comprises two main parts. The first involves surveying 12 underground mines across Canada to evaluate operation of open loop geothermal system in these and similar mines. The second part investigates the potential of heat recovery from backfilled mine stopes. For this purpose, thermal properties of cemented mine backfill are investigated, the significance of influential parameters is quantified and a thermal conductivity prediction model is introduced. In addition, an experimental physical model is built to study heat transfer in mine backfill and evaluate different arrangements and influential parameters. An analytical model is developed based on the cylindrical coordinate system with finite length and the model is validated for heat transfer in backfill. Finally, a case study of a backfilled stope is presented.L'économie d'énergie est une politique importante pour tout pays. L'exploitation des ressources énergétiques durables est devenue plus importante en raison des pénuries et la hausse des prix des combustibles fossiles. L'exploitation minière représente une partie importante du secteur de l'industrie basée-sur-les-ressources au Canada et consomme une énorme quantité d'énergie pour l'opération ainsi que les activités post-extraction minières. Pour cette raison, toute réduction de la consommation d'énergie réduira les coûts et augmentera les profits. Les mines souterraines ont un excellent potentiel pour la mise en œuvre des systèmes d'énergie géothermique en utilisant l'une des deux méthodes suivantes. Dans la première méthode, l'eau dans les mines souterraines qui coule et passe à travers les couches de sol chaudes trouvant son chemin vers les ouvertures, est pompée vers la surface pour être utilisé dans des cycles géothermiques en boucle ouverte. Dans la seconde méthode, des ouvertures et des espaces souterrains qui offrent un accès facile aux formations rocheuses ayant une basse ou moyenne température sont utilisés dans les cycles géothermiques en boucle fermée. Cette recherche se concentre principalement sur la fourniture des directives pour l'utilisation de l'énergie géothermique dans les mines souterraines en comprenant deux parties principales. La première partie, comprend l'enquête de douze mines souterraines à travers le Canada afin d'évaluer le fonctionnement des systèmes géothermiques en boucle ouverte. La deuxième partie examine le potentiel de récupération de chaleur sur des remblais miniers cimentés. À cet effet, les propriétés thermiques de remblai minier cimenté sont étudiées, la signification des paramètres influents est quantifiée et un modèle de prédiction de la conductivité thermique est introduit. En plus, un modèle physique expérimentale est construit pour étudier le transfert de chaleur dans les remblais miniers et d'évaluer les différents arrangements et les paramètres influents. Un modèle analytique est développé sur la base du système de coordonnées cylindriques avec une longueur finie; et le modèle est validé pour le transfert de chaleur dans le remblai. Finalement, une étude de cas d'un chantier remblayé est présentée.
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Maritz, Liezl. "Ecological role of mining ponds in Southern Coastal Mines, Namibia." Master's thesis, Faculty of Science, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32833.
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Targeting marine diamondiferous deposits along the south-western Namibian coastline has involved the construction of seawall berms to advance the coastline and permit mining in previously subtidal areas. Large areas are mined out to bedrock level by the removal of overburden (sand and gravel), and after mining is complete, areas behind the seawalls fill with seawater, creating a series of coastal marine ponds that have the potential to function as saline wetlands corresponding to closed estuaries. The study site lies north of the Orange River mouth, within the Tsau//Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park, to which the public has restricted access due to diamond mining in the area. Consequently, there is a focus on biodiversity conservation and the overall objective of this thesis was to determine the ecological value of the mining ponds by investigating whether they harbour sufficient biodiversity to qualify as a viable alternative ecological habitat, rather than restoring them to their original state as backfilled, revegetated dune areas. The study area, approximately 75 kilometres in length, was divided into north, middle and south sections, according to the age and status of mining activities, and I first assessed whether ponds in these three areas differed in their physical properties (Chapter 1). To determine whether the ponds serve as a useful ecological role worth preserving, I then investigated the diversity and amount of saltmarsh vegetation (Chapter 2), bird species (Chapter 3) and fish (Chapter 4) currently benefiting from these mining ponds. Ponds in the north are older and hypersaline whereas the south and middle ponds are younger and closely approach physical conditions in the sea. Diurnal fluctuations in oxygen concentration took place, but oxygen levels never dropped below 80% and were thus not limiting. After about 15 years, ponds developed salinities in excess of 80‰, which is likely to set limits on their ecological viability. Most ponds supported saltmarshes, but only a single species, Salicornia natalensis, grew around them. Its abundance was greatest around old ponds, but its health decreased with salinity. Wind emerged as a likely means of dispersal among ponds. The ponds supported a rich avifauna, averaging 11028 birds per count for all ponds combined; 36 species were recorded, ten being endemics, and five being listed in Namibia's Red Data Book. Numbers were highest for ponds that were being ‘dewatered' to remove water prior to mining, as this exposed a rich benthic epifaunal source of food. Blacknecked Grebe, Cape Cormorant, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Kelp Gull and Common Tern were the most abundant birds. Salinity did not limit bird numbers or diversity, so the northern high-salinity ponds may continue to serve as bird habitat for periods of time much greater than the 15 years after which they become hypersaline. In comparison with nine other wetlands in the region, the ponds had great numbers, diversity, densities, and numbers of threatened species than about half of these wetlands, many of which are considered Important Bird Areas (IBAs). In many cases, they also supported more species that had numbers in excess of 1% of the southern African population than these IBAs. Only two species of fish commonly occurred in the ponds, the west coast steenbras Lithognathus auratus and the southern mullet Chelon richardsonii, although small numbers of two other marine species were recorded. The diversity of marine fish was thus low, even by the impoverished standards of west-coast estuaries. Unexpectedly, there were no significant differences between the ichthyofauna of ponds in the north, middle and south, nor was there any relationship between total fish numbers and salinity. Body condition of steenbras was lowest in the hypersaline north ponds, and their stomach contents contained a low diversity of food items there. The presence of recruits and the range of gonadal states suggested that both species bred in the ponds. Steenbras proved to be protandrous, with females dominating larger size classes. Growth rates of both species were faster in the ponds than in the adjacent sea, and mullet achieved substantially greater sizes in ponds. Thus, the ponds do serve as viable ecosystems, albeit with a limited range of saltmarsh and fish species, and support an impressively diverse avifauna. Their long-term viability will, however, become limited by rising salinity as their age increases.
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Crellin, David J. "Ground instability associated with mineworkings and groundwater in opencast coal mines." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.375916.
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Nüchter, Andreas, Jan Elseberg, and Peter Janotta. "Towards mobile mapping of underground mines." Technische Universitaet Bergakademie Freiberg Universitaetsbibliothek "Georgius Agricola", 2018. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:105-qucosa-231186.
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Mobile laser scanning systems automate the acquisition of 3D point clouds of environments. The mapping systems are commonly mounted on cars or ships. This paper presents a flexible mapping solution mounted on an underground vehicle that is able to map underground mines in 3D in walking speeds. A clever choice of hard- and software enables the system to generate 3D maps without using GPS (global positioning system) information and without relying on highly expensive IMU (inertial measurement unit) systems.
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Hudyma, Martin Raymond. "Analysis and interpretation of clusters of seismic events in mines." University of Western Australia. School of Civil and Resource Engineering, 2009. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2010.0054.
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Spatial clustering of seismic events in mines has been widely reported in literature. Despite obvious visual correlations between spatial clusters of seismic events and geomechanical structures in mines (such as pillars, dykes and faults), very limited research has been undertaken to utilise this information to filter seismic data. A linkage between spatial seismic event clusters and discrete rockmass failure mechanisms is tenuous and not well established using current seismic analysis techniques. A seismic event clustering methodology is proposed. The first component of the methodology uses a complete-linkage (CLINK) clustering routine to identify relatively compact clusters of seismic events. The CLINK clusters are then subjected to a singlelink clustering process, which uses spatial location and seismic source parameters as similarity measures. The resultant
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Abolfazlzadeh, Yousef. "APPLICATION OF SEISMIC MONITORING IN CAVING MINES." Thesis, Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2013. https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/dspace/handle/10219/2110.
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Comprehensive and reliable seismic analysis techniques can aid in achieving successful inference of rockmass behaviour in different stages of the caving process. This case study is based on field data from Telfer sublevel caving mine in Western Australia. A seismic monitoring database was collected during cave progression and breaking into an open pit 550 m above the first caving lift.
Five seismic analyses were used for interpreting the seismic events. Interpretation of the seismic data identifies the main effects of the geological features on the rockmass behaviour and the cave evolution. Three spatial zones and four important time periods are defined through seismic data analysis.
This thesis also investigates correlations between the seismic event rate, the rate of the seismogenic zone migration, mucking rate, Apparent Stress History, Cumulative Apparent Volume rate and cave behaviour, in order to determine failure mechanisms that control cave evolution at Telfer Gold mine.
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Noppé, Mark Adrian. "Geological controls for coal exploration and mining." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005566.
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The identification and interpretation of geological features is essential for the planning and ultimate success of any mining venture. Examples of geological features significant for mining are presented, and their identification during exploration discussed. In particular, the importance of coal qualities, seam thickness and seam elevation are emphasised in relation to longwall mining. Geostatistical analysis provides a powerful tool for improving the prediction and decision-making capabilities of both exploration and mine geologists. The availability of geostatistics, and the benefits resulting from its application, are demonstrated using actual data for calorific value, seam thickness and seam elevation. Contamination of run-of-mine coal is a common problem on highly-mechanised collieries. The problem generally arises from over-cutting of the designated mining horizon. A practical system for monitoring and controlling contamination on a mechanised bord-and-pillar and longwall colliery is presented. The results and benefits of applying such a system are cited for an actual longwall colliery. Numerical geological predictions are not always reported in terms of the reliability of such estimates. Many of these values can be reported in terms of confidence limits, particularly for routine grade control purposes. The methods and benefits of such reporting are described and illustrated by way of examples for calorific value and contamination levels.
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Mawdesley, Clare A. "Predicting rock mass cavability in block caving mines /." St. Lucia, Qld, 2002. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe16404.pdf.
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El-Mherig, A. M. "A study of the stability of jointed rock slopes in surface mines." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1986. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.371279.
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Young-On, Harold. "An economic evaluation of backfilling in Virginia's coal mines." Thesis, This resource online, 1990. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-02132009-172231/.
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Zahiri, Hani. "A predictive GIS methodology for mapping potential mining induced rock falls." Access electronically, 2006. http://www.library.uow.edu.au/adt-NWU/public/adt-NWU20060725.120628/index.html.
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McCoy, Kurt J. "Estimation of vertical infiltration into deep Pittsburgh coal mines of WV-PA a fluid mass balance approach /." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 2002. https://etd.wvu.edu/etd/controller.jsp?moduleName=documentdata&jsp%5FetdId=2745.
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Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2002.Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 150 p. : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-90).
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DeLeon, Sarah Wade Dickinson. "Jewels of Responsibility from Mines to Markets:." ScholarWorks @ UVM, 2008. http://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/65.
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Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) are important sources of income for impoverished rural populations in many developing countries. Poor labor and environmental conditions often prevail because governments lack the capacity and sometimes the will to responsibly control ASM. At the other end of the supply chain, corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies increasingly require jeweler’s suppliers to control social and environmental aspects of mining. In a sense, jewelry and mining corporations are voluntarily taking the issue of governance into their own hands. A combination of CSR and revenue-centric development strategies has the potential to further marginalize poor, rural populations who depend on ASM. It is therefore important to examine how ASM has been affected by global social responsibility trends, why it is often left out and to find ways that ASM populations can be successfully integrated into planning for sustainable development and socially responsible business. Gemstones and gold are economically the most important global commodities for ASM populations and precious colored gemstones are rarely mined on a large-scale. Ethnographic research was undertaken to explore how global social responsibility strategies interact with local realities of ASM colored gemstone and gold production. Burma, Madagascar and Colombia each present cases with clear interaction between global CSR trends and ASM, and combined provide a range of public policies with regards to rural populations who depend on ASM. Informal interviews and industry observations were conducted with a range of stakeholders in the global precious mineral trade and mineral development sector. Semi-structured interviews were recorded with key informants for each case study and these were triangulated with internal documents, press releases and articles. Burma illustrates a case where global CSR is attempting to halt ASM because of poor governance and human rights violations. Madagascar illustrates a case where governance and education are improving but widespread poverty and a legacy of corruption has so far prevented the direct integration of ASM into CSR strategies. In the case of Colombia, one region has successfully connected ASM with the global CSR dialogue by designing and implementing a certification program to effectively valorize and govern ASM production. Major findings reveal that (1) CSR in the mineral sector is a contentious and political issue with a range of stakeholder viewpoints; (2) a bottom-up, process-oriented approach can successfully drive economic and social improvement in ASM commodity chains; and (3) community empowerment, education, youth leadership and social networking appear to be key factors for driving production of ASM minerals that can comply with social and environmental standards.
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Zhao, Yixian. "Algorithms for optimum design and planning of open-pit mines." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/185842.
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A graph theory oriented algorithm for optimal ultimate pit limit design is developed. Mathematical proofs of optimality and convergence are given. The algorithm works on a 3-D block mine model and formulates the model into a directed graph consisting many trees. The vertices in the graph are identified with the blocks in the model and the imposed arcs in the graph represent pit slope constraints. The formation of each directed tree is based more on the ore-waste support concept than geometric constraints alone. The algorithm efficiently handles the joint support and re-allocation problems. The theoretical proof shows that the new algorithm is consistently faster than the well known Lerchs-Grossmann's (LG) algorithm, which is the only algorithm developed in the past one-quarter century capable of producing a true optimum pit limit. The case study results show that the new algorithm is able to generate the optimal ultimate pit limit for a model with 80 columns x 80 rows x 40 levels on an IBM PC AT 80286 microcomputer in 115 minutes. The indirect comparison was made between the results of the new algorithm and the results obtained by P. Huttagosol (1988, 1989) using the LG algorithm. P. Huttagosol optimized a smaller mine model than the one optimized by the new algorithm in 535 minutes of VAX8600 CPU time. The comparison between 535 minutes of VAX8600 CPU time for a smaller model with 115 minutes PC AT processing time for a bigger model clearly indicates that the new algorithm is significantly faster than the LG algorithm. This study also investigates both proposed mathematical optimization approaches and the popular trial and error "pushback" approach to long range mine planning. Both the theoretical analysis and numerical examples demonstrate it is impossible to obtain the optimal solution to mine production scheduling by the approach combining the Lagrangian relaxation with the ultimate pit limit algorithm. The non-convergence due to redundant optimal solutions and the non-convergence due to the requirement of advanced stripping are identified with the proposed approach. The investigation clarifies the long-time misunderstood concept and proves the impossibility of such a research direction itself. Finally, some problem solving techniques which play important roles in the computerized mine planning and grade control are developed and discussed. Specifically, they are: (1) point-in-polygon algorithm, (2) polygon area algorithm, (3) polygon clipping algorithm, (4) blast hole data collection, validation and database maintenance, and (5) the interactive graphics ore-waste delineation.
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Hamilton, James F. "A study of the fine gold recovery of selected sluicebox configurations." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/28384.
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The recovery of placer gold from 20 mesh to 150 mesh in common sluicebox configurations was investigated. Two types of riffles, 1-10H expanded metal (1.5"x.75"x.25") and 1.25" angle iron riffles (dredge riffles), were used in conjunction with 3/8" thick "Nomad" matting for 25 tests. The effects of variations in upper feed size, water flow rate, sluice gradient, and solids feed rate on the recovery of placer gold particles are documented.
The gold and test gravel were obtained from the Teck Corporation sluicing operation on Sulphur Creek, Yukon Territory during July, 1985. Approximately nine troy ounces of placer gold and fifteen tons of gravel were transported to Vancouver.B.C. A test sluice facility was constructed in Coquitlam,B.C. to simulate operating conditions in a typical Yukon placer operation. The sluicebox was 12" wide and 8' long with clear plexiglass sidewalls. Screened gravel of either 3/4" or 1/4" upper feed size was fed to this sluice from a hopper at rates of up to 1260 lb/min. The water pumping capacity was a maximum of 400 USGPM. Between 75 and 90 grams of each of three sizes of placer gold (-20+28#, -35+48#, -65+100# ) were premixed with the gravel for most tests. The final test used 25 grams of -100+150 mesh gold.
Sluicing, when properly controlled, was found to be a highly effective means of concentrating placer gold as small as 150 mesh. Expanded metal riffles were far superior to dredge riffles in concentrating gold of this size range. Recovery of the -65+100# size fraction frequently exceeded 90% when using expanded metal riffles. Visual observation of eddies formed downstream of the riffles showed that scour depth between riffles was the one characteristic of the slurry flow that gave the best indication of the resulting gold recovery. For expanded metal, scour depths between 1/2 and 3/4 of the riffle depth were found the most effective.Applied Science, Faculty of
Mining Engineering, Keevil Institute of
Graduate
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Hunt, Ortiz Mark A. "Prehistoric mining and metallurgy in south west Iberian peninsula /." Oxford : Archaeopress, 2003. http://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb39142582n.
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Nüchter, Andreas, Jan Elseberg, and Peter Janotta. "Towards mobile mapping of underground mines." TU Bergakademie Freiberg, 2017. https://tubaf.qucosa.de/id/qucosa%3A23181.
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Mobile laser scanning systems automate the acquisition of 3D point clouds of environments. The mapping systems are commonly mounted on cars or ships. This paper presents a flexible mapping solution mounted on an underground vehicle that is able to map underground mines in 3D in walking speeds. A clever choice of hard- and software enables the system to generate 3D maps without using GPS (global positioning system) information and without relying on highly expensive IMU (inertial measurement unit) systems.
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Koufos, Katarina. "Assessing the potential to implement open loop geothermal systems in Canadian underground mines." Thesis, McGill University, 2012. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=107715.
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Many parts of the world are introducing geothermal heat pumps as alternatives to conventional heating and cooling systems. This thesis investigates how this renewable energy resource can be exploited using underground mine water from active mines in Canada. A few cases located in Europe and North America are presented where buildings are utilizing thermal energy generated from open loop mine water systems found in nearby abandoned mines. This report involved two studies. The initial one is a preliminary survey involving twelve active mine sites in Canada. Site visits were conducted at all twelve mines to collect information about the operation, mine water temperature and water pumping rates. From this data, the thermal capacity of the underground resource was calculated and verified using heat pump catalogues. Economic and environmental assessments were conducted for each proposed geothermal heat pump design. These preliminary results were promising and a larger assessment, which included a total of 23 mines, was conducted. The results from this assessment found that the overall potential heat gain from these mines is 20,900 kW annually, which translates into heating 69,150 average Canadian homes. Canadians have the potential to realize an annual savings from $1.5 to $4.9 million, with a potential reduction in carbon dioxide emissions varying from 16,850 to 19,300 tonnes per year.Dans plusieurs parties du monde, l'installation de pompes à chaleurs géothermiques agissant comme alternatives aux systèmes de chauffage traditionnels et devient une tendance importante. Ce document a l'intention d'examiner cette forme d'énergie renouvelable en utilisant comme source l'eau qui s'écoule des mines souterraines au Canada. Certains exemples de ces types de systèmes, retrouvés principalement en Europe et en Amérique du Nord, seront présentés. Pour les cas mentionnés, plusieurs bâtiments et immeubles utilisent l'énergie géothermique générée par des systèmes d'eau à boucle ouverte installés dans des mines abandonnées. De plus, des études préliminaires ont été acheminées pour douze sites miniers en opération au Canada. Des visites souterraines ont été menées à chaqu'un de ces sites pour recueillir des informations importantes concernant les activités minières, les températures des eaux souterraines et les capacités de pompage. Les capacités thermiques des eaux souterraines ont été calculées et ensuite comparées aux spécifications techniques des pompes à chaleur. Les résultats préliminaires ont été encourageants, incitant donc une enquête pour déterminer le potentiel de cette source d'énergie à l'échelle nationale. Cette évaluation comprend un total de vingt-trois sites miniers. Leur évaluation a constaté que le potentiel de gain de chaleur combiné est de 20,900 kW. Ce gain peut fournir un an de chauffage pour l'équivalent de 69,150 maisons. Les économies annuelles qui peuvent être réalisées en remplaçant un système de réchauffement traditionnel (soit au gaz naturel ou chauffage électrique) par un système géothermique dont la source provient des opérations minières, sera entre $1.5 et $4.9 millions. De plus, l'exploitation de cette forme d'énergie a le potentiel de réduire les émissions de dioxyde de carbone par un facteur de 16,850 à 19,300 tonnes par année.
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Squelch, Andrew Peter. "Application of virtual reality for hazard awareness training in South African gold mines." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.243505.
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Mengwe, Moses Seargent. "Towards social impact assessment of copper-nickel mining in Botswana." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1443.
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This research study is more of an initiative towards Social Impact Assessment of copper-nickel mining in Botswana. The specific objectives of the study were centred on the assessment of the social impacts of copper-nickel mining in Botswana from the initial mining stage of exploration, surveying and mine site development to mine closure. The study was carried out under the broad hypotheses that mining influences population movement that impact on areas of mining; mining activities have both economic benefits and deleterious social impacts on the local communities found in the areas where mining is taking place; and mine closure has far reaching socio-economic, investment and developmental implications over and above the obvious interests of project owners. To achieve the broad aim as summarised above, the research study used a multi-disciplinary methodology and approach that required several kinds of expertise and sources of information. Hence it used both primary and secondary sources centred on interactive informative interviews, site visits and observations, questionnaires, census data records, mining companies’ publications, published textbooks and journal articles. The research study comprised of three different mines operated by three different mining companies in three varied socio-cultural and ethnic regions of Botswana. First was a detailed Social Impact Assessment of the initial phase of exploration, surveying and mine site development represented by Mowana mine project operated by African Copper in the rural areas of Dugwi and Mosetse. This case study yielded results showing that the social impacts of mining in the area are diverse and extensive. The findings suggest that the impacts relate not only to the possible economic benefits of foreign exchange, employment, the optimal use of available mineral resources and the possible development of Dugwi and Mosetse villages, but extends to the deleterious social impacts. The results also indicated that the social impacts have just begun in the two communities. Hence they point towards a possible disruption within the socio-cultural system of the local people if serious mitigation measures are not put in place; thus suggesting that the early stages of exploration and mine site development results in the most conflict between the mine and the local people. Second was a comprehensive Social Impact Assessment of Tati-Nickel Phoenix mining project in the peri-urban areas of Matshelagabedi and Matsiloje areas representing the mining stage of mine production and expansion. The results from this case study suggest that during vi mine production and expansion, many people were relocated. However, the overriding impression gained from the case study was Tati-Nickel Mining Company’s elaborate corporate policies that suggested good corporate governance and best practices that promote sustainable development. A notable milestone on good corporate governance and best practice that the other two case studies (mining company) could benchmark on is Tati-Nickel’s corporate social responsibility programme that has been designed to ensure that the communities within a fifty kilometre mine radius benefit from the mine. The results from the case study also distinguished the mining stage of production and expansion from the other two because it is associated with the deep entrenchment of the social impacts into the communities near to mining areas. Third was a detailed Social Impact Assessment on Bamangwato Concession Limited mine in the industrial town of Selebi-Phikwe. The case study represented the stage of mine closure. Through the findings of this case study, it became apparent that the economic dependence of Selebi-Phikwe on mining has seen the town developing into a mining town, increasing its vulnerability at mine closure. The results from the case study further suggest that mine closure will degrade the socio-economic sector of the town with ever far reaching socio-economic implications as many people lose their gainful employment, hence suggesting that a possible complete mine closure will be the most traumatic phase leading to major social conflict within the area. Thus the results suggest that at mine closure, the deleterious social impacts will overspill to other areas in Botswana with disastrous effects for the economy of the country. The results yielded through this study established in clear and passionate language that copper-nickel mining in Botswana influences population movements that lead to positive and negative impacts on the communities found in mining areas. Another major finding of the study is that copper-nickel mining activities have both economic benefits and deleterious social impacts on the local communities, hence the recommendation that the copper-nickel mining companies should embrace the concept of sustainable mining for sustainable development to avoid most of the negative impacts of their operations on the local communities.
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Asmara, Degi Harja. "Agroforestry on post-mining restoration : a challenge beyond plant mixture systems." Doctoral thesis, Université Laval, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11794/67442.
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L'agroforesterie est un système dynamique d'aménagement écologique des ressources naturelles renouvelables, qui en intégrant les espèces ligneuses aux champs agricoles, fermes et autres paysages, diversifie, augmente la production et engendre des bénéfices socioéconomiques et environnementaux. En tant que solution pour la fourniture des services écosystémiques, son application à la restauration des écosystèmes dégradés, endommagés ou détruits devient très importante. Les terres dégradées, endommagées ou détruites (3-D) par l’exploitation minière sont caractérisées par un sol de faible fertilité et parfois des niveaux élevés des contaminants. Ces conditions les rendent difficile l'obtention d'un avantage à court terme de l'agroforesterie en comparaison aux terres arables, mais sa principale fonction restaurative consistant à rétablir les services écosystémiques et à accroître la résilience peut être bénéfique à long terme. Le défi consiste à développer la meilleure stratégie pour accélérer la productivité des plantes tout en améliorant le sol et l’écosystème grâce à une combinaison des techniques d’ingénierie écologique pour la biorestauration des milieux miniers. Nous explorons ici le mélange de plantes, d’inoculation microbienne et d’amendement en biochar, dans un système agroforestier ligneux-herbacé. L’objectif est de trouver le meilleur scénario de biorestauration à partir des effets combinés de mélange de plantes et d’autres facteurs écologiques connexes. Des recherches antérieures sur l'agroforesterie et la restauration ont été révisées à travers le monde entier, y compris l’application du concept agroforestier en biorestauration des terres post-minières. La stratégie de restauration connue dans un milieu donné ne constitue pas une solution universelle. Ainsi, l'identification de tout aspect important des travaux antérieurs sur la restauration et l'agroforesterie est cruciale. La stratégie de mélange des plantes est un facteur important dans les processus de succession. Dans cette recherche, nous avons appliqué le concept de parcelles de Nelder modifié pour la combinaison d'espèces de plantes dans une expérience en serre sur les stériles et les résidus fins afin d'explorer l'interaction au début de la plantation. Nous avons aussi appliqué l’inoculum microbien et le biochar sur le mélange de plantes dans des essais en serre et sur le terrain sur les stériles et les résidus fins comme matériau de sol d’un site post-extraction de l’or. La performance de la co-plantation de quatre espèces ligneuses (Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC. ssp. crispa (Aiton) Turrill, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, Populus tremuloides Michx. et Salix arbusculoides Andersson) avec les les espèces de plantes herbacées (Avena sativa L., Festuca rubra L. et Trifolium repens L.) a été évaluée. Le mélange de plantes est un principe très important dans les pratiques de restauration, étant donné son rôle connu pour augmenter la biodiversité et la diversité fonctionnelle dans le système écologique durable. Bien que la stratégie de mélange ait été rarement explorée, nous avons constaté que la combinaison des espèces avait un effet neutre (ni avantages, ni inconvénients) par rapport à une seule espèce dans l’expérience de parcelles de Nelder. En même temps, l'effet positif de la densité suggérait que l'amélioration du microclimat avait joué un rôle dans la croissance précoce des plantations. L'essai sur le terrain confirme l'effet positif de la modification du microclimat sur la productivité des plantes lorsque la densité de plantation est élevée. Le compromis sur la concurrence des plantes a montré que la densité la plus élevée ne constitue pas nécessairement une condition optimale pour la productivité des plantes. L'effet d'interaction du biochar et du traitement d'inoculation montre l'intérêt de ce traitement, mais l'impact varie selon la densité de plantation. La densité de plantation a été démontrée comme le facteur le plus important pour générer l'effet positif net. Nous suggérons que le mécanisme était corrélé à l'amélioration du microclimat par la conservation de l'eau des plantes du sol et l'amélioration de l'activité microbienne par rapport à la modification de la température du sol. Par conséquent, mettre l'accent sur l'amélioration du microclimat, ainsi que sur d'autres facteurs combinés, y compris l'inoculation microbienne et l'amendement du biochar, est très important pour accélérer les processus de restauration.Agroforestry is a dynamic system of ecological management of renewable natural resources, which by integrating woody species into agricultural fields, farms and other landscapes, diversifies and sustains production for increased socio-economic and environmental benefits. As a solution for the provision of ecosystem services, its application to the restoration of degraded damaged, or destroyed ecosystems becomes very important. Degraded, damaged, or destroyed (3-D) lands by mining is characterized by low fertility soil and sometimes high levels of contaminants. These conditions make them difficult to obtain a short-term advantage from agroforestry compared to arable lands, but its main restorative function of restoring ecosystem services and increasing resilience can be beneficial in the long term. The challenge is to develop the best strategy to accelerate plant productivity while improving the soil and the ecosystem through a combination of ecological engineering techniques for bioremediation of mining areas. Here we explore the mixture of plants, microbial inoculation, and biochar amendment, in a woody-herbaceous agroforestry system. The goal is to find the best bioremediation scenario from the combined effects of mixing plants and other related ecological factors. Previous research on agroforestry and restoration has been reviewed worldwide, including the application of the agroforestry concept in bioremediation of post-mining land area. The known restoration strategy in a given environment is not a universal solution. Thus, the identification of any important aspect of previous work on restoration and agroforestry is crucial. The strategy of mixing plants is an important factor in the successional process. But a statistical accounting of plant-plant interactions and adaptation to multi-species conditions is hard to achieve in field experiments; trials under controlled conditions can distinguish effects of planting density and species interactions in the early stages of plant establishment. In this research, we applied the concept of modified Nelder plots for the combination of plant species in a greenhouse experiment on waste rock and fine tailing to explore the interaction at the start of planting. We also applied microbial inoculum and biochar to the plant mixture in greenhouse and field tests on waste rock and fine tailing as soil material on a post-gold mining site. The performance of the co-planting of four woody species: green alder (Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC. ssp. crispa (Aiton) Turrill); white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss); trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux); and littletree willow (Salix arbusculoides Andersson) with the herbaceous plant species: oat (Avena sativa L.); red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) was evaluated. Mixing plants is a very important principle in restoration practices, given its known role to increase biodiversity and functional diversity in the sustainable ecological system. Although the plant mixing strategy has been rarely explored, we have found no mixture provided advantages for both species in paired combinations. At the same time, the positive effect of the density on plant growth suggested that the microclimate improvement had played a role in the early growth of the plantations. The field trial confirms the positive effect of the microclimate modification on plant productivity in higher planting density. The trade-off on plant competition has shown, however, that the highest density does not necessarily show an optimal condition for plant productivity. The interaction effect of biochar and inoculation treatment shows the benefit of this treatment, although the impact varies according to the density of planting. The plantation density was shown as the most important factor in generating the net positive effect. We suggest that the mechanism was correlated with the microclimate improvement through soil plant water conservation and microbial activity enhancement over soil temperature modification. Hence, putting emphasis on microclimate improvement, along with other combined factors including microbial inoculation and biochar amendment is very important for accelerating the restoration processes
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Erkayaoğlu, Mustafa. "A Data Driven Mine-To-Mill Framework For Modern Mines." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/579114.
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Mine to Mill optimization is considered as a key concept for metal mining recently. Targeting operational best practices on a highly varying environment is challenging. Impact of underperformed basic operations such as drilling and blasting will sustain this inefficiency in mineral processing. Data provided for each of these operations from software and hardware utilized on field reached a level where advanced data analytics becomes applicable. In order to represent the operations as close to reality, an integrated layer of data where transactional and process based data lives is crucial. Data warehousing and data mining are alternative tools that rely on a robust data structure. Data mining utilizes the integrated data layer for pattern discovery within the data itself. Relations that are unknown for now can be investigated by data mining algorithms that rely on vast amount of data. Empirical equations that are based on a limited set of data could be improved by using data mining algorithms. The main objective of optimizing the mine to mill value chain also challenges the concept of providing real-time feedback. This research proposes a data-driven mine-to-mill framework for modern mines.
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Faust, Robert Edward. "Lead belt progressives : the struggle for social and environmental reform in Missouri mining communities /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2003. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p3115543.
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Maran, Juliano. "Study of truck allocation and truck dispatching problems in open pit mines." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/45807.
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In recent years, fierce competition, rising production costs and depressed prices for mineral products, have forced mining companies to find ways to improve efficiency and lower production costs. Given the fact that loading and hauling operations account for up to 60 % of the total costs in surface mining, the optimization and control of these operations can provide substantial reductions in the costs.
Assignment of truck to shovels has been traditionally performed by fixed truck allocation and by truck dispatching. Several operations research and simulation techniques, which can be used to solve problems concerning surface mining operations, are discussed. The types of problems addressed are: how to allocate trucks to loading equipment, how to evaluate the performance of an existing operation, and how to predict the performance of a future system.
For truck allocation, operations research methods such as: dynamic programming, integer programming, and heuristic algorithms are discussed. These methods are used mainly for decision making purposes. Queuing theory techniques, also analyzed, are used mainly for evaluation purposes.
Master of Science
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Lopes, Luís, Norbert Zajzon, Balázs Bodo, Edine Bakker, and Gorázd Žibret. "UNEXMIN H2020 project: an autonomous underwater explorer for flooded mines." Technische Universitaet Bergakademie Freiberg Universitaetsbibliothek "Georgius Agricola", 2018. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:105-qucosa-231106.
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UNEXMIN (Underwater Explorer for Flooded Mines, Grant Agreement No. 690008, www.unexmin.eu) is a project funded by the European Commission’s HORIZON2020 Framework Programme. The project is developing a multi-platform robotic system for the autonomous exploration and mapping of flooded underground mines. The robotic system – UX-1 – will use non-invasive methods for the 3D mapping of abandoned underground flooded mines, bringing new important geological data that currently cannot be obtained by other means without having significant costs and safety risks.
The deployment of a multi-robotic system in a confined and unknown environment poses challenges to the autonomous operation of the robot, and there is a risk of damaging the equipment and the mine itself. Key challenges are related to 1) structural design for robustness and resilience, 2) localization, navigation and 3D mapping, 3) guidance, propulsion and control, 4) autonomous operation and supervision, 5) data processing, interpretation and evaluation.
Underwater environments constrain basic robotic functions as well as the size and weight of any operable robot. The limiting factors in these environments influence the type and amount of equipment able to be mounted onto a robotic system. Crucial abilities for an underwater robot’s functionality include unobstructed movement, autonomy, mapping and environmental awareness. To enable these critical functions, we employ components such as cameras, SONAR, thrusters, structured-light laser scanners, and on-board computers, rechargeable batteries and protective pressure hulls. In UNEXMIN, additional underwater instrumentation is being developed to measure pH, pressure, temperature, water chemistry and conductivity, magnetic fields, and gamma radiation levels. An on-board geophysical system will enable sub-bottom profiling, and multispectral and UV fluorescence imaging units are being installed for mineralogical identification. All these tailor-made instruments are been tested in laboratory and real environment conditions.
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Prakash, Bisleshana Brahma. "Design of Stable Slope for Opencast Mines." Thesis, 2009. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/1333/1/10505020.PDF.
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Slope stability analysis forms an integral part of the opencast mining operations during the life cycle of the project. In Indian mining conditions, slope design guidelines were not yet formulated for different types of mining practices and there is a growing need to develop such guidelines for maintaining safety and productivity. Till date, most of the design methods are purely based on field experience, rules of thumb followed by sound engineering judgment. During the last four decades, the concepts of slope stability analysis have emerged within the domain of rock engineering to address the problems of design and stability of excavated slopes. The basic objective of the project is primarily addressed towards: a) Understanding the different types and modes of slope failures b) Designs of stable slopes for opencast mines using numerical models. Analyses were conducted using the finite difference code FLAC/Slope. The work was aimed at investigating failure mechanisms in more detail, at the same time developing the modeling technique for pit slopes. The results showed that it was possible to simulate several failure mechanisms, in particular circular shear and toppling failure, using numerical modeling. The modeling results enabled description of the different phases of slope failures (initiation and propagation). Failures initiated in some form at the toe of the slope, but the process leading up to total collapse was complex, involving successive redistribution of stress and accumulation of strain. Significant displacements resulted before the failure had been developed fully. Based on parametric studies it can be concluded that friction angle plays a major role on slope stability in comparison to Cohesion.
Keywords: Slope stability, open pit mining, numerical modeling, rock mass strength, failure mechanisms.
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Badal, K. Kujur. "Blast Vibration Studies in Surface Mines." Thesis, 2010. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/1788/1/THESIS-BADAL_KUMAR_KUJUR-10605005BLAST_VIBRATION_STUDIES_IN_SURFACE_MINES.pdf.
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Blasting is very important process for mining operation and a lot of explosive is used for this purpose. The blasting process and usage of explosives, however, remain a potential source of numerous human and environmental hazards. Various studies indicate that fragmentation accounts for only 20-30% of the total amount of explosive energy used. Rest of the energy is lost in the form of ground vibration, fly rock, air overpressure and noise. The specific problem associated with ground vibrations represents the human response to them. Blasting vibrations may also cause a significant damage to nearby buildings or various structures. In this project blast vibration study is done and it is interpreted for its effects in reference to the standards set by DGMS.
The study has been done with the help of geophones and Blastmate8.0 software. First of all the blasting operations were monitored through geophones at distances of 100m, 200m and 300m. The data obtained from the instrument were interpreted by Blastmate software and the graphical output was obtained from it. The Peak Particle Velocity (PPV), maximum charge per delay, air over pressure was recorded for each blast. After that the various observations were compared with the standards to determine the conclusion.
From the analysis of blasts vibration at the mines it was determined that the vibration level was less than 5 mm/sec for the blasts when recommended amount of charge per delay or safe charge per delay was used. The air overpressure value determined was in between 114 & 127.6 dB (L).
The results determined from the project indicates that the peak particle velocity, air overpressure generated due to blasting were within the limits. The safe charge per delay for the blasting operation was determined from the study.
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Vora, J. "Dust Dispersion Modeling For Opencast Mines." Thesis, 2010. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/1760/1/jinesh.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Mining operations generates substantial quantities of airborne respirable dust, which leads to the development of lung disease in mine workers. Coal worker's pneumoconiosis and silicosis are lung diseases that have adversely impacted the health of thousands of mine workers. The increasing trend of opencast mining leads to release of huge amount of dust. These air borne dust particles, generally below 100 micron in size, are environmentally nuisance and cause health hazards as an ill effect of mining activities. Opencast extraction activities like drilling, blasting, material handling and transport are a potential source of air pollution. Therefore, a detailed study on emission sources and quantification of pollutant concentration by means of dispersion modeling is required to access the environmental impact of a opencast mine. On the basis of the predicted increments to air pollutant concentrations, an effective mitigation and environmental plan can be devised for sensitive areas.
In the present study, Air quality modeling has been attempted using AERMOD. Line source & Volume source modeling has been carried out for haul road and open pit respectively. From the modeling exercise, dust concentrations at certain receptor locations have been predicted and it was found that the resultant SPM level at these locations will remain within the NAAQS norms.
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Choudhary, S. S. K., and Ravi Ranjan. "Blast vibration monitoring in opencast mines." Thesis, 2014. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/5680/1/110MN0389-11.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
In this report the blast vibration monitoring techniques is studied. Ground vibration induced by blasting practices in mines has become a serious environmental issue in today’s scenario. Various factors influence the blast vibration being produced from the blasting practices such as the pattern of blasting, drilling pattern, quality and quantity of explosives being used, delay pattern etc. Also the vibration which is being generated by the blasting practices is comprised of two types of waves, body and surface waves. Some of the after blast features are also required to be studied in order to determine the safe blasting practices. Three types of adverse effects are generally associated with the blasting practices, Air blast, Fly rock and Ground vibration, However the amplitude, frequency and duration of the ground vibration is determined by the non-controllable(local geology, rock characteristic and distances of the structure from blast site) and controllable parameters(Charge weight, Delay interval, Type of explosive ,Direction of blast progression, Coupling, confinement, Spatial distribution of charges, Burden, spacing and specification and specific charge). For the purpose of determination of the safe Charge per Delay a number of researchers have given various theories and equations. The feasibility of the CMRI equation is studied in this report. Also there are various equipment’s available globally for measuring the ground vibration and air blast. In the present study Minimate Blaster specification has been studied in detail. All the blasting operations were obtained at different- different distances. According graphs were plotted for the data’s available from the blasting practices and the safe Charge per Delay and Peak Particle Velocity is determined for the mine in accordance with the DGMS regulations.
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Marndi, Bhagaban. "Stability of Slopes in Iron Ore Mines." Thesis, 2011. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/2608/1/107MN018.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Slope stability analysis is important in any opencast iron ore mine. A failure of slope in a working area of mine can give rise a significant economic losses and safety impact. The fundamental failure modes are varied and complex. Such mechanisms are governed by engineering geology condition of rock mass which are almost always unique to a particular site.
Using the FLAC/Slope software stability of slope is analysis. The work was aimed at study of stability of slopes using numerical modelling, at the same time study the different failure mechanism. The purpose of this project is to learn and assess this FLAC/Slope software. As the study of the software is easy, it can be concluded that it is user-friendly. Based on parametric studies it can be concluded that slope angle plays a major role on slope stability.
Safety factor varied from 0.63 to 1.37 for the depth of 10 m to 250 m for the slope angle of 45 degrees. It showed that with the increase in height of the bench or depth of the mine safety factor of the bench decreases indicating less stability of the concerned slope. At the depth of 100 m, the safety factor was found to be exceeding 1.2 for slope angle less than 35 degrees. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain the overall slope angle not steeper than 35 degrees, in the hypothetical mine conditions assumed in the project.
At the depth of 150m, factor of safety is 1.02, and 1.01 for the slope angles of 35 degree and 40 degrees, respectively. This indicated that the slope may be maintained with more than 1.0 safety factor at flatter than 40 degree, ensuring continuous monitoring of the stability of slope through observational approaches. It is recommended that for improving the reliability of model results, calibrations of models with actual field conditions may be taken of through piezometric monitoring and measurement of slope moments in varying geomining condition at different mine sites
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Rout, Manmit, and Chinmay Kumar Parida. "Optimization of blasting parameters in opencast mines." Thesis, 2007. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/4287/1/Optimization_of_Blasting_Parameters_in_Opencast_Mines_06.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Drilling and blasting are the major unit operations in opencast mining. Inspite of the best efforts to introduce mechanization in the opencast mines, blasting continue to dominate the production. Therefore to cut down the cost of production optimal fragmentation from properly designed blasting pattern has to be achieved. Proper adoption of drilling and blasting can contribute significantly towards profitability and therefore optimization of these parameters is essential.
Introduction
Rock breaking by drilling and blasting is the first phase of the production cycle in most of the mining operations. Optimization of this operation is very important as the fragmentation obtained thereby affects the cost of the entire gamut of interrelated mining activities, such as drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, crushing and to some extent grinding. Optimization of rock breaking by drilling and blasting is sometimes understood to mean minimum cost in the implementation of these two individual operations. However, a minimum cost for breaking rock may not be in the best interest of the overall mining system. A little more money spent in the rock-breaking operation can be recovered later from the system and the aim of the coordinator of the mining work should be to achieve a minimum combined cost of drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, crushing and grinding. Only a “balance sheet” of total cost of the full gamut of mining operations vis-à-vis production achieved can establish whether the very first phase- rock breaking- was “optimum” financially; leaving aside factors of human safety. An optimum blast is also associated with the most efficient utilization of blasting energy in the rock- breaking process, reducing blasting cost through less explosive consumption and less wastage of explosive energy in blasting, less throw of materials, and reduction of blast vibration resulting in greater degrees of safety and stability to the nearby structures.
Development of a Blast Optimization Model
Selection of proper explosive in any blasting round is an important aspect of optimum blast design. Basic parameters include VOD of explosive (m/s), Density (g/cc), Characteristic impedance, Energy output (cal/gm), and Explosive type (ANFO, Slurry, Emulsion etc.). However, all these parameters can not be taken for optimizing the blasting method successfully. Some of the parameters are taken for minimizing the blasting cost. These cost reduction and optimum blast design parameter will give an economical result. The parameters are
i. Drill hole diameter,
ii. Powder factor (desired),
iii. Cost of explosive,
iv. Numbers of holes required to blast.
Methodology
The study of the various parameters of blasting suggests that the powder factor should be constant as per the requirement. The number of holes desired as per the explosive, the drill ihole diameter as available and the cost of explosive are kept as input. The spacing, bench height, burden, charge per hole as depending on the previous parameters can be calculated. From the different input and calculated parameters the total cost of the method is calculated and the least expensive method is selected as the optimized model. Blasting related information were collected from three different mines of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd.(MCL) for implementation of the optimization model. A program was designed using visual basic on .net platform taking the above parameters into consideration to select the optimized model. It was observed that the program gives satisfactory results. A sample output of the program is as presented below:
Conclusion
The blast optimization model has been developed with simple methodologies which can be adopted by the mining industry to compare the explosive costs and achieve better blasting results and. The model developed is a user friendly one, since by keeping the powder factor and number of choices of explosives available as constant and by varying the parameters like drill hole diameter, number of holes and cost of explosives one can compare the explosive performance and accordingly take a decision to select the proper type of explosives for blasting. It may be noted, that the model has been developed based on case studies of three different mines of MCL, and it can be modified with collection of information from a large number of mines.
References
Nanda, N.K. (2003), “Optimization of mine production system through operation research techniques”, 19 th World Mining Congress, New Delhi, November, pp.583-595.
Pal Roy, P. (2005), “Terms and parameters influencing mine and ground excavations”, Rock blasting effects and operations, pp. 17-22,
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Sahoo, Abhijit. "Suitability Study of Surface Miner in Indian Coal Mines." Thesis, 2013. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/5120/1/109MN0126.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Earlier opencast coal mining activities were done or being carried out only by conventional system of mining which includes drilling, blasting and crushing. All these operations are resulting a lot of adversative impacts on the environment and the surrounding atmosphere. The adverse impacts that the conventional mining system results are ground vibration, noise pollution, air pollution, land degradation, ecological disturbances etc. This generates necessity of additional machineries and manpower, eventually cost of mining coal rises. And also due to existence of villages adjacent the mines, blasting is limited as a result massive quantity of coal is blocked. And we all know that quality of coal has great concern in our country since most of the coal seams comprise low-grade quality of coal due to drift origin. Government legislation also forbids the dispatch of coal for more than 1000 Km if coal comprises more than 36% ash. In these circumstances, surface miner was being introduced which can capable of solving the above declared problems. This allows the operator of the mine to ensure selective mining of coal so that quality of coal develops. The variety of thinner seams which are unworkable in conventional system of opencast mining now converts workable and the whole reserve of non-renewable source of fossil fuel rises. It also decreases cost of production so that total profit of a mine growths.
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Nag, Soumyakant. "Evaluation of dragline mining in Indian coal mines." Thesis, 2013. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/4931/1/109MN0500.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Draglines have been explicitly used in coal mining for a no. of decades, either as stripper or stripper and coal extractor. As this equipment retains certain intrinsic benefits, which their rivals don’t have, they should essentially be operated in round-the-clock fashion for high productivity and low expenditures. In India, the advancement of giant surface mining projects like Bina and Jayant with setting up of high coal production targets (upto 10 MT/year) demands for systems to remove huge volume of overburden in minimum possible time. This has led to major changes in overburden/interburden excavation technology in surface coal mining from shovel mining to dragline mining. Coal India Limited (CIL), now has standardized the draglines in two sizes, namely 10/70 and 24/96 for their mines. Most mines depend on the dragline 24 hours/day, 7 days /week. In many of the coal mines, it’s the only primary stripping tool and the mine's yield is totally dependent on the dragline’s performance. For these reasons only dragline design requires a greater emphasis placed on developing component’s with higher levels of reliability and predictability so that repairs and replacement of components can be programmed at times that will minimum affect the overall mining operation. Prior to installing draglines in mines, various aspects have to be taken into consideration for selecting suitable size. To determine the production and productivity of draglines different parameters are used. These points have been discussed in detail in this thesis.
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Prasad, B. N. V. Siva. "Study of Strata Behaviour in Blasting Gallery Panel in Coal Mines." Thesis, 2013. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/5142/1/109MN0505.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
In mining industry, the challenging task of a mining professional comprises of the extraction of maximum natural resources with utmost safety of the miners. ¡§Blasting Gallery¡¨ method is a unique technique of depillaring thick seams for higher recovery of coal. The present study has been aimed to examine thoroughly BG method operational systems in Indian geo-mining conditions such as: „« Study of roof convergence with respect to face advancement during different stages of extraction of coal in Blasting Gallery panels in SCCL mines. „« Simulation of field conditions in the numerical model generated using FLAC. „« Interpretation of strata behaviour through numerical modeling using FLAC. For this purpose, BG panel of GDK 10 incline, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) was selected. This mine has a thick coal seam of 11m, at a depth of 350mtr. Convergence behaviour with respect to goaf edge distance (GED) was monitored with the help of high state-of-the-art equipment throughout the life of BG panel. The coal sample was collected from the mine and tested for determination of the rock mass parameters. The geotechnical conditions of the mine were simulated through Numerical Modelling by FLAC. The results obtained from the FLAC were compared to field data so that the validation would represent the system in totality. The different conclusions drawn from this work is enumerated as follows: „« The maximum rate of convergence and cum. convergence recorded in field was 4mm/day and 61mm respectively, measured at station C-5 in 68 Level. „« From the triaxial testing, the major principal stresses of 22, 32 and 41.5 MPa were obtained at confining stresses of 0, 2 and 3 MPa respectively. „« The results obtained from the RocLab software indicated the Cohesion, Friction Angle, UCS and Tensile Strength values to be 1.1MPa, 30.840, 1.314 MPa and 0.32MPa respectively. „« The model predicted maximum cumulative convergence to be 70mm while that observed in field is 61mm.