Mining Development Research Articles

Dynamic factors of formation of mining development strategy in the conditions of incomplete certainty of the raw material market

The article deals with the issue of planning the development of mining operations in the context of a changing demand for iron ore products. One of the problems regarding iron ore deposit mining at the current stage of open mining development presented in this work. It includes the following: mines operate with a constant operational capacity while iron ore products price and demand significant variation is observed in mineral markets. In these conditions, there is a possibility of a significant increase in economic efficiency of mining due to the implementation of a flexible change in the main parameters of the open-pit, which is achieved by a justified correction of the development of mining operations by changing the dimensions, parameters and design of the active part of the working area in an open-pit. A technique for planning the development of mining operations in an open-pit has been developed, which differs from the known ones by the possibility of regulating the main parameters of the open-pit under conditions of a changing demand for iron ore products, and also takes into account the interrelationship of mining method parameters ensuring a basic ore stock ready for excavation in the open-pit.

Geological features of the Zn-Pb prospect in the Bou-Izourane district (Morocco)

The Zn-Pb mineralization in the Bou-Izourane district, located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, contains estimated reserves of 40 200 tons of ore with an average grade of 20% Zn and 3.5% Pb. It is developed on N–S to NNW–SSE-trending faults that cut Liassic carbonate marl deposits. The paragenetic mineral sequence consists of galena, sphalerite and late-stage calcite. Oxidation phases of galena into cerussite and sphalerite into smithsonite are common in the Bou-Izourane ore, linked to the infiltration of meteoric waters and the oxidation of these sulphides. The Zn-Pb mineralization runs parallel to the fluorite veins associated with the igneous rocks of Tamazeght, but no petrographic or field relationship has been demonstrated between these two mineralizations (i.e., Zn-Pb and fluorite). The distribution of rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) in the Zn-Pb mineralization of Bou-Izourane shows a notable similarity with the Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) mineralization of the Central High Atlas of Morocco, although the concentrations more closely resemble those of REY in fluorite linked to the magmatic-hydrothermal activity of Tamazeght. However, the analysis of their distribution in post-fluorite calcite and post-Zn-Pb calcite reveals a strong concordance, suggesting that these two calcites are associated with the same phase and have a common origin. The classification of the Zn-Pb prospect in Bou-Izourane remains controversial, fluctuating between an MVT-type mineralization, similar to most Zn-Pb mineralizations in the Central High Atlas of Morocco, and a mineralization linked to the magmatic-hydrothermal activity of Tamazeght, which could provide heat and metallogenic material. Characterizing the Zn-Pb ore of Bou-Izourane is crucial for the future exploration of zinc and lead deposits in the High Atlas of Morocco and could advance the development of Zn-Pb mining in the region, from artisanal exploitation to professional mining

Mining and indigenous communities in Southeast Asia: Examining the social impact of mineral development

Concerns have been expressed concerning the social effect of mining operations on indigenous people in Southeast Asia, calling for a closer look at the matter. This study examines the consequences of mining on indigenous populations from a social, cultural, and economic perspective. The years 2005–2020, when mining projects in the area were active, are the focus of the research.A decision-making model is used to handle the difficulties and complexity of mining in this setting. This approach combines economic and mathematical concepts to maximize mining projects with respect for indigenous populations' interests. The study uncovers the many impacts of mining development on local indigenous people via in-depth data analysis, stakeholder participation, and field research. Land ownership, cultural preservation, economic viability, and ecological stability are highlighted. The findings highlight indigenous populations' difficulties, such as relocation, cultural loss, and environmental destruction.The results also highlight the significance of indigenous people's social well- being prioritized in decision-making processes alongside economic factors. The research shows that ethical mining operations that adhere to these guidelines might lessen the industry has toll on society.This study helps policymakers, mining firms, and other stakeholders better understand the social effects of mining on indigenous people in Southeast Asia.

Silent witnesses: the disputed landscapes of Belgium’s black country

ABSTRACT Through historical and anthropological inquiry, this paper addresses the issue of memory antagonisms involving cultural landscapes in the context of a former mining region: the Belgian Black Country. This region, which became increasingly industrialized in the 19th century through the massive development of coal mining and steel industry, subsequently experienced deindustrialization, and now finds itself mobilized in a process of ‘post-industrial’ mutation. The paper is divided into two parts. In the first part, it examines how the landscapes inherited from industry, and in particular the slag heaps of the coalfield, have over time become repositories of a working-class memory, through the living and working practices of the communities surrounding the mines. It also documents the various representations attached to these landscape objects, whose contradictions echo the oppositions between capital and labor that have marked the development of industrial capitalism. The second part of the paper, which focuses on the present situation, examines how these representations are remobilized in the valorization processes that are initiated by different actors, in the context of a ‘post-industrial’ urban transition strategy that seeks to produce a unified and pacified historical narrative. We’ll be looking at how historical conflicts still permeate the representations of these landscapes, the question of their conservation, and their possible future.

Repairing Performance of Polymer-Modified Cement-Based Thin Spray-On Liners on Pre-Cracked Rock-like Specimens

With the development of coal mining and the increase in excavation depth, the stress on roadway surrounding rock is also increasing. This creates conditions for crack development in the roadway, so it is urgent to develop rock repair materials with excellent performance. The ability of thin spray-on liner (TSL) to repair rock and concrete opens up the possibility of reusing abandoned roadways. The ability of TSL to support the surrounding rock is also important in preventing the generation of roadway waste. In this paper, styrene–acrylic emulsion (SAE), vinyl acetate–ethylene copolymer emulsion (VAE), and polyvinyl alcohol powder (PVA) were used to prepare three TSLs. Rock-like materials were configured using cement mortar according to similar principles. Three types of TSLs were tested for basic properties such as viscosity and mechanical strength, which provided data to support the explanation of the repair performance of TSLs. Three TSLs were used to repair pre-cracked rock-like specimens (PR). The number of brushing times and the angle of PR’s cracks were regarded as test variables. Changes in the mechanical strength of repaired PRs were tested by compressive and flexural tests. TSL repair performance was evaluated with the help of mechanical strength changes. Results show that polyvinyl alcohol powder modified cement-based thin spray-on liner is most suitable for repairing rock cracks; as the thickness of the brush slurry increases, its repair performance continues to improve. This paper can provide experience and a theoretical basis for the research of other rock repair materials, and it is also instructive for repairing shotcrete in the roadway.

Bibliometric Analysis of Landfill Mining: worldwide research evolution

Landfill Mining (LFM) aims to recover resources by partially or completely excavating waste stored in landfills. Research on Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM) has been advanced to include the combined valuation of waste as both materials and energy carriers. In this article we present an overview of the literature on the global development of landfill mining based on domestic waste. Here we analyze the existing information on the chronological and geographic distribution in countries that publish in the area, and to describe the dynamics of the conceptual and scientific knowledge. The analyzed articles were retrieved from Scopus, using the “Landfill* Mining” search term. The LFM research on co-occurrence network (1990-2022) found 29 terms in the first decade, increasing to 52 terms in the second decade and, finally, 234 terms in the third decade, indicating the importance of the LFM research field in present days. Four prominent aspects of LFM research can be observed: a. LFM provides an efficient contribution to waste management strategy, b. the objectives of LFM are similar to those of Circular Economy, c. LFM uses advanced techniques for identifying metals and chemical elements; and d. there is a need for ecological and ecotoxicological assessment, and determination of microorganisms and microplastics in the mined material.

A review of China’s resources of lithium in coal seams

Lithium gains an increasing importance in new energy vehicles and stationary energy storage, and development and utilization of lithium mines has attracted great attention around the world. In addition to the traditional lithium resources, lithium resources in coal seams have great potential in industrial application. Therefore, how to develop and utilize them is strategically significant for guaranteeing supply of lithium resources in China and promoting clean energy transformation. This paper summarizes the metallogenic ages, occurrence, enrichment factors, availability of lithium resources in coal seams in China. Conclusion are obtained as follows. i. coal-hosted lithium deposits discovered in China so far mainly occur in the Carboniferous-Permian strata of North China. They are less concentrated in smaller range in the Permian strata of Qilian-Qinling. ii. In China, coal-hosted lithium is mainly enriched in aluminum-bearing minerals. Lithium in coal seams mainly occurs in the inorganic matter, and some occurs in the organic matter. iii. Lithium enrichment in coal seams is caused by stable supply of aluminum and lithium-bearing minerals and special structural and geological factors. iv. According to China’s national standards on grades of lithium content in coal seams, the metallogenic belts of lithium in coal seams at the southern foothill of Yin Shan and in Qilian-Qinling have the potential of lithium development and extraction, covering Junger mining area in Inner Mongolia, and Pingshuo and Ningwu mining areas in Shanxi.

Potential impacts of coal mining activities on nitrate sources and transport in a karst river basin in southwest China.

Typical sources of nitrate pollution in the fragile ecological environment of karst areas, such as agricultural production activities and domestic sewage, have long attracted serious concern. However, coal development can play an equally significant role in releasing the nitrogen fixed in coal into surface watersheds in the form of nitrate, nitrite, or ammonia, consequently threatening the water quality of surface water systems in mining areas. In this study, a typical karst surface watershed system affected by coal mining activities was selected for an in-depth investigation with the aim of realistically assessing the potential contribution of coal mining to nitrogen pollution. The results reveal increasingly concerning nitrate pollution from August 2020 to November 2021 in the Huatan River watershed under the influence of anthropogenic activities, especially mining development and agricultural production. Given that the nitrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of nitrate do not support the presence of denitrification, the variation in the NO3-/Cl- ratio and the relatively stable Cl- concentration may be a reflection of nitrification. Although the leaching of atmospheric precipitation on the strata in the basin promoted the release of nitrogen associated with coal mining, the higher rate of nitrogen cycling in the oligotrophic mine water environment limited the contribution of coal mining to nitrogen pollution in the surface watershed. Specifically, the contribution of coal mining activities to nitrogen pollution in surface karst river is mainly NH4+-N, which contributes 10% or less to the nitrate input to the waters of the Huatan River. The findings thus highlight the necessity of further uncovering the geochemical cycling process of nitrogen during the transport of mine water in the coal mining environment.

Strategic analysis of mining and metallurgical companies: consideration of socio-environmental factors

The strategic development of mining and metallurgical companies is currently largely related to the development of social policy and maintaining high responsibility of the business towards its employees and ecosystems. The strategic goals of companies should be aimed at the environmental modernization of production, ensuring, among other things, the reduction of emissions of harmful substances and greenhouse gases. The development of low-carbon technologies, compliance with modern environmental requirements, and the achievement of a high level of social responsibility are both areas of strategic development and opportunities for the formation of new competitive advantages. The purpose of the work is to adapt the methods of strategic analysis to modern environmental and social trends to set the current strategic goals of mining and metallurgical companies in terms of increasing attention to the social responsibility of business and the implementation of green production and low-carbon development. The study substantiates the increasing role of environmental and social factors of sustainable development in the activities of mining and metallurgical companies. Using MMC Norilsk Nickel as an example, the main environmental-oriented areas of the company’s development are identified, and the issues of social policy are also reflected. An algorithm of strategic analysis for the specifics of mining and metallurgical companies is proposed, suggesting the use of classical methods of strategic analysis and goal setting with the use of VRIO-analysis methodology, which in turn will allow to identify sustainable competitive advantages associated with the achievement of environmental and climatic objectives and increased social responsibility.

A design approach of panel size for the cooperative development of cropland protection and coal mining in a coal-cropland overlapping area.

Cropland is the foundation of food security. Coal is the guarantee of energy security. As China's demand for coal and grain continues to increase, so does the overlap area of their production bases. Unrestrained underground mining can cause serious damage to cropland, leading to increasing conflicts between coal mining and food production. Thus, this paper used a partial backfilling mining technology to control surface subsidence and thus protect cropland. The key to successfully implementing the technology is how to design the panel size. However, the design efficiency of the conventional enumeration method is low. Therefore, this paper proposed a design approach based on improved particle swarm optimization. The results indicated that the approach could quickly find the optimal size of the panel compared with the enumeration method and particle swarm optimization. Moreover, if the longwall panel is mined according to the size designed by the approach, the cropland will be protected, and the cost will be reduced. This study can provide technical support for the cooperative development of cropland protection and coal mining in a coal-cropland overlapping area.

Supplier relationship management for enterprise development in the cement industry

Background: Local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are ready to join the cement mining companies’ supply chains. However, the perceived risks of doing business with SMMEs cause mines to be hesitant to engage in meaningful relationships with SMME suppliers.Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the nature of supplier relationship management (SRM) for enterprise and supplier development in a cement mining industry.Setting: The study is conducted in the cement mining companies and explores insights from SMMEs and cement mines insofar as SRM is concerned.Methods: The study employed a qualitative research approach, employing interviews as a research strategy and data collection method. In all, 16 individuals were purposively selected based on their expertise and experience in the area SRM for enterprise and supplier development in the cement mining industry. Thematic analysis was used as a data analysis method.Results: Following thematic data analysis, the following six themes emerged from the primary data: funding the relationship, skills development, segmenting suppliers, supplier compliance, information sharing, and supplier performance monitoring and evaluation.Conclusion: Enterprise and supplier development (ESD) programmes should be sufficiently formalised and funded. This will enable meaningful skills development for SMMEs with the specific focus on compliance and performance improvement. Enterprise and supplier development programmes should also be designed to facilitate information sharing between the mining company and SMMEs.Contribution: The study proposes the building blocks for SRM for enterprise and supplier development in the cement mining industry. The study further extends literature in the areas of SRM.

Fine characterization of interbedding sand-mudstone based on waveform indication inversion

Abstract Owing to the increasing challenges associated with coal mine exploration and development, extremely precise surveys with high-resolution images are required to support production. Conventional inversion methods cannot provide sufficiently precise images of the complex lithologies in coal measure strata. Accordingly, this study performed research in Qiyuan mining area, Shanxi Province, China, and predicted the complex lithology on the basis of facies control using waveform indication inversion and waveform indication simulation. Horizontal changes in seismic waveforms were used to reflect lithologic assemblage characteristics for facies-controlled constraints, and the vertical mapping the connection between seismic waveform and logging curves was shown. Moreover, high-resolution inversions of wave impedance and natural gamma parameters were conducted. Combined with lithologic shielding and accurate time–depth conversion, the inversions enabled the precise characterization of the lithological assemblage distribution in the study area. Our results showed that waveform indication inversion could distinguish between coal seams and limestone, whereas waveform indication simulation based on natural gamma could effectively distinguish between sandstone and mudstone. Furthermore, the horizontal resolution was improved and the vertical resolution extended to a thickness of 2–3 m. In addition, the inversion results were highly consistent with drilling results, with an error <0.1 m. Therefore, waveform indication inversion and simulation could be applied to coal mines for safe and efficient production.

Multi-Criteria System’s Design Methodology for Selecting Open Pits Dump Trucks

The sustainable development and operation of mining enterprises as major sources of economic growth in many countries is determined by a balance of economic, environmental, and social objectives and the resources required to achieve these objectives. Transportation is one of the main equipment at open pits. It accounts for up to 70% of open pit operating expenses. Various parameters of transportation means should be coordinated both with the parameters of the open pit and meet the conditions of its operation. The authors have developed a universal system of criteria for selecting a dump truck model for open pit conditions. The novelty of the proposed system lies in the complex consideration of all known factors to date and criteria of dump truck selection and the allocation of four groups of criteria: technical, technological, environmental, economic, and organizational. The groups of criteria and specific criteria in each group were ranked by the degree of importance using the multi-criteria decision-making method FUCOM (Full Consistency Method). The methodology of creating criteria systems in conditions of influence on the choice of alternatives of a set of interrelated factors is presented. The peculiarity of the methodology is the evaluation of different sets of criteria by several groups of experts with different competencies. The obtained criterion ranks are recommended to be used by managers of mining enterprises to choose a dump truck model. The presented methodology is suitable for the development of new systems of criteria, considering significant changes in operating conditions or the emergence of factors not considered in this study. Evaluation of all models of dump trucks on the market using the developed system of criteria is envisaged by the authors in a future study.

Leveraging limited data from wildlife monitoring in a conflict affected region in Venezuela

Efficient monitoring of biodiversity-rich areas in conflict-affected areas with poor rule of law requires a combination of different analytical approaches to account for data biases and incompleteness. In the upland Amazon region of Venezuela, in Canaima National Park, we initiated biodiversity monitoring in 2015, but it was interrupted by the establishment of a large-scale mining development plan in 2016, compromising the temporal and geographical extent of monitoring and the security of researchers. We used a resource selection function model framework that considers imperfect detectability and supplemented detections from camera trap surveys with opportunistic off-camera records (including animal tracks and direct sighting) to (1) gain insight into the value of additional occurrence records to accurately predict wildlife resource use in the perturbated area (deforestation, fire, swidden agriculture, and human settlements vicinity), (2) when faced with security and budget constraints. Our approach maximized the use of available data and accounted for biases and data gaps. Adding data from poorly sampled areas had mixed results on estimates of resource use for restricted species, but improved predictions for widespread species. If budget or resources are limited, we recommend focusing on one location with both on-camera and off-camera records over two with cameras. Combining camera trap records with other field observations (28 mammals and 16 birds) allowed us to understand responses of 17 species to deforestation, 15 to fire, and 13 to swidden agriculture. Our study encourages the use of combinations of methods to support conservation in high-biodiversity sites, where access is restricted, researchers are vulnerable, and unequal sampling efforts exist.

“We became our own media!” : Australian perspectives on the beneficial potentialities of new media for environmental activism

This article discusses activist perceptions of the beneficial potentialities of new media for environmental campaigning as investigated in Australia, due to its high level of environmental activism and Internet usage. Drawing upon literature on communication theory, environmental politics, digital activism, and social movement theory, this study explores new media use for activism in two large Australia-wide environmental campaigns: contestation of old-growth forest logging and unconventional gas mining (fracking) development. From March to May 2017, 34 environmental activists involved in these campaigns were interviewed for this study. They shared their opinions on what it meant for them to use new media, the difficulties they encountered, but also the beneficial potentialities they identified in using these media for their activism. The study findings show that new media built significantly on more ‘traditional’ forms of activism, including stalls and non-violent street demonstrations, but also enabled extended activist outreach, enhanced engagement with supporters, and boosted campaign mobilisation. As such, despite an array of quite challenging limitations they also referred to, and to which they responded strategically, Australian environmental activists found new media highly beneficial to their activism.

Identification and analysis of influencing factors of green mining construction based on DPSIR model and Fuzzy-DEMATEL approach

Green mining construction (GMC) is a sustainable mining development model with the potential of realizing synergistic development of resources, environment, society, and economy. At present, the green mining strategy has yielded some successes, but there is still a significant gap between theoretical research and practical promotion, owing to the complexity of the green mining system and the diversity of influencing factors. Therefore, in the context of current pressure to normalize environmental protection, how to promote the construction of green mines while taking into account the premise of economic development has become an important issue. Inspired by the form of Drive-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, this paper constructs a DPSIR model of the driving mechanism of green mining construction. Using the fuzzy-DEMATEL method, each critical factor and influencing mechanism of GMC is explored, and the network relationship of the critical factors is established. The results show that many factors affect GMC from the perspective of the ecological environment, and 11 critical factors are obtained in varying degrees. Among them, green technology and supervision and long-term mechanism are the most important and influencing factors. Based on the transmission mechanism among these factors, improvement suggestions, and specific strategies are put forward. This research effectively identifies and analyzes the critical factors of GMC from the perspective of driving and response mechanisms, which is helpful to support the construction of ecological civilization and the sustainable development of mining industry.

Community assembly and microbial interactions in an alkaline vanadium tailing pond

Intensive development of vanadium-titanium mines leads to an increasing discharge of vanadium (V) into the environment, imposing potential risks to both environmental system and public health. Microorganisms play a key role in the biogeochemical cycling of V, influencing its transformation and distribution. In addition, the characterization of microbial community patterns serves to assess potential threats imposed by elevated V exposure. However, the impact of V on microbial community remains largely unknown in alkaline V tailing areas with a substantial amounts of V accumulation and nutrient-poor conditions. This study aims to explore the characteristics of microbial community in a wet tailing pond nearby a large-scale V mine. The results reveal V contamination in both water (0.60 mg/L) and sediment tailings (340 mg/kg) in the tailing pond. Microbial community diversity shows distinctive pattern between environmental metrices. Genera with the functional potential of metal reduction\\resistance, nitrogen metabolism, and carbon fixation have been identified. In this alkaline V tailing pond, V and pH are major drivers to induce community variation, particularly for functional bacteria. Stochastic processes primarily govern the assemblies of microbial community in the water samples, while deterministic process regulate the community assemblies of sediment tailings. Moreover, the co-occurrence network pattern unveils strong selective pattern for sediment tailings communities, where genera form a complex network structure exhibiting strong competition for limited resource. These findings reveal the patterns of microbial adaptions in wet vanadium tailing ponds, providing insightful guidelines to mitigate the negative impact of V tailing and develop sustainable management for mine-waste reservoir.

Elaboration and application of the nested multi-coupling model test system for an artificial dam seepage simulation under combined action of dynamic and static loads

Outdated coal mining technologies involve considerable mine water resource waste. For coal mines located in water-starved western regions of China, this jeopardizes the sustainable coal mining development, local eco-environment, and agricultural production. Coal mine underground reservoirs furnish conservation and cyclic utilization of water resources in the coal mining process. The weakest links of underground reservoirs are artificial dams that are prone to frequent occurrence of water seepage and instability failures. Aiming to explore the deformation rules of artificial dams under fluid–solid coupling action, this study developed a nested multi-coupling test system comprising a model shelf, a mine pressure simulation device, a water pressure simulation device, and a monitoring system, The maximum size of the model shelf is 1400 mm * 1300 mm * 200 mm. The mine pressure simulation device was composed of static-load and vibration-load oil cylinders of various sizes. A servo motor mainly controlled the water pressure device; with a water pressure sensor and high-precision flowmeter, water pressure could be accurately adjusted. By taking the underground reservoir in the Wulanmulun Coal Mine as an example, the deformation failure characteristics of the MB-1 dam under fluid–solid coupling conditions were simulated to validate the reasonability and feasibility of the developed system. The obtained experimental results indicated that the artificial dam damage was induced by increased mine pressure, leading to shear compression failure. The artificial dam underwent plastic deformation at a water pressure of 11.43 kPa, accompanied with the generation of microfractures, which rapid propagation under vibration loading violated the dam’s stability.

A Fractured State: Local Powers and Mining Politics in Rural North-Western Zambia

This study employs an explorative case study methodology, which utilises interviews, historical analysis and observations to identify and analyse the local powers and politics that influence large-scale mining development in developing societies. It uses the Trident Mine Project in Kalumbila in rural North-Western Zambia as a case study. The Trident Project comprises an existing copper mining/processing operation at Sentinel Mine and a nickel mining development project at Enterprise Mine. It is owned by Kalumbila Minerals Ltd, a subsidiary of the Canadian-listed metal and mining company First Quantum Minerals Ltd. Situated on land previously managed under customary tenure, the Trident Project presents a useful case study to explore the tensions and contradictions that arose in this large-scale mining development. The findings reveal how several local actors influence large-scale mining and the nature and direction of the mining-induced socio-economic benefits. This implies that the state is not limited to a duality (civil and customary powers) of the type identified by Mahmood Mamdani. Instead, the paper explores several public and ‘private’ power poles that often function as a fractured state.

Observations on old Serbian terminology for iron mining and processing: Zelězo and gvozdje

In the Serbo-Croatian dialects the Common Slavic word for ?iron? *zel?zo occupies a peripheral position, whereas in the central Stokavian area it was supplanted by gvozdje > gvozdje. In Old Serbian literature zel?zo occurs mainly in the Slavonic texts translated from Greek, where it renders such notions as ?point of a spear?, or in the plural form zel?za ?fetters?. Its only mention in a text written in Old Serbian spoken language is found in Dusan?s Code; the article in question deals with the ordeal of red-hot iron and has a close phraseological match in the Russian Justice manuscript, which suggests that its wording goes back to an oral formula of Slavic customary law. Otherwise, since at least the 14th century, zel?zo has been an archaism surviving in the toponymy across the major part of Serbian lands. Some toponymic instances, however, are assumed to have been imported from other Slavic lands, such as Zeleznik, a medieval mine near Belgrade, attested since 1358; it may be interpreted as having arisen through univerbation from a descriptive denomination *zel?z?n?j? potok? ?iron stream?, but also from a possessive noun phrase *potok? zel?znik? ?ironsmiths? stream?, i.e., the one by which their hammer mills were situated, where the second element is the old genitive plural of *zel?znik? ?ironsmith?, which is homophonous with its nominative singular form. The word zelezn?k in this sense, apparently calqued on Middle High German ?sensmit, is attested in Old Czech, wherefrom it appears to have spread to Slovenia (place name Zelezniki) and perhaps also to the medieval Serbia, where the development of mining can be traced back to the mid-thirteenth century owing to the German settlers (OSerb Sasi, ?Saxons?); presumably a part of them originated from the Czech lands; at least their first settlement on the Serbian soil, Brskovo, seems to have been named after Brzkov in the mining district around Jihlava (Iglau), on the historical border between Bohemia and Moravia. The newcomers spoke Middle High German, but probably not without some Slavic admixtures based on the bilingualism that had taken hold in their native country. In the medieval Serbia, ironsmiths used to be designated simply as ?smiths?, kovacje, and the designation of both dug and wrought iron was gvozdje, with the adjective gvozd?n. Etymologically, OSerb gvozdje n. ?iron? is the Common Slavic word *gvozd?, *gvozd?j? ?nail, peg?, whose plural *gvozd?je was reshaped into a secondary collective in *-?je, with a semantic switch usually explained by the development ?wooden nails? > ?iron nails? > ?iron?. However, the mention of gvozdje in the Mining Code issued in 1412 by Serbian Despot Stefan Lazarevic points in another direction. The word refers there to what is in German Bergeisen ?miner?s picks? or, more precisely, ?wedges?, i.e., their wedge-shaped iron heads. In the same meaning the shortened form Eisen, MHG ?sen is used, which basically means ?iron?. In all likelihood, this double meaning of ?sen in the technical terminology of German miners triggered the semantic change of OSerb gvozdje from ?nails, wedges? to ?iron?.