Impact Of Mining Activities Research Articles

Assessing the effects of long-term mining exploitation on a lacustrine system from the arid region of the Atacama Desert, Chile

Over the last century, the Atacama Desert has been exploited due to the mineral resources in this environment. These anthropogenic effects have primarily been linked to the development of the mining industry, the impact of which remains uncertain. Here, we use high-resolution geochemical characterization and magnetic properties analysis from the sedimentary core of Inka Coya Lake, located in the Atacama Desert, to assess the anthropogenic impact in this metallogenic region. The geochemistry and magnetic properties changed with core depth. Elements, such as Cu, Ni, and Zn, increased during the lake's most recent period.Additionally, an increase in mass magnetic susceptibility (χ) and a decrease in magnetic susceptibility depending on the frequency (χfd%) may be attributed to fine iron oxide grains originating from industrial and urban sources. Moreover, indices of pollution classified the sediment of Inka Coya Lake as slightly polluted and strongly polluted with Ni, and Cu, respectively. This could reflect a period of pollution caused by the increase in the production of copper sulfide. These results highlight the possible impact of mining activities in the hyper-arid core of the Atacama Desert, which affects surrounding areas through dispersive processes, even reaching high altitudes, and provides a scientific basis for the prevention of environmental pollution from mining and the protection of the sediment and water source in the Atacama Desert.

The Impact of Mining Activities on Land Use and Land Cover Change in Rwamagana District, the Case of Muhazi Sector, Rwanda

The Impact of Mining Activities on Land Use and Land Cover Change in Rwamagana District, the Case of Muhazi Sector, Rwanda

Adverse effects of crushed seafloor massive sulphide deposits on the boreal deep-sea sponge Geodia barretti Bowerbank, 1858 and its associated fauna

Abundant mineral resources in the deep sea are prospected for mining for the global metal market. Seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge are one of the potential sources for these metals. The extraction of SMS deposits will expose adjacent marine ecosystems to suspended particle plumes charged with elevated concentrations of heavy metals and other potentially toxic compounds. Up to date there is no information about the impact of mining activities on deep-sea benthic ecosystems such as abundant deep-sea sponge grounds in the North Atlantic Ocean. Sponge grounds play a major role in benthic-pelagic coupling and represent an important habitat for a diversity of vertebrates, invertebrates and microorganisms. To simulate the effects of mining plumes on benthic life in the deep sea, we exposed Geodia barretti, a dominant sponge species in the North Atlantic Ocean, and an associated brittle star species from the genus Ophiura spp. to a field-relevant concentration of 30 mg L−1 suspended particles of crushed SMS deposits. Three weeks of exposure to suspended particles of crushed SMS resulted in a tenfold higher rate of tissue necrosis in sponges. All brittle stars in the experiment perished within ten days of exposure. SMS particles were evidently accumulated in the sponge's mesohyl and concentrations of iron and copper were 10 times elevated in SMS exposed individuals. Oxygen consumption and clearance rates were significantly retarded after the exposure to SMS particles, hampering the physiological performance of G. barretti. These adverse effects of crushed SMS deposits on G. barretti and its associated brittle star species potentially cascade in disruptions of benthic-pelagic coupling processes in the deep sea. More elaborate studies are advisable to identify threshold levels, management concepts and mitigation measures to minimize the impact of deep-sea mining plumes on benthic life.

A viscoelastic–plastic constitutive model incorporating creep initiation stress for surrounding rock in deep roadways and its practical application

AbstractWith the increasing depth of engineering in rock masses, the issue of significant rheological deformation becomes notably prominent. To accurately characterize the deformation and failure behavior of the surrounding rock near the goaf in deep small coal pillars, we have developed a viscoelastic–plastic constitutive model that takes into account the initial stress associated with creep. This model builds upon an existing viscoelastic–plastic constitutive framework and is implemented numerically using C++ in the FLAC3D. The Oedometer test method is used to check the creep components and the calculated parameter (η/G) ensure convergence of numerical operations. We conducted both pre‐improvement and post‐improvement tests of the constitutive model in a simple numerical analysis of roadways. The enhanced model demonstrates improved accuracy in deviational stress calculations and proves suitable for modeling deep, soft roadways. Furthermore, we applied the improved model to simulate actual working conditions at Zhaozhuang Mine, where mining operations near the working face induce a fracture zone of approximately 3 m in the small coal pillar located at the goaf's edge. The new model closely aligns with the observed results, further validating its suitability for tunneling along the goaf. Tunneling and mining activities result in significant deformation at various locations, including the shoulder socket of the working face, the top angle of the coal pillar, and the bottom angle of the floor. The crushing zone at the working face extends up to 4 m. Rheological effects transform the triangular elastic core, from its original high‐pressure elastic state to a fracture and plastic zone in the deep coal. Stress in deep coal is transmitted along the triangular elastic core. Numerical simulation results closely match the excavation profile of the tunneling, providing valuable insights into the impact of mining activities. This study can provide reference for deformation of similar geological conditions and engineering situation.

Application and Challenges of Machine Learning Techniques in Mining Engineering and Material Science

The ultimate objective of modern engineering applications in mining and material science is to develop good quality novel materials with desirable qualities. Machine Learning (ML) is used in the mining industry to provide solutions to complex problems of the mining industry and improve the efficiency of the overall system. ML methods are increasingly being used by materials scientists to uncover hidden trends in data and generate predictions. Furthermore, data centric techniques can provide useful insights into the basic processes that influence material behaviour while simultaneously reducing human labour in large data processing. The ability of persons to find new materials and infer complex relationships is important for the development of new materials. Large amounts of machine-readable data must be available to use statistical methodologies to speed materials research. In mining engineering, ML can be used for analyzing geographical data, assessing the risk of rock fall, predicting equipment failures and impact of mining activities on the environment etc. Material science data may be used in a variety of ways, including property prediction, the search for new materials and discovering synthesis methods. Selecting proper machine learning techniques to provide solutions is very important and that is discussed here. The purposes of this paper are to provide a comprehensive list of different ML techniques which are applied for the mining and material science domain.

Penanaman Pohon Mangrove di Area Tepi Pantai dalam Rangka Meminimalisir Dampak Sedimentasi Air Laut

Mining is one of the activities that use natural resources. Mining activities can have both positive and negative impacts on local governments and communities. The positive impacts can lead to an increase in regional income, while the negative impacts are reduced land activity, erosion, landslides and disturbance of flora and fauna. The knowledge of the people living around the mining area about the impact of mining activities has a major impact on environmental sustainability. This community service was conducted at Sulaho Village, IV Lanipa-nipa Hamlet, Lasusua District, North Kolaka Regency. The service method is carried out with lectures/socialization of the planting technique procedures as well as the direct planting of mangrove trees in the beach area. As a result of the engagement, the team received active responses from the community by asking questions, great enthusiasm for participating in direct field planting activities, and commitment to always protect the surrounding area from the negative impacts that mining activities could cause. All parties involved in mining activities are expected to participate in protecting the environment around the mining area

Groundwater vulnerability to pollution in degraded coal mining areas: modifying the DRASTIC method using the factor of exploitation impact on land surface

Mining activities such as underground exploitation of hard coal deposits and open cast mining are strong factors on groundwater depending on mine life cycle phases. The impact of coal mining activities on groundwater have been reported from many countries. In this case, a vulnerability assessment was conducted base on standard DRASTIC method and its modification DRASTIC MINE (DRASTICM) method. In order to take into account, the impact of mining activities, a new parameter was added which defined the impact of coal seams on the rock mass above, including the degree of its drainage and the range of its impact. In the standard DRASTIC method, the results indicate that groundwater vulnerability with high (38.6%) and very high occurrence classes (16.9% of the area), mostly covers the central part of the cast mine. In contrast, the reclaimed area of the excavation is a low-class area. The DRASTICM method increased the vulnerability index from 3 to 24 on 95% of the area, so a new vulnerability class of extremely high was delineated, which occurred in 1.6% of the area. This indicates areas that should be treated as a priority in order to avoid pollution, and in the final stage to plan activities in the field of the reclamation of mining areas. The results showed that groundwater vulnerability assessment in coal mining areas can be significantly improved.

Study on Breakage Characteristics and Anti-Breakage Theory for Pressure-Relieved CBM Drainage by Surface Wells in Coalbed Groups Covered by Super-Thick Pedosphere

During the mining of highly gassy and low-permeability coalbed groups, massive pressure-relieved desorbed coal bed methane (CBM) is stored in the fracture zone and in the gob under the impact of mining activities. Surface wells can cross the fracture zone and the gob to drain a large amount of highly concentrated pressure-relieved CBM. CBM drainage by surface wells is an effective technology for disaster control. However, it is difficult to drill or maintain surface wells in the mining disturbance zone and overlying strata in the gob. The keyisto prevent the surface wells in the mining disturbance zone from being broken and to keep the whole surface wells unblocked. This study adopted a variety of research methods, including similar-material simulation in laboratory, numerical simulation, onsite monitoring and industrial tests. Specifically, the strata structure of surface wells for pressure-relieved CBM drainage was explored, and the characteristics of roof strata movement and stress redistribution under coalbed group mining were analyzed. Besides, positions where the surface wells are prone to breakage were found. Furthermore, based on the mechanical analysis and breakage characteristics of surface wells, the anti-breakage principle of “resistance and dodge” and the surface well completion and protection method of “upper stop and lower leak” were proposed. The proposed theory and method were then applied to pressure-relieved CBM drainage surface wells in a coalbed group covered by the super-thick pedosphere in the Huainan Coal Field. The application results indicate that the proposed theory and method succeeded in solving the breakage of surface wells and realizing the smooth transport of CBM product. The surface wells can completely resist the mining disturbance, achieving an average single-well pure CBM production of 2.71 million m3, an average service period of 482 d, and a maximum pure CBM production of 4.32 million m3.

Ecological Environment Protection and Restoration of Mines based on International Experience and Insights

This paper explores the ecological environment protection and restoration of mines based on international experience and insights. The article emphasizes the increasing global concern over the impact of mining activities on the ecological environment, making the protection and restoration of mining ecological environments an urgent issue for countries to address. By drawing on successful international cases and strengthening international exchanges and cooperation, we can better promote the implementation of ecological environment protection and restoration of mines in China and achieve sustainable development of the mining industry. The paper highlights the importance of international experience in China's mining ecological environment governance, and calls for collaborative efforts to advance the protection and restoration of mining ecological environments. Moreover, by learning from successful international cases, valuable insights can be gained to facilitate the green and sustainable development of the mining industry.

Water-blocking characteristics of fault zones with different structural combination of cementation degree

Recently, deep coal mining has posed a significant challenge owing to the threat of water inrush from highly pressured aquifers in the floor strata. Water inrush in the floor strata is often associated with the structural characteristics of the underlying fault zones. The permeability of these fault zones is a critical factor in determining their potential as conduits for water flow. The variation in permeability is attributed to the varying cementation degree across different locations within the fault zones. Hence, this study is based on the key stratum theory and introduces the concept of a water-blocking key stratum within fault zones. This research focuses on the engineering context of the 16th coal seam above the lower coal seam in the 10603 working face of the Yangcun Coal Mine's tenth mining area. The study investigates the activation characteristics of the 10605F5 reverse fault zone, which cuts through the working face. Various methods, including test of simulation of similar materials and numerical simulations, are employed to analyse the hydraulic pressure distribution and the impact of mining activities on the water-blocking key stratum within the 10605F5 reverse fault zone. The research findings will provide valuable insights for preventing fault activation and water inrush.

Model Geohidrologi paska Tambang daerah penambangan Batubara Kec. Tabang Kab. Kutai Kartanegara

Abstrak
 Coal mining is a commodity that attracts many investors, with a large number of or abundant reserves in the area, so coal mining activities are very rife in the subdistrict Tabang, Regency Kutai Kartanegara, so that it will have both positive and negative impacts, positive impacts will certainly cause changes to improve socio-economic life, while negative impacts will cause problems related to the decrease in the quality and quantity of surface water and groundwater. The opening of land due to mining will greatly affect environmental changes such as changes in the landscape, lowering of the groundwater level, increased acidity of the soil/rock (soil becomes less fertile), chemical and physical properties, mine waste enters rivers, and causes soil damage. This condition has an impact on decreasing the quality and quantity of groundwater as a source of clean water. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of mining on the hydrogeology of the research area, especially groundwater.
 Hydrogeological analysis is very important, by carrying out a Pumping Test or Slugs from 5 (five) drilling points to be carried out, so that it is expected to be able to know groundwater modeling before and after post-mining, and here you will see a comparison of groundwater flow before and after mining. . So that the hope of this research can find out and understand the hydrogeological conditions of the research area, so that it will provide information on the impact of mining activities, and it will be easier, how to overcome or control related to areas which still have potential or not, which are related to the content/potential groundwater around the mining site.
 Practical benefits can provide information to the public and the government about the potential content of groundwater around the research area and to know/predict the potential groundwater that can still be utilized. The stratigraphy of the study area is part of the Kutai Bacin. Lithology The formation of the study area (Balikpapan Formation) consists of alternating siltstone and claystone with sandstone with coal inserts and sandstone units. Where there are 5 (five) potential aquifers in the study area in terms of the amount/volume of groundwater, the groundwater in the study area must be monitored along with mining activities in the study area.
 
 Keywords: Modeling, groundwater, hydrogeology, post mining

Impacts of mining activities on the spatial distribution and source apportionment of soil organic matter in a karst farmland

Worldwide mining activities produce vast quantities of mine tailings, which pose a threat to soil quality, crop yields, and the regional environment in the adjacent agricultural soil, but little is known about the impact of mining activities on the SOM source and migration. In this study, soil samples of the topsoil (0–15 cm) and soil profiles (0–50 cm), as well as the potential sources samples (C3 plants, C4 plants and mining tailings) were collected from mine-contaminated karst farmland of four different pollution levels (NP, non-polluted; SP, slightly polluted; MP, moderately polluted; and HP, heavily polluted). Total organic carbon (TOC), total organic nitrogen (TON), and stable isotopic compositions (δ13Corg and δ15Norg) of soil and potential sources samples were determined. In the topsoil, the concentrations of TOC (1.9 ± 1.4 %) and TON (0.1 ± 0.1 %), and the value of δ13Corg (−25.4 ± 0.9 ‰) and δ15Norg (−3.6 ± 3.6 ‰), were not significantly different among HP, MP and SP farmland (P > 0.05). C3 plants (42.1 %–49.9 %) and mine tailings (32.3 %–40.1 %) were identified as the dominant source of topsoil SOM. In the soil profile, TOC%, TON%, δ13Corg, and δ15Norg were affected by soil depth and pollution level. TOC% and TON% in the soil profiles of NP changed slightly with soil depth, while that in the other soil profiles was decreased with the increasing of soil depth. The δ15Norg value in the SP soil dropped sharply when the soil depth was >15 cm, while that in the HP and MP soil was fluctuated and no obvious vertical pattern. Our findings provide valuable information regarding the impact of mining activities on SOM distribution and source apportionment in karst farmlands. The effects of mine tailings on SOM should be considered when the soil quality was estimated in the mine-grain composite area.

Monitoring of Blasting Operations Techniques and Assessment of their Impacts on Groundwater in the Context of Underground Mining: Case of ROXGOLD SANU, Burkina Faso

This study focused to study the blasting operations and to evaluate their impacts on Groundwater at the ROXGOLD SANU underground mine in Burkina Faso. ROXGOLD SANU is a mining and exploration company, under Burkinabe law and the State is a non-contributing shareholder up to 10%. The seismic vibration values measured on the ground are between 0.075 and 8.45 mm/s. These values are therefore all below the limit value of 10 mm/s defined by the Burkinabe law for mining operations carried out in quarries and mines and in compliance with the IFC standard. The values of acoustic overpressure were also all below 122 dB, i.e. below the limit value of 125 dB allowed for blasting in quarries and solid rock mines. The analysis of groundwater levels recorded since 2014 showed that the different water tables on the site do not communicate with each other. The impact of mining activities on groundwater levels is limited mainly to one piezometer. ROXGOLD SANU has therefore implemented good blasting practices, as the average values of the data collected during blasting are well below the recommended thresholds. Nitrate values measured in mine water in 2016 ranged from 7.1 mg/l to 1054 mg/l. However, in 2018 an average concentration of 484 mg/l was measured. Nitrite values ranged from 0.015 mg/l to 51.5 mg/l in 2016. In 2018, a concentration of 1.9 mg/l of nitrite was observed in the study area. As for ammonium, its concentrations measured in the field in 2016 vary from 0.08 to 145 mg/l. Thus, it emerges that the concentration values of Nitrites, Ammoniums and Nitrates measured in the field are higher than the limit of the regulations in force. These high values of Nitrites (NO3-), Ammoniums (NH4+) and Nitrates (NO2-) observed in mine water of the study area could be directly linked to the blasting operations which release nitrogen into the environment. The mine water of the study area is not dumped on the ground. It is carefully managed and controlled, in case of flooding it is sent to the TSF and does not flow into nature. Nevertheless, It is therefore important to set up a mechanism for complaints and requests from the local population to study the effects of blasting in depth.

The impact of mining activities on sediment quality in the seafloor around Southeast of Sulawesi

Research of heavy metals content in sediments was carried out in April 2006 on the bottom sea of Buton, Kabaena, and Muna islands. This study was aimed to determine the content of heavy metals Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn and to predict the quality of the sediments by employing indices analysis. Sediment samples were taken using a grab at 8 stations. Heavy metal content was analyzed using AAS. Three indices are exercised to analyze the metal content in the sediment, that are contamination factors, geoaccumulation index, and pollution load index. The computation of contamination factors showed an average value of less than 1, namely Pb= 0.236, Cd= 0.269, Cu= 0.048, Zn= 0.346, and Ni= 0.986. Meanwhile, the geoaccumulation index values were less than 1, the value for Pb= -3.836, Cd= -2.878, Cu= - 5.061, Zn= -2.430, and Ni= -1.002. The pollution load index value is 0.201. These values which were less than 1 implied low level of pollution in the area. Thus, according to the analysis, the sediments in these three waters are still natural and not polluted.

Twenty years of coal mining-induced subsidence in the Upper Silesia in Poland identified using InSAR

The paper presents the results of terrain subsidence monitoring in Poland’s Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) mining area using Differential Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) and Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI). The study area accounts for almost three million inhabitants where mining which started in the 19th century, has produced severe damage to buildings and urban infrastructures in past years. The analysis aimed to combine eight different datasets, processed in two techniques, coming from various sensors and covering different periods. As a result, a map of areas that have been exposed to subsidence within 3045 square kilometers was obtained. The map covers a period of twenty years of intensive mining activities, i.e. 1992–2012. A total of 81 interferograms were used in the study. The interferograms allowed not only to determine subsidence troughs (basins) formed from 1992 to 2012 but also to observe subsidence development over time. The work also included five sets of PSI processing, covering different temporal and spatial ranges, which were used to determine zones of residual subsidence. Based on InSAR datasets, an area of 521 square kilometers under the influence of mining activities were determined. Within the subsiding zones, an area of 312.5 square kilometers of the rapid increase in subsidence was identified on the interferograms. The study of combined different InSAR datasets provided large-area and long-term information on the impact of mining activities in the Upper Silesia Coal Basin.

The Impact of Mining Activities on The Living Conditions of The People of North Rarowatu District, Bombana Regency

The purpose of this research is to explain the impact of mining activities on the living conditions of Bombana District people. The research was conducted in North Rarowatu Sub-District, Wumbubangka Village and Lantowua Village, with determination of 133 samples from two villages. The data were analyzed in descriptions method using cross tabulation and frequency table with eleven variables that is: the rate of air changes, the level of noise pollution, the level of disruption to water availability, the number of affected households, the frequency of treatment, the level of education, the conditions of residence, the status of residence, the conflict between local communities, the level of depth of conflict, employment opportunities. The results of the research indicate the impact of mining activities on the living conditions of Bombana district communities, especially in the two villages. On the ecological aspect of air conditions, mining activity causes the air condition to getmoreworst. In addition, mine activity raises noise that disrupts community activities, and a small proportion of groundwater availability is not available. On the social aspect there are still a number of community members who suffer from respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, cough and cold, from the frequency of treatment only a fewof them do a treatment. The low level of education in these two villagesis the cause of employment opportunities decrease. From the residence's condition and the residence statusarestill relatively decent and medium. In addition, the changes in environmental conditions lead to conflictbetween the local community and the company.

SOCIAL PERCEPTION OF MINING: A METHOD STUDY

The success of mining projects depends to a large extent on the support of local communities due to the conditions they can generate for the development of the regions. This support has been referred to as social licence to operate, a concept that relates not only to social development projects for communities, but primarily promotes the establishment of legitimacy, trust and credibility, prior to the start of the first project development. The present research work aims to develop a model to assess whether the impact of mining activity has been positive or negative in the areas where it has been implemented, what mining has done good and bad in the areas where it has been implemented, and what the image of subsoil uses in mining areas is. The application of the methodology developed focuses on Sierra Morena, in Cordoba, being able to extrapolate the analysis due to the observed correlations of the influence of mining in various sectors such as the environment, industry, agriculture, among others. The frequency analysis and the multivariate analysis carried out show that agriculture and the environment still have a negative relationship with mining activity. However, the service sector shows positive responses among all the groups questioned, in an attempt to shape the image of mining. Great opportunities may be offered due to their reactivation for energy purposes or CO2 storage.

A New Scenario-Based Approach for Water Quality and Environmental Impact Assessment Due to Mining Activities

Water quality assessment and its monitoring are necessary for areas of mining activities. In Malaysia, the mining industry is the backbone of the manufacturing and construction sectors. This study used spatio-temporal water quality modeling along a reach with mining activities during high and low discharges at Sungai (river) Lebir and Sungai Aring, situated in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. The objective was to assess the spatio-temporal environmental impact of mining activities during the wet and dry seasons. Data were collected at different locations along the reach. Point and non-point sources were near the mining site. Overland flow calculation at the mining site was found with the widely used SCS (Soil Conservation Service) curve number method. Several scenarios were analyzed, such as baseline, worst-case, and with-mitigation. The study revealed that baseline values of all parameters were either in a natural condition or slightly polluted, except for aluminum. All parameters were estimated at a high concentration from the mining site to downstream during the worst case of the wet season. Whereas, during the worst case of the dry season, no significant differences were observed compared to baseline values. In the with-mitigation scenario, parameter concentrations were improved and similar to baseline values. Overall, the scenario selection was helpful in the environmental impact assessment. Furthermore, this study will be significant in pre- and post-mining assessment and environmental clearance.

The Spatial Analysis of Water Quality in Batang Natal River Estuary Area, Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra

Quoted from various sources, the Batang Natal river is currently in a very critical condition where this clear river has become extremely cloudy due to illegal gold mining activities along the riverbanks, especially starting from the upstream area. As a result, approximately 50 km along the river the water can no longer be used by the people who live along the river and it is estimated that there are 30 villages in the vicinity. The analysis was carried out in this area to see how the impact of mining activities in the upstream area that affects air quality and also the level of sedimentation seen from the final stop of the river, namely in the Batang Natal estuary area. This research utilizes spatial analysis with normalized different turbidity index (NDTI), normalized suspended material index (NMSI), and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) as the method. The results of data analysis show that the water quality at the final stop in the Batang Natal estuary area has decreased in their quality in the last 20 years where the water turbidity index shows a range of yield values ​​from -0.129 to 0.490. The results of processed NMSI data show the distribution of solids in the area studied to increase the estuary and downstream areas of the river. The minimum value that appeared in 2000-2001 was 0.1450 and the maximum value was 0.5693. In 2010-2011 the value obtained is in the range of 0.1592 to 0.6280, while in 2020-2021 it is in the range of 0.2049 to 0.6985. The concentration of suspended sediment in the estuary area of ​​Natal was at levels of 10.28 mg/L to 38.92 mg/L.

Impact of Mining Activities on Groundwater Level, Hydrochemistry, and Aquifer Parameters in a Coalfield’s Overburden Aquifer

Impact of Mining Activities on Groundwater Level, Hydrochemistry, and Aquifer Parameters in a Coalfield’s Overburden Aquifer