Lignite Area Research Articles

An Entrepreneurial Perspective on the Transition of Lignite Rural Areas to a New Regime within a Suffocating Timeframe

Timetables for energy transition vary across EU Member States. The planning for dealing with the consequences of the transition in affected regions also varies. Under the pressure of the ten-year economic crisis, Greece is one of the few countries that has committed to stop using lignite in electricity generation, achieving 80% by 2023 and definitively by 2028. Apart from its environmental impact, the country assessed using lignite in electricity generation as unprofitable and damaging to the Greek economy. Simultaneously, it formulated a national energy transition plan for the country’s lignite areas. The plan also provides support for existing enterprises and incentives for new enterprises. European and domestic financial instruments accompany the support incentives. The compressed timetable is ambitious and demanding, entailing risks of project failure. As one of the first Member State projects to be completed in 2028, its outcome will shape an ambient atmosphere, positive or negative, for other Member States’ projects as well. Based on the transition plan and the timelines to which Greece has committed, this research examines the reanimation of rural areas involved in lignite mining from the perspective of entrepreneurship and financial support instruments. The findings revealed that while there is strong social consensus around the design that incorporates best practices, the basis for the completion schedule has unrealistic elements that will have potentially negative consequences for the restoration of the areas that the energy transition affects. The present study highlights the risks for entrepreneurship that tight schedules pose in the context of lignite area redevelopment.

Fair Development Transition of Lignite Areas: Key Challenges and Sustainability Prospects

As Europe transitions away from fossil fuel energy, the challenges associated with closing mines, along with restructuring mine-dependent communities, continue to reduce the rate at which this transition occurs. A large volume of research has been published during the last decade on the fair development context of mine reclamation. Using lignite mines as a case study and a properly modified analytical-hierarchy-process-based roadmapping methodological framework, the current study attempted to elucidate the key challenges and the bottlenecks that researchers view as critical to a just transition. The results indicated four critical areas that researchers expected to drive policymaking: social implications, stakeholder divergence, land-use challenges and sustainability prospects. Further, the coupling of mining operations to green strategies, such as circular economy and recycling, seems to be put forward by the academics as a viable solution to enhance the sustainability of the sector.

Design of a Lake Landscape in the Rhenish Lignite Area due to the Earlier Closure of Lignite Mines

Design of a Lake Landscape in the Rhenish Lignite Area due to the Earlier Closure of Lignite Mines

Past and Present Climate Conditions of European Coal and Lignite Areas

Abstract Weather and climate are parameters vital for the development and flourish of human activities, and they crucially affect mining activities. Coal and lignite (brown coal) mining operations can be aided by appropriate weather or stopped by an extreme weather event that might have catastrophic consequences for a mining area. The same stands for closed and abandoned coal mines, as extreme weather events can have severe consequences. This work aims to obtain a comprehensive overview of the climatic conditions by documenting and reporting them in various European coal and lignite mining regions. Specifically, the chosen regions cover Europe from the north (the United Kingdom) to the south (Greece), from the east (Poland, the Czech Republic) to the west (Spain), and through Europe’s center (Germany). A climate baseline is created for the chosen regions to serve as a reference for safety assessment and for evaluating future climate changes. Initially, the general climate of each region was evaluated; additionally, an extensive climate database from 1990 to 2020 was created, including the mean annual temperature and precipitation. Mean values and general trends of increase or decrease during the last 30 years are of interest and were compared for all areas.

Mining Transition and Hydropower Energy in Greece—Sustainable Governance of Water Resources Management in a Post-Lignite Era: The Case of Western Macedonia, Greece

The present study explores the process of Greece’s current decarbonisation transition and its energy policy regarding the country’s two coal-mining areas. Using the Region of Western Macedonia as a case study, we aimed at providing a holistic approach—as until now only few attempts have been made to systematise the ‘Just Transition Plans’ in European Union (EU)—for raising awareness on issues related to water resource management in post-lignite areas and analysing the use of hydropower in Greece. Our research draws on a flexible method approach, serving as a tool to identify gaps in current knowledge and practices, based on two stages—first the analysis of existing literature, reviews, and sources from government’s core strategies, as well as policy and decision-making papers, and then formulating research questions by synthesising relevant data. In Greece, both ‘Just Transition Development Plan of Lignite Areas’ and hydropower production practices overlook water resources management. By summarising our findings and identifying gaps that remain in current approaches, this work indicates future directions by suggesting processes necessary for addressing the complex issue of adoption of sustainable water resources management measures in post-lignite eras in accordance with EU’s water policy.

PM10 episodes in Greece: Local sources versus long-range transport—observations and model simulations

ABSTRACTPeriods of abnormally high concentrations of atmospheric pollutants, defined as air pollution episodes, can cause adverse health effects. Southern European countries experience high particulate matter (PM) levels originating from local and distant sources. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and nature of extreme PM10 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm) pollution episodes in Greece. We examined PM10 concentration data from 18 monitoring stations located at five sites across the country: (1) an industrial area in northwestern Greece (Western Macedonia Lignite Area, WMLA), which includes sources such as lignite mining operations and lignite power plants that generate a high percentage of the energy in Greece; (2) the greater Athens area, the most populated area of the country; and (3) Thessaloniki, (4) Patra, and (5) Volos, three large cities in Greece. We defined extreme PM10 pollution episodes (EEs) as days during which PM10 concentrations at all five sites exceeded the European Union (EU) 24-hr PM10 standards. For each EE, we identified the corresponding prevailing synoptic and local meteorological conditions, including wind surface data, for the period from January 2009 through December 2011. We also analyzed data from remote sensing and model simulations. We recorded 14 EEs that occurred over 49 days and could be grouped into two categories: (1) Local Source Impact (LSI; 26 days, 53%) and (2) African Dust Impact (ADI; 23 days, 47%). Our analysis suggested that the contribution of local sources to ADI EEs was relatively small. LSI EEs were observed only in the cold season, whereas ADI EEs occurred throughout the year, with a higher frequency during the cold season. The EEs with the highest intensity were recorded during African dust intrusions. ADI episodes were found to contribute more than local sources in Greece, with ADI and LSI fraction contribution ranging from 1.1 to 3.10. The EE contribution during ADI fluctuated from 41 to 83 μg/m3, whereas during LSI it varied from 14 to 67 μg/m3.Implications: This paper examines the occurrence and nature of extreme PM10 pollution episodes (EEs) in Greece during a 3-yr period (2009–2011). Fourteen EEs were found of 49 days total duration, classified into two main categories: Local Source Impact (53%) and African Dust Impact (47%). All the above extreme PM10 air pollution episodes were the result of specific synoptic prevailing conditions. Specific information on the linkages between the synoptic weather patterns and PM10 concentrations could be used in the development of weather/health-warning system to alert the public that a synoptic episode is imminent.

Studying the complexity of the secondary succession process in the soil of restored open mine lignite areas; the role of chemical template

The unfolding of the secondary succession process in the soil of open mine areas reclaimed with Triticum aestivum (wheat) was analyzed by using a polyphasic approach. The study was conducted in five wheat fields with post-reclamation age 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. Also data from control wheat fields outside the mining area were used. From the total of 77 variables 21 were used as surrogates to depict the succession course. These were organized in four spheres; (a) soil chemical composition (b) microbial community structure (c) catabolic activity of microbial community and (d) enzymatic activity in soil. To model the entire succession process the significant correlations among individual variables regardless of origin were analyzed by network analysis. Further, the results of the analysis informed the elaboration of a conceptual model by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Although local configurations of variables were clearly imprinted on the network analysis phase graph, network parameters indicated dominance of the global network topology over local. The succession course is described as a moderately complex, well organized system, while the unfolding of the secondary processes in the four organization spheres followed almost co-directional pathways. The model formulated by SEM was a strongly reduced one, with many strong pair-wise relationships. Our results partially support the idea that the soil chemical background operates as a template overriding the structure of the microbial community and the enzymatic and catabolic activities.

TRAKYA HAVZASINDA, DANİŞMEN FORMASYONU İÇİNDEKİ LİNYİT KATMANLARININ POTANSİYELİNİ KONTROL EDEN JEOLOJİK FAKTÖRLER

This project has been conducted for the General Directorate of Turkish Coal Enterprise. The aim of this study is to understand lignite potential of the basin. Subsurface data ( including numerous wells and several seismic lines) provided by TPAO, MTA and TKI were used. Structure and thickness maps of Oligocene-Miocene-Pliocene units prepared for the basin. Purpose of this work is to understand economical values of lignite seam beds interbedding in the Danismen Formation (Oligocene-Early Miocene). For this purpose, from bottom to top following maps were prepared: Structural map of the top Osmancik (Oligocene) Formation, thickness map of the Danismen Formation, paleo-topographic map of unconformity surface which is at the top of the Danismen Formation, total thickness map of Ergene-Kircasalih formations (Late Miocene-Pliocene). Finally total thickness map of the lignite layers was prepared. It was the main purpose of the work. Lignite seam layers are located in middle of the Danismen Formation. Also several stratigraphic correlations were conducted to understand lateral continuation of lignite layers. The first obstacle to reach lignite is thickness of the Ergene and Kircasalih formations which overlie lignite bearing Danismen Formation. Main structural event controlling the thickness variation of the Danismen Formation is Thrace Fault System (Perincek, 1991); it was active during Middle Miocene. Danismen Formation extensively or partially was eroded along the fault zone and on the en-echelon folds of the fault system. Amount of erosion is variable and in some areas Danismen Formation completely was eroded. As a result Ergene Formation lies directly on Osmancik Formation. Lignite layers are also eroded at these localities. Elevated areas related the Thrace Fault System partially was eroded; however these areas were still paleo-elevated areas during the accumulation of Ergene Formation. Onlapping sequence of Ergene Formation is thinner on these areas. At the end of this project, thicker lignite areas were delineated. Addition to this, thin overburden areas on lignite are located. Considering these result, new permit areas were selected.. In order to refine this work, a suggested facies map of Danismen Formation is advise to be prepared

LGOM region as a perspective power energy basin and implementation of innovative lignite development methods

The paper presents the conceptions of development the perspective lignite areas. Legnica–Glogow Copper Region is a region of underground copper extraction. Above the copper deposits, there are still undocumented deposits of lignite. At present, KGHM Polska Miedz S.A. is applying for prospecting and exploration concession of these deposits. Mining company, whose core activity is mining and processing of copper ore, intends to use lignite resources for power and heat energy production for its own needs. Underground copper mining will be continued on the same area, but also it is planned develop the lignite deposit using underground coal gasification technique. Underground coal gasification technique method allows for safe, simultaneous extraction of both resources.

An Early Miocene Plant Assemblage Severely Influenced By A Volcanic Eruption, Styria, Austria

Sediment and organic facies as well as leaves, pollen, and diaspores co‐occurring in a tuffite exposed in Oberdorf (Ko¨flach/Voitsberg lignite area, Styria, Austria) were investigated. The tuffite is distinguishable from the under‐ and overlying clastic sediments and shows locally normally‐graded lapilli, which is assumed to be a sign of direct airfall. The plant assemblage partly resulted from a volcanic eruption that coincided with the season in which many woody plants were flowering; deciduous ones were leafless or in the state of opening their buds; diaspores were not yet developed. Leaves of evergreen woody species, buds/bud scales, and clusters of immature pollen partly with adhering anther material were stripped off their parent plants and quickly embedded in the tuffite. The leaves of deciduous taxa and herbaceous monocotyledons, diaspores, partly also pollen, and organic facies components indicate progressive degradation. Such degraded plant debris probably accumulated in the backswamp sediments prior to the volcanic eruption. The tephra can only be correlated to the ‘Lower Rhyolite Tuffs’ in the Pannonian Basin (Hungary), indicating a (Late) Eggenburgian/Early Ottnangian age. The new species Ternstroemites waltheri is described. Distylium fergusonii Knobloch and Kvaček and Laurophyllum rugatum Kvaček and Bůžek are first reports from Austria.

95/01180 The weathering of pyrite in lignite areas — Oxygen supply as a limiting factor of sulfate generation

95/01180 The weathering of pyrite in lignite areas — Oxygen supply as a limiting factor of sulfate generation

Geology of the Niederlausitz Lignite district, Germany

One of the largest brown coal producing districts in the world is the Miocene of Niederlausitz Lignite area in the southeastern part of Germany. Production is in a range of 320 million t/yr. The resources of the first (shallowest) Miocene seam have nearly been exhausted and it is now mainly the second seam which is being mined. A fourth is being explored. The third Miocene and the Oligocene seam, Calau, are unminable. All brown coal is mined in open pits. The rank of brown coal of the second Miocene seam ranges from fuel coal to coking coal. Its heat value (dry) from 22.2 to 23.5 MJ, its ash content (dry) from 6% to 13%, its moisture from 57% to 59%, and its seam thickness from 10 to 12 m. Due to the close relationship between swamp facies and the main coal quality parameters, the coal quality can be directly determined from the drill log. The Oligocene and Miocene brown coal formation was synchronous with the alpine orogenesis and the seafloor spreading of the North Atlantic Ocean, which both caused north and east oriented migrations of the labile basement of central Europe. Periods of compression alternated with longer periods of isostatic subsidence and sedimentation. Additionally, the trends of thickness and facies of sediments were controlled by a block system in the basement of the brown coal district of Niederlausitz, uplifting, subsiding, collapsing, rotating or spreading. The second Lower Miocene seam is situated at sea level in the north of the Niederlausitz area and rises to the south to +150 to +180 m above sea level, due to considerable widespread subsidence and uplifting since the Lower Miocene. Horizontal tectonic movements were caused by the collapse of asymmetric grabens with slight tendency to rotation. Regional shear movements led to block faulting followed by volcanism. Counter-clockwise rotation of the basement blocks is assumed, a hypothesis supported by recent tension measurements and seismic observations. Ice cover in the Pleistocene caused wide destruction zones, narrow and deep channels and intensively folded or imbricated seam structures. Some gravity-induced plastic structures were also formed.

Distillation of Fuels as Applied to Coal and Lignite

Abstract There is a widespread feeling that the present methods of using coal are not wise, but exaggerated ideas are held as to the possibilities and value of coal distillation. The necessary investment is so large that the popular hope for cheap solid liquid or gaseous fuels produced by distillation processes is not likely to be realized. It is more likely that fuels will be produced whose special qualities will command a good price. Low temperature distillation of coal has hardly reached the commercial stage, the most advanced experiment being the carbo coal process. Coal distillation will play an increasing part in supplying industrial and city gas and smokeless fuel for domestic heating. In the lignite areas of the United States where there are large supplies of low grade fuel, distillation methods can be applied to lignite, obtaining gas, tar, ammonium sulphate, and a carbonized residue of excellent heating value.

Cross-Bedding in the White River Formation of Northwestern South Dakota

Rocks of White River (Oligocene) age have been known for many years to constitute numerous isolated buttes and mesas in the northwest corner of South Dakota, but no detailed study of their character and structural relations had been made until 1911, when, during an examination of the lignite area of that country, the writer had occasion to study the relation of the younger rocks to those containing lignite beds. Todd,' in 1895, recognized the White River formation in the Slim Buttes and called attention to the area in the following language: