Minerals Management Research Articles

Deep Thoughts: A Look at Public Access to Deepwater Sites through the Mardi Gras Shipwreck

In late 2006, the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) was asked by the Minerals Management Service to direct the public outreach and education component of the Mardi Gras Shipwreck Project. Traditional public outreach efforts for archaeological sites in shallow water typically focus on getting diving and snorkeling visitors to the site. Interpretive materials for such sites often include waterproof site plans, submerged markers, and guidelines to direct visitors around the site as they explore and learn. Deepwater archaeological sites present unique challenges, namely, the interpretation of resources managed for the public that the public will never physically visit. This article discusses FPAN’s role in the Mardi Gras Shipwreck Project and the public education strategies developed to present the shipwreck and the extreme deepwater project to the public.

The Principles of Investment Law in the Management of Mineral and Coal Resources Within Communal Land

The legal forms of land tenure by communal society, known as communal, are varies in Indonesia. Communal title has been considered as a juridical and common term, although each of communal societies actually has their own different technical term. Making communal land as an investment place of managing mineral and coal resources might bring some legal issues for communal society. The first issue related to less optimal implementation of the principles of investment law by both government and investors. It would impact on the emerging conflicts between communal society and investors. Second, the position of communal land loaded by given-period mining permit would turn into the state property after the period ended.

Occurrence, management and protection of mineral and thermal waters in some volcanic areas of Italy: current knowledge and future directions

This study provides a review of the issues of occurrence, management and protection of mineral and thermal waters in volcanic areas of central and southern Italy. These waters have a great economic importance being widely used for therapeutic and water bottling purposes, although they have a limited influence on the total yield of hydrogeological systems (generally below 17%). The present study examines the hydrogeological environment where mineral and thermal waters originate, focusing on the hydrostratigraphic and structural conditions generating different hydrochemical facies. The complexity of the examined volcanic systems makes the interpretation of the hydrochemical facies and the building of reliable hydrogeological models often difficult. Mineral and thermal waters (up to 100 °C) originate from different flow paths and interactions among waters with different qualities. In this framework, current European, national and regional regulations do not specify the criteria of abstraction and management. The examined cases show how the management and protection of mineral and thermal waters are inseparable from the management of the other groundwater resources used for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes, being the various hydrochemical facies related to different circuits within the same system. To maintain different water qualities and permit a sustainable multipurpose use of groundwater resources, a participatory and unitary management of the aquifer system seems to be the most appropriate approach.

Membangun Produk Peraturan Daerah Pertambangan Mineral dan Batubara Berbasis Cita Hukum Pancasila

Building the legal product of a regional regulation on mineral and coal mining is the authority of regional governments. In implementing their authority, they are required to apply Pancasila and embrace the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Pancasila consisting of five precepts is a legal ideal that should be incarnated in the legal product of a regional regulation on mineral and coal mining. The incarnation of the legal ideal of Pancasila through the legal product of a regional regulation on mineral and coal mining will have the implication on mineral and coal mining management based on the legal ideal of Pancasila. Therefore, building the regional regulation on mineral and coal mining must be based on the normative-juridical aspect as the basis for the making of laws and the theoretical aspect based on the legal ideal of Pancasila

The Principles of Investment Law in the Management of Mineral and Coal Resources Within Communal Land

The legal forms of land tenure by communal society, known as communal, are varies in Indonesia. Communal title has been considered as a juridical and common term, although each of communal societies actually has their own different technical term. Making communal land as an investment place of managing mineral and coal resources might bring some legal issues for communal society. The first issue related to less optimal implementation of the principles of investment law by both government and investors. It would impact on the emerging conflicts between communal society and investors. Second, the position of communal land loaded by given-period mining permit would turn into the state property after the period ended.

Management of mineral and bone disorders in renal transplant recipients.

The management of post-transplantation bone disease is a complex problem that remains under-appreciated in clinical practice. In these patients, pre-existing metabolic bone disorder is further impacted by the use of immunosuppressive medications (glucocorticoids and calcineurin-inhibitors), variable post-transplantation renal allograft function and post-transplantation diabetes mellitus. The treatment of post-transplantation bone loss should begin pre-transplantation. All patients active on transplant waiting lists should be screened for bone disease. Patients should also be encouraged to take preventative measures against osteoporosis such as regular weight-bearing exercise, smoking cessation and reducing alcohol consumption. Biochemical abnormalities of disordered mineral metabolism should be corrected prior to transplantation wherever possible, and because these abnormalities commonly persist, post transplant hypophosphatemia, persistent hyperparathyroidism and low vitamin D levels should be regularly monitored and treated. Bone loss is greatest in the first 6-12months post-transplantation, during which period any intervention is likely to be of greatest benefit. There is strong evidence that bisphosphonates prevent post-transplantation bone loss; however, data are lacking that this clearly extends to a reduction in fracture incidence. Denosumab is a potential alternative to vitamin D receptor agonists and bisphosphonates in reducing post-transplantation bone loss; however, further studies are needed to demonstrate its safety in patients with a significantly reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate. Clinical judgement remains the cornerstone of this complex clinical problem, providing a strong rationale for the formation of combined endocrinology and nephrology clinics to treat patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder, before and after transplantation.

SOLUSI MODEL PERIKATAN PENGELOLAAN SDA PERTAMBANGAN MINERAL DAN BATUBARA SESUAI SYARIAH

Natural resources management of mineral and coal mining in Indonesia is considered very alarming. Arise various problems due to the inability of the government to manage natural resources in question. One result is the low tax state revenue (non-tax) from the field of mineral and coal mining natural resources. The cause of the low non-tax revenues, among others, uncertainty calculation basis as part of the State obscurity impact the model of the contract made between the government and the companies that carry out exploration and exploitation. Authors conducted a study to formulate a solution model of contract that Shariah compliance in managing the natural resources of mineral and coal mining in Indonesia by using the methodology Analytic Networking Process (ANP) as well as with the help of software Super Decision. The results of this research is choice of Musharaka Mudaraba models of contract in managing the natural resources of mineral and coal mining based on the principle of justice.

Norfolk Southern Corporation—Century Bonds

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC), a railway operator, was issuing a $250 million bond with a coupon of 6% and a maturity in 2105. The bonds were added to an existing $300 million 6% debt issue due 2105, which the company first sold in 2005. A bond analyst at Tidal Insurance (Tidal), has heard that the original issue of this century bond was to be $100 million, and it seemed that strong investor demand pushed NSC, to increase the total amount to $250 million. He has to decide whether Tidal should include the NSC bond in its bond portfolio. Excerpt UVA-F-1733 Rev. Aug. 13, 2015 Norfolk Southern Corporation—Century Bonds On Tuesday, August 24, 2010, Fred Vera was drinking a cup of coffee when he picked up the Financial Times and saw the news. Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC), a railway operator headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, was issuing a $ 250 million bond with coupon of 6% and a maturity in 2105. The bonds were added to an existing $ 300 million 6% debt issue due 2105 that the company first sold in 2005. He immediately saw a potential investment opportunity and started thinking of the advantages of this century bond for his firm. Vera, a bond analyst at Tidal Insurance (Tidal), had heard that the original issue of this century bond was to be $ 100million, and it seemed that strong investor demand pushed NSC, to increase the total amount to $ 250 million. He had to decide whether Tidal, a regional life insurance company, should include the NSC bond in its bond portfolio. Norfolk Southern Corporation One of the leaders in the transportation industry, NSC controlled a major freight railroad, Norfolk Southern Railway, which operated approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia. It ran the most extensive intermodal network (freight transportation by a combination of train and truck) in the eastern half of the United States. It transported coal and industrial products through its Triple Crown Services unit. Exhibit 1 shows Norfolk Southern Railway's system network. Other businesses in which NSC participated included commercial real estate development, sales and leasing of rail property and equipment, and leasing and management of coal, oil, gas, and other minerals. . . .

Influence of subclinical magnesium deficiency in the antenatal period on mineral and energy management during early lactation

Magnesium (Mg) is an activator of more than three hundred enzymes and a cofactor in the synthesis and release of hormones. Currently, magnesium deficiency occurs in dairy cows most frequently in a subclinical form, with symptoms limited to decreased appetite and decreased milk yield. The study included 50 cows, which were diagnosed with magnesium deficiency in the antenatal period. In group I (n = 25), increased supplementation was not applied; in group II (n = 25) the intake of Mg was increased by a 7% magnesium supplement. The control group consisted of 25 healthy cows. Blood samples for tests were taken 2 weeks prepartum, as well as 1 and 2 weeks postnatally, to determine the concentrations of: total magnesium (Mg), total calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (Pn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), total bilirubin (tB), total protein (TP), glucose (Glu) and cholesterol (TC), as well as the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP). In group I, the highest number of cows with decreased appetite and postpartum weakness were identified, which exhibited the lowest rate of increase in milk production and a significantly lower mean blood calcium concentration. The highest mean concentrations of tB and decreases TC and Glu concentrations were also recorded in this group. Our studies confirm the need to monitor mineral deficiencies not only during lactation, but also before delivery, as well as the effectiveness of an appropriate prophylactic regimen based on oral administration of magnesium preparations which cause the least biochemical changes in blood. The lack of supplementation in the subclinical form of antenatal Mg deficiency may cause severe gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders in the postnatal period.

Concurrent Decommissioning Method Enables Safer, Lower-Cost Process

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper OTC 26867, “Decommissioning-Process Optimization Methodology,” by G.L. Siems, SPE, Petroleum Asset Retirement Specialists, prepared for the 2016 Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 2–5 May. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2016 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission. With regulatory pressure and the cost of decommissioning increasing, many operators are seeking new and better decommissioning methods that could get more work done safely and at a lower cost. New technologies have made possible a new, optimized decommissioning methodology. The size and capabilities of a newly designed and constructed liftboat allowed a departure from the traditional method of performing decommissioning work steps sequentially to a new method of performing the majority of work steps concurrently. Introduction A government study and subsequent safety alert following the severe hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 that toppled 123 structures and 800 wells in the US Gulf of Mexico outer continental shelf prompted the US Minerals Management Service to recommend that “operators … review and evaluate their inventory of nonproducing wells and facilities to determine the future utility of these structures and the level of threat posed to the environment and human safety should a facility experience a catastrophic loss.” Following another severe hurricane season in 2008, when another 200 wells and 54 structures were damaged or toppled, the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Regulation and Enforcement issued Notice to Lessees (NTL) No. 2010-G05, commonly referred to as the “Idle-Iron NTL.” This NTL, for the first time, provided decommissioning guidance for wells and structures on active leases reaching far beyond the decommissioning requirements codified into law that only required decommissioning within 1 year of lease expiration or lease relinquishment. The newly issued guidelines specified the maximum number of years that wells and structures were allowed to remain idle before they had to be decommissioned and removed. Lease operators now had to decommission and remove wells and structures no longer useful for oil and gas production as soon as possible but no later than 5 years after cessation of production. Offshore oil-and-gas-facility decom-missioning activities are inherently hazardous because they often involve workers performing various tasks in, on, and around oil and gas wells, platforms, and production facilities that have no future utility for hydrocarbon production. Some of these facilities may have been idle for many years and could be in various stages of decomposition, depending on their age and the level of maintenance per-formed over their life time. A new, optimized decommissioning methodology was made possible through the use of a newly designed and constructed 335-ft-class self-elevating, self-propelled liftboat. The size and working capabilities of this new vessel allowed a departure from the traditional method of performing decommissioning work steps sequentially to a new method of performing the majority of work steps concurrently.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Process for Sustainable Mining and Mineral Management Development

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process can be broadly defined as a study of the impacts of a proposed project, plan, project, policy or legislative action on the environment and sustainability. SEA process has been aimed to incorporate environmental and sustainability factors into mining and mineral (MM) project planning and decision making (MMPPDM) process. Sustainable MM development is a kind of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability and efficacy of future generations to meet their own MM needs. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process can be defined as the systematic study of the potential impacts (effects) of proposed MM projects, plans, programs, policies or legislative actions relative to the physical-chemical, biological, cultural, and socio-economic components of the total environmental product life cycle. The primary purpose of the EIA process is to encourage the consideration of the environment in MMPPDM process and to arrive at actions that are environmentally compatible. MMPP-DM process should include the integrated consideration of technical or engineering, economic, environmental, safety, and health, social and sustainability factors to achieve business excellence. The objective of the study is to conceptualize SEA process for the MM sector based on fifteen number of sustainable detailed project reports (DPRs) submitted by the extension learners of Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Business Management (DEBM)...

Sustaining the developmental state and moving towards a developed state in Botswana

ABSTRACTAfrican countries that emerged from colonialism as poor then adopted developmental states to direct their economic development. Using an interpretivist research philosophy, a survey research strategy and document analysis, this descripto-explanatory article asks two research questions: how did the developmental state emerge in Botswana; and how can Botswana sustain the developmental state and, subsequently, move beyond it and graduate into the ranks of high-income developed states? The article finds that the poor state of underdevelopment at independence in September 1966 forced the choice of a developmental state into the hands of Botswana. Furthermore, the discovery of high-value minerals, particularly diamonds, coupled with a prudent mineral management policy, helped Botswana to finance a development state. The article further argues that for Botswana to move beyond the development state, there is a need to adopt initiatives such as mainstreaming the developed state ideal into Vision 2036 and National Development Plan 11.

Reformation in mining sector: a national perspective

The Indian mining reform (IMR) adopted by the government in 2015 reflects a paradigm shift from a first-come-first basis resource development model anchored on extractivism (Extractivism generally refers to an economic model centred on the large-scale removal (or ‘extraction’) of natural resources for the purposes of exporting raw materials) to one in which mineral resources are harnessed through e-auction and which would enable to accelerate broad-based development and build resilient, diversified and competitive sectorial economies. The reform is premised on a broad understanding of value beyond mineral revenues and management of mining through a transparent digital technologically driven process. The IMR calls for strong economic and social linkages between the extractive sector and other sectors of the local economy as evidenced by the share of wealth that is retained locally and higher levels of value addition and local content. The successful implementation of the IMR requires strong and well-coordinated institutions and coherent and well-administered policies and regulatory frameworks pitched broadly at a country-wide level that concurrently would enable building multi-stakeholder platforms for dialogue and decision-making. This paper discusses the mining reforms in India as an instrument that would facilitate implementation of Make in India, Digital India, Clean India, Skill India and Sab ka sath sab ka vikash programmes as envisaged by the government of the day.

Introduction to the Special Issue: An Overview of the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative

Prior to the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) incident on April 20, 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico, the state of knowledge concerning oil in the sea was well summarized by the third National Research Council report (National Research Council, 2003). Since that report was published, several ongoing studies have examined spills in cold and shallow waters, for example, Peterson et al. (2003) and Wiens (2013) on the legacies and lessons of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Oil exploration and production has moved further offshore and into much deeper water in recent decades. The DWH/Macondo blowout occurred in water over 1,000 m deep, in a relatively warm near-surface water environment, and in a region where naturally occurring seeps of oil are also common. Despite ongoing general oceanographic research in the Gulf of Mexico, establishment of ocean observing systems, and several programs funded by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM, formerly Minerals Management Service), prior knowledge of oceanography in the Gulf proved to be inadequate, and not fully appropriate, for this unprecedented event, as observations in the vicinity of the spill rapidly demonstrated (see Overton et al. and Passow and Hetland in this issue). Major environmental events like the DWH spill trigger a legal process called Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) that brings together federal agencies, states, and Native American tribes to evaluate the impacts of the event on natural resources, in this case, along the nation’s coast. Because there were legal and procedural constraints on resulting field programs, data collection, and other research by US federal government agencies and their contractors as well as on BP investigations, a major program of independent scientific investigations was urgently needed. Fortunately, BP quickly established the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) to address this knowledge deficit, and GoMRI has been able to support unfettered and independent research (see Colwell). This article provides an overview of the science undertaken by the GoMRI program and its management.

Addressing environmental impact assessment challenges in Pacific island countries for effective management of deep sea minerals activities

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is an important instrument for management of deep sea minerals (DSM) activities in the Pacific islands region. However, effective EIA application is likely to be impeded by four challenges common among Pacific island countries: (1) human resource shortfalls; (2) insufficient quality control exercised over EIA reports; (3) weak compliance monitoring and enforcement; and (4) low levels of public engagement and participation in EIA. This paper identifies options for addressing the challenges, to improve EIA implementation and to ensure DSM activities are subject to appropriate regulation and oversight. Risks may be faced if the challenges are not addressed, including, failure to meet environmental management and governance obligations; loss of confidence in the regulatory system; environmental harm; and discouragement of sustainable development and investment. Pacific island countries that choose to engage with the DSM sector must apply EIA rigorously and continually work at improving their EIA systems, if they seek to maximise positive development outcomes and to minimise adverse effects on other marine users and values.

Organic and mineral fertilization management improvements to a double-annual cropping system under humid Mediterranean conditions

Abstract The efficient use by crops of nitrogen from manures is an agronomic and environmental issue, mainly in double-annual forage cropping systems linked to livestock production. A six-year trial was conducted for a biennial rotation of four forage crops: oat-sorghum (first year) and ryegrass-maize (second year) in a humid Mediterranean area. Ten fertilization treatments were introduced: a control (without N); two minerals equivalent to 250 kg N ha −1 year −1 applied at sowing or as sidedressing; dairy cattle manure at a rate of 170, 250 and 500 kg N ha −1 year −1 and four treatments where the two lowest manure rates were supplemented with 80 or 160 kg mineral N ha −1 year −1 . They were distributed according to a randomized block design with three blocks. The highest N mineral soil content was found in the summer of the third rotation, in plots where no manure was applied. The yearly incorporation of manure reduced, in successive cropping seasons, the amount of additional mineral N needed as sidedressing to achieve the highest yields. Besides, in the last two years, there was no need for mineral N application for the manure rate of 250 kg N ha −1 year −1 . This amount always covered the oat-sorghum N uptake. In the ryegrass-maize sequence uptakes were as high as 336 kg N ha −1 year −1 . In the medium term, the intermediate manure rate (250 kg N ha −1 year −1 ) optimizes nutrient recycling within the farming system, and it should be considered in the analysis of thresholds for N of organic origin to be applied to systems with high N demand.

Effect of Mineral and Organic Nutrient Management on Sweet Corn Production System in Acid Lateritic Soil of India

Introduction: Nutrient management plays a key role in improving crop yield with maintenance of soil fertility for sustainable production in intensive cropping. Aim: A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic and mineral sources of fertilizer on yield and quality of sweet corn grown in acid laterite soil of India during the years 2009 and 2010. Materials and Methods: The organic inputs were vermicompost (VC), vermiwash (VW), biofertilizer (BF), and crop residue (CR) and the inorganic input was mineral fertilizer. Results: Optimal application of N, P, and K (100% recommended dose) either through organic source or mineral source was significantly superior to their suboptimal dose in increasing the yield of sweet corn, wherein mineral fertilizer recorded maximum production. Between organic and mineral sources of fertilizer application, ascorbic acid and total phenolics content of sweet corm were higher in organic nutrient management. The ascorbic acid was higher by 133% in VC100 and 37% in VC50 + CF50 compared to mineral (CF100) treatment. But crude protein content was low by 13.5% in VC100 and 2.9% in VC50 + CF50, respectively, as compared to CF100 treatment. Organic carbon content and pH of the acid lateritic soil were improved in organic nutrient management as compared to mineral fertilizer. Conclusion: Organic fertilizer application, therefore, exhibited potential in improving sweet corn yield and quality and soil health in acid lateritic soil of the subtropical climate.

Extending the application of PAS 55/ ISO 55 000 to mineral asset management

Extending the application of PAS 55/ ISO 55 000 to mineral asset management

Multinational observational study on clinical practices and therapeutic management of mineral and bone disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 4, 5, and 5D: The OCEANOS study.

Our aim is to assess the current clinical practices in monitoring and treatment patterns of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-mineral bone disorder and the degree to which these practices met the kidney disease improving global outcome (KDIGO) guidelines. This was an international, multi-center, cross-sectional, observational study in adult patients diagnosed with CKD Stages 4, 5, and 5D. Patients were enrolled from Middle East, South Asia, Eurasia, and Africa; patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) or with any medical/surgical conditions precluding their participation were excluded. Frequency of measurements, levels of serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus and parathormone (parathyroid hormone [PTH], and presence vascular/valvular calcification were recorded. Of the 2250 patients enrolled, data on 2247 patients were evaluated. Overall, only a small percentage of patients met all three target KDIGO ranges of serum Ca, phosphorus, and PTH (13.7% [95% confidence interval: 12.0; 15.4], with a higher proportion among CKD Stage 5D patients (14.8%) than CKD Stage 4 and 5 (5.6%) patients. Majority (84.3%) of the patients received treatment with phosphorous binders, of whom 85.5% received Ca-based phosphate binders. Overall, 57.0% of patients received Vitamin D treatment with a similar frequency among patients with CKD Stages 4, 5, and 5D. Over half (65.7%) of the patients were screened for vascular/valvular calcification; of these, 58.8% had ≥1 calcification. Diabetes status, P, PTH, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol had significant impact on the prescription pattern of phosphorous binders. The current practices for the management of bone and mineral metabolism in CKD patients in the study region fall far short of meeting the KDIGO target range.

Geoscience Education in an Irish Context: A Need for Research

Perception and understanding of geoscience in Ireland by non-geoscientists have not been studied in depth, and an improvement in understanding how geoscience is perceived and engaged with will have significant impact on Ireland’s ability to meet a range of challenges, including hotly debated geoscience issues such as fossil fuel dependency, raw mineral management, water security, and shale gas extraction (particularly fracking). Geoscience plays an important role in society, and the understanding of geoscience of an average Irish person will be based on formal education (at primary and secondary level) and informal education through public outreach and news media. Geoscience is expanding in formal education and informal education is increasingly delivered online. Geoscience education in Ireland has not been studied in detail, and a better understanding of the state of geoscience education could improve connections between geoscientists and non-geoscientists. This paper discusses the scope of potential research into geoscience education in Ireland that could and should be undertaken in order to best understand and describe the state of geoscience education, and geoscience in society. Mixed-method research should be undertaken to study geoscience education at multiple levels and targeting multiple publics. This research into the state of geoscience education in Ireland would be valuable, to geoscientists and educators.