Mine Workings Research Articles

Challenging the myth of women's empowerment: Mining development and commercial sex in a Zambian town

Commercial sex and mining have long been interwoven. With the spread of neoliberal capitalism, social relations around the mine site have become increasingly commodified. This ethnographic study examines the experiences of female sex workers in the mining town of Solwezi, Zambia. Women's stories offer insight into the lives of those excluded from the conventional women's economic empowerment narrative that has been widely adopted by the mining industry and what this means for their wellbeing and health. Despite the rhetoric, economic empowerment is not easily attained and women often remain heavily reliant on mine workers given limited and unequal opportunities within the labour market. In Solwezi, women who have been abandoned by a mine-working husband may find that sex work is the one opportunity available to them. Alternatively, women have migrated from across the country to participate in commercial sex work in Solwezi. Men, especially mine workers with twice-monthly pay cheques, have become a sought-after commodity, by both sex workers and wives. This has increased their power in their relationships, entrenches inequality, and increases the potential for abuse in these relationships. Despite these dynamics, sex working women continue to be neglected in Solwezi and by the broader development community. When they are considered, generally attention is directed towards HIV prevention. These interventions fail to consider the complex social, political, and economic context that can affect women's living and working conditions.

The adverse effects of mining pollutants on oral mucosa in Bellary district: A clinical and genotoxicity study.

The Bellary district in Karnataka, rich in mineral resources, is a major mining industry, but prolonged exposure to mining can lead to health hazards. The study aims to assess the genotoxic impact of mining pollutants on mine workers using the micro-nucleus (MN) assay. Cross-sectional study. A total of 250 individuals (198 males and 52 females) working in mining areas were examined, and their oral findings were recorded in a proforma. For the micro-nucleus assay, buccal smears from 30 individuals working in mining areas with habits, 30 individuals working in mining areas without habits, and 30 individuals residing in non-mining areas (control group) were selected. Smears were stained with Giemsa stain to identity and quantify the MNs. The frequency of oral mucosal problems among 250 persons working in mining regions was 170 (68.0%) with no oral mucosal conditions, 79 (32.6%) with oral mucosal conditions, 25 (10%) with leukoplakia, 1 (0.4%) with lichen planus, and 8 (3.2%) with ulcerations. Acute necrotising gingivitis was reported in one person (0.4%), candidiasis in two (0.8%), abscess in two (0.8%), OSMF in 39 (15.6%), and oral cancer in two (0.8%). The mean MN count was 2.40 + 1.57 in mine employees with habits, 2.18 + 1.25 in mine workers without habits, and 1.40 + 0.55 in normal healthy controls. Reduced occupational health risks brought on by exposure to mining contaminants require protective measures. After being exposed to mining pollutants, exfoliated buccal mucosal cells can be examined for genotoxicity.

Influence of water flow on the strength characteristics of rocks of the Lovosersk rare metal deposit

Data on the flow of water into the mine workings of the Karnasurt mine, which mines two concordant ore deposits of the Lovozero rare metal deposit, are considered. Statistical processing of the volumes of water collected by the mine over the past 4 years was carried out, with an assessment of the dynamics during the calendar year. Features associated with calendar climate changes have been identified. The main goal of the work was to assess the influence of water inflows on the strength characteristics of the rocks that make up the supporting pillars. Analysis and calculations of sedimentation within the mining allotment of the mine and the emerging water inflows into the mine workings were carried out, and they were compared with actual data on mine water. Samples of the most representative rocks of the deposit were selected and tested for compressive and tensile strength in dry and water-saturated states. The obtained data are presented in tabular form and in diagrams. Quantitative indicators of changes in the strength characteristics of rocks due to water saturation have been determined. A recommendation is given on the need to take into account the identified dependencies when calculating the stability of both supporting pillars and rock outcrops in the workings of the Karnasurt mine, which are subject to abundant water wetting.

Simulation of human breathing gas exchange for the ventilation regulation study

The chemoreflex control of breathing plays a major role in human lung ventilation adjustment in response to metabolic demands and CO2, O2 partial pressure changes in the inhaled air. The extreme conditions, e.g. emergency work in mines or deep-sea diving, space flights, can change the respiratory system reaction to CO2 and O2. The study of the relevant respiratory system characteristics is an important fundamental and practical task. One of the convenient ways of research is mathematical simulation, which allows to reduce the number of experiments in extreme conditions or experiments for the personal protective equipment testing, as well as to forecast the estimated time of effective human work in such conditions. The model describes the dynamics of the gas content in the 3 compartments of the biological system and the external environment represented by the 4th compartment. The external environment can be limited by the volume of the device to which a person is connected, or by the volume of a closed hermetic object, or represented by a sufficiently large volume, conditionally being an atmosphere with appropriate parameters. A mathematical model of the breathing gas exchange with the external environment (the atmosphere or any other limited space) is presented. It is the first time, the simulation results of breathing at rest, during hyperventilation and rebreathing tests are presented, including gas dynamics in the pulmonary and tissue compartments, as well as in the brain compartment. Hypercapnia ventilation reaction during rebreathing tests with a hyperoxic - hypercapnic gas mixtures and different rebreathing bags in comparison with stationary methods of breathing control study. Verification of the model by simulation results with the literature data comparison showed the simulation model’s adequacy. A sensitivity table of the simulation model behavior in response to parameters changes is presented.

Fundamentals of forecasting explosive gas accumulation formation in working areas of coal mines

This article presents a methodological approach to solving the problem of predicting local methane accumulations in order to prevent occupational injuries resulting from explosions of methane-air mixtures. On the basis of the analysis of accidents that occurred in coal mines and industrial injuries of miners (mine workers) it is established that the leading role belongs to explosions of methane-air mixtures. The method/methodology considered in the article is based on a comprehensive analysis, first of all, of both mining and geological and other influencing factors and conditions of operating mines of the Pechersk coal basin, as well as aerogas-dynamic processes of mass transfer of air flows in mine workings. The assumption about influence of mining equipment on the process of formation of methane accumulation sites is made. The algorithm of consecutive actions of managerial engineering and technical personnel to reduce industrial injuries is proposed. The developed algorithm implies the use of applied software for modelling aerogas-dynamic processes in the mining excavation operating region. FlowVision and ANSYS Fluent application software packages were selected to determine the methane accumulation locations based on the analysis of existing application programmes.

Relationship between Blood Lead Levels and Anemia: A Cross‐Sectional Study on Mining Workers from Peru

Relationship between Blood Lead Levels and Anemia: A Cross‐Sectional Study on Mining Workers from Peru

Modelling the probability of roof fall using digital tools

Information on rock mass characteristics, encompassing the overall quality of the rock masses and various geological parameters, is crucial in mining operations. This data guides the selection of mining techniques and the design of roof control methods to minimize the risk of flaking. However, the lithology of roof rocks is often so variable that predicting their behaviour, especially when disturbed by mining activities, is challenging. The study begins with a detailed review of existing literature on roof fall mechanisms and predictive modelling techniques. It was described the dataset used, which includes geological, environmental, and operational parameters collected from various mining sites. This article outlines a methodology for conducting detailed studies of the lithology of coal seam roof rocks in roadways and longwalls as mining progresses. According to the research, forecasting the extent of roof rock fall during the planning stage of mining operations can inform the implementation of appropriate countermeasures to minimize this phenomenon before exploitation begins, thereby significantly reducing ongoing mining costs. Block modelling and stratigraphic (mesh) modelling were employed to predict the volume of rockfall that could contaminate the ore in the analysed mining plot. In the future, this proposed methodology could be used to analyse the progression of roof falls, estimate the mass of falling roof rocks, and calibrate a system for continuous measurement of ore quality in mine workings.

Intoxication in a Colombian mercury mine: Aranzazu, 1948-1975.

This study analyzes the activities, poisoning, and medical treatment of the "La Esperanza" mercury mine workers in Aranzazu (Caldas, Colombia) between 1948 and 1975. The mining work there was difficult due to the geological instability of the area and the use of inappropriate mining technology, which generated a high occurrence of poisoning manifested in tremors of limbs, bleeding gums, loss of teeth, and bad mouth odor. The mine was the first Colombian company to treat its poisoned workers with dimercaprol and penicillamine. Occupational toxicology in Colombia was thus born during one of the most significant occupational health disasters in the country.

XXIII CPSYS Interdisciplinary Topics in Mining, Geology and Geomatics

13-15 JUNE 2023 | WROCLAW, POLAND HYBRID EVENT The title of the Conference XXIII Conference of PhD Students and Young Scientists “Interdisciplinary topics in mining, geology and geomatics” The location and the date of the conference hybrid event – online and onsite conference, 13th to 15th June, 2023 in Wroclaw, Poland XXIIIrd Conference of PhD Students and Young Scientists “Interdisciplinary topics in mining, geology and geomatics” continues a series of events that started in 2000 at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. Scientific programme of the Conference focuses on four thematic panels:1. Mining Engineering: sustainable development, digitalisation in mining, problems of securing, protecting and using remnants of old mining works, underground mining, open-pit mining, mineral processing, waste management, mining machinery, mine transport, economics in mining, mining aeronautics, ventilation and air conditioning in mines2. Earth and Space Sciences: geology, hydrogeology, environmental protection, extraterrestrial resources, groundwater and medicinal waters, engineering and environmental protection, geotourism3. Geoengineering: environmental protection, applied geotechnics, rock and soil mechanics, geohazards4. Geoinformation: mining geodesy, GIS, photogrammetry and remote sensing, geodata modeling and analysis.The XXIII Conference of PhD Students and Young Scientists was held as a hybrid event, that is as a traditional onsite conference with the possibility in on-line participation in real-time.The XXIII Conference of PhD Students and Young Scientists took place in 13th to 15th June, 2023 in Wroclaw, Poland. Because the conference focused on four thematic panels, four different special opening lectures were delivered by wellknown scientists:- Professor Tim Wright (University of Leeds, England)- Professor Rubén Galindo-Aires (Technical University of Madrid, Spain)- Professor Przemysław B. Kowalczuk (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway)- Dr. Jakub Ciążela (Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland).The Conference was divided into 7 oral sessions (with 29 presentations) and 1 poster session (with 40 posters). The amount of time provided to one presentation was 15 minutes, after presentation there was 5 minutes available for discussion. The poster session was available throughout the event, and the posters were available for online viewing on the Conference’s website with the possibility of make discussion and ask questions in real time via zoom meeting application as well.During this year’s Conference, Organizing Committee has prepared a unique opportunity to participate in onsite workshop. The aim of the workshop was to familiarize participants with the capabilities of ArcGIS Pro software in utilizing Deep Learning tools. They were learning how to create training samples, train models, and use them for their research.List of Scientific Committee, Organizing Committee Editorial Team are available in this Pdf.

Use of laser scanning and 3D software in mining design

The article presents the results of laser scanning measurements in horizontal and vertical headings of copper ore mines in Poland. Laser scanners are used primarily for the inventorying of large chambers or workings that are difficult to access. The point clouds obtained from the measurements are processed in CAD programmes, the study then examined examples of their use in underground mining. The examples included the use of scans for modernisation projects and for designing new mine workings. This paper explores the integration of laser scanning and 3D software as a powerful toolset for enhancing various aspects of mining design. Through the accurate capture of spatial data using laser scanning technologies, detailed representations of mining environments can be generated, enabling engineers to create precise digital models of underground workings, open-pit mines, and associated infrastructure. Furthermore, the integration of 3D software facilitates the manipulation and analysis of this captured data, allowing for the development of comprehensive design solutions. By leveraging the capabilities of 3D modelling and simulation tools, mining engineers can conduct virtual assessments of proposed designs, identify potential risks and inefficiencies, and optimize operational layouts to maximize productivity and safety. This paper reviews the methodologies and applications of laser scanning and 3D software in mining design, highlighting their contributions to key aspects such as geological modelling, slope stability analysis, ventilation planning, and equipment optimization.

Main objectives of the strategy, as well as motivations for the transformation of hard coal mining in Poland

Purpose: in the cognitive space, the article focuses on the issue of dynamically growing social awareness of the impact of hard coal on climate change - which determines the need to implement a strategy to abandon this raw material. The authors of the article also point out that in connection with this process - as the world strives for sustainable and more ecological development - the transformation of the hard coal mining sector becomes an inevitable challenge. Methodology: the theses presented in the article were verified using the following methods: literature review, critical analysis of literature, analysis and comparison of documents and an example of good practices. Resultat: properly managing the transformation of the hard coal mining sector is key to ensuring that it delivers long-term social and economic benefits - while minimizing the negative impact of the transformation on mining communities and workers in the hard coal mining sector. Therefore, a holistic approach is important in this space, taking into account the ecological, economic, political and social context of transformation. Originality: the transformation of mining is necessary due to the sustainable development goals, environmental protection and the fight against climate change. It is also a political challenge that requires well-thought-out investments, policies and regulations to minimize the negative socio-economic effects of the transformation and to use the development potential of the transformed areas in all their dimensions. Keywords: mining, strategy, transforming.

Специфика кадрового комплектования советского акционерного общества «Висмут»: материалы переписки аппарата Первого главного управления при Совете министров СССР и парторганизаций Свердловского обкома ВКП(б) в 1949 г.

The publication introduces into scientific use correspondence of the deputy head of the First Main Directorate (PGU, executing agency of the Soviet nuclear project) under the Council of Ministers of the USSR P. Ya. Meshik with the party organizations of the Sverdlovsk Regional Committee of the AUCP (B) on the issue of recruitment for work abroad. The analysis of references to the resolutions of the Council of Ministers known to researchers establishes that the Soviet Joint-Stock Company “Wismut” located in Germany recruited mining engineers and specialists in the field of geological exploration. Its subordinates were engaged in search and development of uranium deposits in the Soviet zone of occupation of Germany. A raw material base for extraction and processing of uranium-containing ores was formed for implementation of the Soviet nuclear weapons program in the second half of the 1940s. For reasons of state secrecy, researchers are still significantly limited in access to archival documents on the history of the nuclear project. Thus, introduction into scientific use of new historical sources related to the project implementation already seems sufficiently relevant and high-demand scientific task. In this case, it is a selection of five documents deposited in the materials of the Sverdlovsk City Committee of the AUCP (B) Documentation Center of Public Organizations of the Sverdlovsk Region associated with the mass recruitment of mining and exploration workers entrusted to the Sverdlovsk Regional Committee of the AUCP (B) in spring of 1949 in the interests of the nuclear project. At the direction of the Regional Committee (obkom), the Sverdlovsk City Committee selected a number of necessary specialists, and the First Main Directorate began their registration for work abroad. In the autumn of 1949, a request came from the PGU about expediency of such transfer for one of the selected specialists. Doubts were caused by minor flaws indicated in his generally positive characteristic. Responding to the request, the city committee withdrew its decision. The introduction of the identified documents collection into scientific use is due to two reasons. Firstly, at the grassroots stage, it fixes the recruitment system for the Soviet nuclear project, which has been little studied up to date. Secondly, on a hypothetical level, it can be considered an illustration of a mechanism of evasion from mobilization into the atomic project system, which frightened many specialists with its obscurity.

Environmental and economic efficiency of the implementation of production modernization programs

In the context of increasing environmental pollution, enterprises must be aware of their responsibility to society and conduct effective environmental activities in order to protect ecosystems and public health. Metallurgical enterprises occupy an important place in the country’s economy, creating the necessary basis for the development of production. But the technological processes of mining and processing of ore minerals have a significant negative impact on the environment. The paper gives a systematic assessment of the impact of mining and metallurgical enterprises on the environment, considers the impact of copper-nickel production on the atmosphere. Possible environmental initiatives of the industry enterprises are considered using the example of MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC. The calculation of the prevented damage to the environment, expected as a result of the implementation of environmental initiatives, was carried out. Efficient work of mining and metallurgical enterprises in the field of environmental protection will provide a significant economic effect at the enterprises and the state level.

Vitamin D status in connection with VDR and GC genes polymorphism in coal mining workers

Vitamin D is a unique compound that can enter the human body not only with food, but also be synthesized in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Individual differences in the need for this vitamin may be associated with the carriage of polymorphic variants of genes that implement its biological effects, which include VDR BsmI C>T (rs1544410), VDR TaqI A>G (rs731236) and GC rs2282679 T>G. At risk for vitamin D deficiency are workers in the coal mining industry, whose working conditions combine limited insolation and a pronounced deficiency of vitamins in the diet. The purpose of the study was to assess vitamin D plasma level in coal mining workers depending on the carriage of polymorphic variants of the VDR BsmI C>T (rs1544410), VDR TaqI A>G (rs731236) and GC rs2282679 T>G genes and professional working conditions. Material and methods. The study included 154 coal mining workers. The main group consisted of 100 workers associated with the underground nature of work, the comparison group - 54 ground workers of the enterprise. In all individuals, the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in blood plasma was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and genotyping was performed for three polymorphic loci: VDR rs1544410, rs731236, GC rs2282679 by real-time PCR. Results. A statistically significant decrease in the concentration of plasma vitamin D in the underground workers was revealed, compared with the level of this vitamin in ground workers of the enterprise (p=0.037). Underground workers - carriers of the CT genotype of the VDR rs1544410 gene, AG of the VDR rs731236 gene and TT of the GC rs2282679 gene had a lower 25(OH)D level in blood plasma compared to owners of similar genotype variants in the comparison group (p<0.05). Among ground workers, carriers of the TT genotype of the GC rs2282679 gene had a significantly higher vitamin D plasma level compared to carriers of the TG and GG genotypes (p=0.02). An association of the GC gene with vitamin D level in blood plasma was revealed according to a dominant model of inheritance (OR=0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.97; p=0.037, for owners of the TT genotype, compared with carriers of the TG+GG genotypes). Conclusion. The development of personalized diets based on individual genetic status may be of great importance for the prevention of diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency in individuals at risk.

Investigating of mining accidents involving trapped mine workers: A human factors-based method for analysis and classification (a case study of an illegal gold mining in banyumas, indonesia)

The number of illegal mining sites in Indonesia is estimated to be around 2.700, with the number of mining accidents reaching 104 in the period 2013-2021. The number of accidents is high and often causes fatalities. This research focuses on reactivating illegal mining in Pancurendang as a source of livelihood for the local community. We focused on analyzing the causes of the trapping of 8 miners in Pancurendang Mine. It revealed more than 110 mining pits, with 30 active mining pits in the mine. The methodology we used was the Human Factor Analysis Classification System (HFACS) framework to process the data. Data collection was conducted by direct observation at the incident site, interviews with miners and the national rescue agency, as well as a comprehensive literature review. Improvements were proposed in a hierarchical analysis based on the HFACS Framework. The analysis showed that the incident was caused by several factors, such as skill-based error, physical environment, absence of supervisor, organizational physics and societal. The results of this study highlight the need for the development of professional mine organizations, safer working environments and responsibility for safety in small-scale gold mining, and provide valuable insights in the development of geotechnical engineering.

Assessment of contour deformations of reused mine workings

Assessment of contour deformations of reused mine workings

A kind of Coal Mines Use Emergency Lighting Equipment on the Coal Mining Working Surface Practice and Application

A kind of Coal Mines Use Emergency Lighting Equipment on the Coal Mining Working Surface Practice and Application

A complex method for preventing collisions between mining equipment and personnel in mine conditions

The article provides an analysis of low-frequency and high-frequency methods for determining the distance between mobile equipment and personnel for the purpose of preventing collisions in difficult mine conditions. The authors assessed the influence of the geology of mine workings, the earth’s surface and transport on the electromagnetic field of the VLF, LF and C range. From the analysis, a combined design solution was derived for determining the distance in surface and underground mining conditions. The proposed methods for registering the proximity of objects compensate for each other’s vulnerabilities and make it possible to implement an integrated approach to preventing collisions of mining equipment with personnel.

Deformation of Gas-Bearing Rocks and Gas Filtration During Excavation of Mine Workings

Deformation of Gas-Bearing Rocks and Gas Filtration During Excavation of Mine Workings

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ДЕФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ВЛАСТИВОСТЕЙ ОХОРОННИХ СПОРУД ІЗ ПОДРІБНЕНОЇ ПОРОДИ В УМОВАХ СТАТИЧНОГО НАВАНТАЖЕННЯ

Purpose. Investigate the deformation properties of structures made of ground rock under static load conditions to preserve the integrity of the side rocks in the produced space of the coal massif and the operational state of the preparatory mine workings along the length of the excavation site. Methodology. In laboratory conditions, experimental samples of protective structures made of ground rock of heterogeneous granulometric composition were subjected to static loading under conditions of uniaxial and compression compression. Results. It was experimentally established that under the conditions of uniaxial compression of protective structures made of ground rock with the possibility of its lateral expansion, the effect of forming the bearing capacity is manifested in the relative change of the volume of the embedded material in the range of values , when, after increasing the relative deformation, the resistance reaches the maximum compaction of the rock . In such conditions, it is necessary to ensure the stability of the bearing pillar of the embedded material. During compressive compression of crushed rock, such an effect is achieved in conditions where the relative change in the volume of the embedded material is . After maximum compaction , the resistance of protective structures increases. Scientific novelty. The type of functional dependence between the relative deformation is established protective structures made of crushed rock and relative volume of the embedded material under static load under uniaxial and compressive compression, which allows to evaluate the bearing capacity of flexible supports. Practical significance. In order to assess the stability of protective structures made of crushed rock, which are in different compression conditions during the unloading of coal massif, it is necessary to take into account the compaction coefficient of the original material and the longitudinal deformation of the support under load. Keywords: coal massif, guard building, ground rock, uniaxial compression, compressive compression.