Mine Site Research Articles

Exploring the influence of ground-dwelling ant bioturbation activity on physico-chemical, biological properties and heavy metal pollution in coal mine spoil

Coal mining activities increase the soil concentrations of heavy metals manifold thus impacting soil health and biodiversity. The understanding of the impact of bioturbation activities by ant colonies on soil in coal mine spoil site across different restoration ages is not studied. The study aimed to investigate the influence of bioturbation activities by two most common and distinct coal mine site inhabiting ant species (C. compressus and C. longipedem) at six different ages (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 years old) on the soil heavy metal concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr, pH, OM, TC, TN, soil enzyme activity of DH, ACP, β-glucosidase and proteases properties of soil. Soil samples were collected from opencast coalmine spoils during October and November 2017. Reference (Ref.) soil samples (n=10 per site) were collected (from area adjacent to ant nest colony approximately 2–5 m distance) from a depth of 0–15 cm and ant nest debris soil of each ant species (n=10 per site) were collected from each site. Heavy metal pollution decreased and pH, OM, TC, TN and soil enzyme activity of DH, ACP, β-glucosidase and proteases of soil in both Ref. soil and ant nest debris soil increases with the increase of mine site restoration age. Our study revealed that different age of the mine spoil have more profound effects on the soil quality and heavy metal content. Contrary to our hypothesis, regression analysis did not support our notion that ant bioturbation activity directly accelerate heavy metal breakdown. Instead, our findings suggests that ant colonies prefer to construct their nest for the locations with lower heavy metal concentrations and higher enzyme activity and increase in soil porosity is a key factor behind the low heavy metal concentration in the nest debris soil.

Electrochemical Behavior of Natural Manganese Oxides: Transforming Mining Waste into Energy Storage Materials

The present research explores the potential of manganese oxide waste ore in energy storage applications, focusing on supercapacitors. The investigation assesses the electrochemical capabilities of natural manganese oxides obtained from the Drama region, which has been the main mining center of Greece for manganese ore, especially that of battery-grade quality. Samples were collected from abandoned mining sites in the Kato Nevrokopi area, Drama. The structure and composition of the manganese minerals were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrochemical tests involved the preparation of electrodes using natural nsutite and heat-treated nsutite (hausmannite). Then, the designed electrodes were subjected to cyclic voltammetry tests and charge–discharge measurements. The hausmannite electrode exhibited a higher specific capacitance of 667 F/g at a current density of 0.2 A/g, and the electrode material retained 98.3% of its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles. This study provides new perspectives on simple and efficient methods for transforming natural nsutite material from mining waste to hausmannite with greater structural homogeneity and better electrochemical behavior.

LAND COVER CHANGE ANALYSIS OF CARRASCAL, MADRID AND CANTILAN MINING SITES IN SURIGAO DEL SUR USING REMOTE SENSING

Abstract. The Philippines is recognized as amongst the natural resource-rich countries which has been evident in the influx of extractive industry investors, most specifically in the mining industry. An example of this is the case of mining sites in the municipalities of Carrascal, Madrid, and Cantilan (CMC) in Surigao del Sur region of the Philippines. In this region, development of mining areas was significantly noticeable in a span of seven (7) years since 2015. With this being an alarming case due to its possible negative impacts on the surrounding communities, this study developed an open-source monitoring system of mining activities using remote sensing technologies employing supervised image classification using the Random Forest algorithm. This study is mainly motivated by the need for a monitoring system to ensure responsible mining practices in the country, most especially since there has been an increasing global clamour for a more environmental-friendly and climate-sensitive and sustainable practices. The methodology developed for this study utilized a post-classification change detection approach in which multitemporal land cover (LC) models were produced to capture the land cover changes. To model the LC changes, land cover models for 2015 and 2022 were produced obtaining overall accuracies between 0.93 to 0.95, respectively. Using these models, changes due to mining development were delineated through a multitemporal overlay analysis approach. This change detection model obtained an F1-score of 0.93 indicating high accuracy and satisfactory performance of the model and consequently, the its potential as a mining site monitoring system to achieve the goal of ensuring responsible mining industry practice in the country.

Economic Sustainability Calculations for a Single Mine Site in Potosi, Bolivia

The objective of this work was the development of a framework for assessing just compensation for environmental damage on a single mine site. Previously, the models applied in this work have only been used at the national or regional level. As a result, a sustainable extraction rate was calculated for a single mine site in Potosi, Bolivia for a mixed mine (zinc, lead, and silver). By using an interdisciplinary approach, a dollar value was assessed for environmental damages for a period of years. These were compared to the profitability of the mine with the result being an estimation of the quantity of mining rents that should be reinvested in social and infrastructure capital. This approach assumed that economic development does not exclude environmental protection and may aid in policy decisions at the local level benefiting the longevity of the economy.

Volumetric, embodied and geologic geopolitics of the seabed: offshore tin mining in Indonesia

ABSTRACT This paper introduces empirical research on tin divers’ bodily experience of seabed mining concerning offshore Bangka and Belitung Islands, Indonesia, critical seabed mining sites. To govern the seabed off these Islands, ‘classic’ geopolitical approaches such as marine spatial planning (MSP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) hierarchically construct the seabed through two-dimensional mapping and policy, occluding specific tin diving practices on the seabed. Moving from such flat geopolitical understandings of the ocean floor, this paper offers new engagements with feminist geopolitics, volumetric territory and social ocean studies to think about the seabed through its volume, the bodies that are immersed within and animate it, and its geologic materiality. It does so by examining intimate tin diving relations between human bodies, volumetric space and ore bodies in relation to the contemporary geopolitical making of the seabed territory. Whilst many scholars have engaged with this volumetric-embodied-geologic approach, this paper argues that the nexus of volumetric space, bodies (embodied experiences) and geologic materiality in tin diving are a crucial tactical point for diverse mining governance actors, sustaining dangerous labour, mining accidents and death in tin diving.

The characteristics of fungal responses to uranium mining activities and analysis of their tolerance to uranium

The influence of uranium (U) mining on the fungal diversity (FD) and communities (FC) structure was investigated in this work. Our results revealed that soil FC richness and FD indicators obviously decreased due to U, such as Chao1, observed OTUs and Shannon index (P<0.05). Moreover, the abundances of Mortierella, Gibberella, and Tetracladium were notably reduced in soil samples owing to U mining activities (P<0.05). In contrast, the abundances of Cadophora, Pseudogymnoascus, Mucor, and Sporormiella increased in all soil samples after U mining (P<0.05). Furthermore, U mining not only dramatically influenced the Plant_Pathogen guild and Saprotroph and Pathotroph modes (P<0.05), but also induced the differentiation of soil FC and the enrichment of the Animal_Pathogen-Soil_Saprotroph and Endophyte guilds and Symbiotroph and Pathotroph Saprotroph trophic modes. In addition, various fungal populations and guilds were enriched to deal with the external stresses caused by U mining in different U mining areas and soil depths (P<0.05). Finally, nine U-tolerant fungi were isolated and identified with a minimum inhibitory concentration range of 400–600 mg/L, and their adsorption efficiency for U ranged from 11.6% to 37.9%. This study provides insights into the impact of U mining on soil fungal stability and the response of fungi to U mining activities, as well as aids in the screening of fungal strains that can be used to promote remediation of U mining sites on plateaus.

Site assessment, suitability, and strategy references for in-situ phytoremediation: A case study of Asansol-Pandabeswar mining region

For decades, phytoremediation has been hailed as one of the most promising developing techniques for sustainable waste management. Despite certain shortcomings, proper implementation of this technique is the best alternative to the conventional waste management approach. Proper implementation of phytoremediation requires careful planning, following proper guidelines related to site assessment, plant selection, planting, maintenance, monitoring, harvesting and disposal, follow-up execution, and monitoring to ensure its effectiveness. In this study, it has been tried to create a foundation for an in-situ implementation of Phytoremediation in the mining areas of Asansol and Pandabeswar of West Bengal, India. Site conditions have been assessed in terms of pollution load and soil quality. Suitable sites have been identified using Geospatial techniques and following the guidelines found in different pieces of literature. Six variables i.e. pollution loads, soil quality, the proximity of pollution source, land use, and accessibility have been used to produce site suitability map. Active mining sites have been excluded from suitable sites. Site-specific suitable plants have been recommended which are either native or adaptable to current geophysical settings. The study identified certain villages e.g. Sonpur, Madanpur, Rashunpur, Dhasla, Joalbhanga, Bajari, Salanpur. Accessibility, water availability, and demographic parameters of those villages have been assessed. Finally, maintenance, monitoring, and implementation strategies have been discussed.

Effect of hydrochar-doping on the performance of carbon felt as anodic electrode in microbial fuel cells.

In this study, the feasibility of using hydrochars as anodic doping materials in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was investigated. The feedstock used for hydrochar synthesis was metal-polluted plant biomass from an abandoned mining site. The hydrochar obtained was activated by pyrolysis at 500 °C in N2 atmosphere. Under steady state conditions, the current exerted by the MFCs, as well as the cyclic voltammetry and polarization curves, showed that the activated hydrochar-doped anodes exhibited the best performance in terms of power and current density generation, 0.055 mW/cm2 and 0.15mA/cm2, respectively. These values were approximately 30% higher than those achieved with non-doped or doped with non-activated hydrochar anodes which can be explained by the highly graphitic carbonaceous structures obtained during the hydrochar activation that reduced the internal resistance of the system. These results suggest that the activated hydrochar materials could significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of bioelectrochemical systems. Moreover, this integration will not only enhance the energy generated by MFCs, but also valorize metal polluted plant biomass within the frame of the circular economy.

Conservation of the Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants in the Mining and Tourism Area: Khibiny Mountains, Murmansk Region, Russia.

The Khibiny Mountains (hereafter called Khibiny Mts.) are one of the most urbanized and industrialized regions in the Russian Arctic. There are combined a developed mining complex, elaborate infrastructure, a well-known tourist resort, and a large population, all amidst an exceptionally rich biodiversity of plants. In this study, we analyzed the current knowledge of the spatial distribution of rare and endangered vascular plants and vegetation and the impacts of human activities on these ecosystems. Approximately 28% of the protected vascular plant species in the Murmansk Region were registered within the confines of the Khibiny Mts. In particular, although only a handful of protected species had a widespread presence, most rare species were confined to the southern reaches of the mountain range, with only a select few extending into other parts. Papaver lapponicum was the only species that thrived across the entire territory, including industrial areas. The studied territory contained nine specially protected areas spanning 123,220 hectares. Nature monuments adjacent to mining sites and urban centers play an important role in preserving regional biodiversity. However, the expansion of the mining industry, alongside deforestation and wildfires, poses considerable threats to the biodiversity of the Khibiny Mts. A comprehensive biodiversity conservation strategy implemented in this region balances the local and expansive territorial protection of rare species and habitats, ensuring environmental preservation while facilitating social and economic progress, a noteworthy example of environmental protection in the Arctic.

Investigation and mapping of toxic fumes produced by detonation of ANFO explosives in underground space

AbstractPost‐blast fumes are hazardous and known to cause severe health related issues of workers. Further, these harmful gases have a significant impact on the surrounding environment. Thus, it is imperative to have an in‐depth understanding of the real time detonation fume generation in underground space to avoid hazardous health risk of the worker. In this context, the mapping of toxic fume concentrations generated by the detonation of ANFO explosives in the actual field is a fascinating area of research that has a great environmental impact. This article examined the real‐time analysis of toxic fumes generated by ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) explosives at various locations of a metalliferous underground mine. Furthermore, detonation parameters of various ANFO explosive compositions were also studied at the mining site. On‐site blasting studies were performed with ANFO explosives, and post‐detonation fume measurements enabled us to map the CO and NOx concentrations in underground spaces. Toxic fumes like CO and NOx were analyzed before and after each blasting operation at different intervals, and found within the allowed limit as per the Directorate General of Mines Safety guidelines. Additionally, an empirical correlation has been established to evaluate the maximum detonation velocity based on the alteration of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil composition.

A multi-criteria decision framework to evaluate sustainable alternatives for repurposing of abandoned or closed surface coal mines

Surface coal mines, when abandoned or closed, pose significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Repurposing these sites is crucial for sustainable land use and responsible resource management. This study presents a comprehensive decision framework tailored to the Indian mining context, utilizing a hybrid approach combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) methodology. The proposed framework assesses and ranks alternative repurposing options by considering a multi-criteria evaluation, including ecological, economic, social, and regulatory factors. AHP is employed to determine the relative importance of these criteria, reflecting the unique priorities and perspectives of stakeholders involved in the repurposing process. TOPSIS then identifies the optimal alternatives based on their overall performance against the established criteria. This hybrid methodology contributes to informed decision-making in the sustainable repurposing of abandoned surface coal mines in India. It aids in identifying the most viable and environmentally responsible alternatives, promoting efficient land use and resource conservation while addressing the challenges associated with abandoned mine sites. The methodology’s applicability extends globally to industries facing similar repurposing challenges, facilitating the transition toward a more sustainable and responsible land reclamation and resource management approach. The methodology is implemented using real mine data and demonstrates the analysis for evaluation among multiple alternatives such as solar parks, fish farming, eco-resorts, forestry, and museums. In our study, eco-resorts show more promise based on the significant potential for local economic development, provision of local employment, long-term revenue generation, potential for upskilling local youth in management, gardening, construction, and animal husbandry, and serving as a site for exhibitions of various arts and crafts.

Vegetation communities and soil properties along the restoration process of the Jinqianghe mine site in the Qilian Mountains, China.

The study explores the impact of mine grassland restoration on plant communities and soil properties in alpine grasslands, a subject of significant interest due to the observed relationship between grassland changes, plant communities, and soil properties. While prior research has mainly focused on the consequences of grassland degradation on plant diversity and soil characteristics, the specific effects of varying restoration degrees in alpine mining grasslands at the regional scale remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we established 15 sampling plots (0.5m×0.5m) across five different restoration degrees within alpine mining grasslands in the Qilian Mountains, China. Our objective was to assess the variations in plant diversity and soil properties along these restoration gradients. We conducted comprehensive analyses, encompassing soil properties [soil water content (SWC), available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrate nitrogen, soil pH, and electrical conductivity (EC)], plant characteristics (height, density, frequency, coverage, and aboveground biomass), and plant diversity indices (Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, Margalef, Dominance, and Evenness indexes). Our findings included the identification and collection of 18 plant species from 11 families and 16 genera across the five restoration degrees: Very Low Restoration Degree (VLRD), Low Restoration Degree (LRD), Moderate Restoration Degree (MRD), High Restoration Degree (HRD), and Natural Grassland (NGL). Notably, species like Carex duriuscula, Cyperus rotundus, and Polygonum viviparum showed signs of recovery. Principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis revealed that soil pH, SWC, SOC, NO3-N, and AN were the primary environmental factors influencing plant communities. Specifically, soil pH and EC decreased as restoration levels increased, while SWC, AN, TP, NH4-N, TN, AP, SOC, and NO3-N exhibited a gradual increase with greater restoration efforts. Furthermore, the HRD plant community demonstrated similarities to the NGL, indicating the most effective natural recovery. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into the responses of plant community characteristics, plant diversity, and soil properties across varying restoration degrees to environmental factors. It also elucidates the characteristics of plant communities along recovery gradients in alpine grasslands.

Radiological environmental impact analysis of the uranium mining site in Mika, Nigeria using time series forecast model.

This study employs time series forecasting, specifically Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average, to predict the radiological impact of uranium mining in Mika, Nigeria. By utilizing meteorological data to model the dispersion of radioactive emissions to receptors, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of potential health and environmental consequences. The study observed a slight change in the Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) at the nearest residence northeast receptor between the actual and the forecasted data. The findings could be largely because of the basement complex rock formations that characterized the Mika region. The study recommend proper monitoring and evaluation should be done before full-scale mining can be carried out. However, the TEDE is generally below the International Atomic Energy Agency recommended level of 1mSv per y for public exposure. The research demonstrates the significance of predictive modeling in managing and mitigating the radiological risks associated with uranium mining activities. Findings contribute to informed decision-making and sustainable resource extraction practices in Mika, Nigeria.

Impact of Crush Rock Mining on Soil Enzyme Activities and Nutritional Composition of Ipomea batata in Okue-Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The study assessed the impact of Crush Rock mining on soil enzyme activities and the nutritional composition of Ipomea batata in Okue-Ishiagu, Ebonyi State. Soil samples were collected from mining sites (East, West, North, and South) and a control site. Soil enzyme activities including dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, hydrogen peroxidase, and urease were analyzed, along with the nutritional composition of Ipomea batata harvested from the study area. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in soil enzyme activities between the control and mining sites. Dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, hydrogen peroxidase, and urease activities were significantly reduced in mining site soils compared to the control. Additionally, the nutritional composition of Ipomea batata showed significant alterations in %Moisture content, %Protein, and %Vitamin C in test samples compared to the control, with a decrease in %Ash, %Fat, and %Fibre. These findings highlight the adverse effects of Crush Rock mining activities on soil health and the nutritional quality of an important staple crop in the region. Keywords: Crush Rock mining, soil enzyme activities, nutritional composition, Ipomea batata, Ebonyi State.

Territorial Impact Assessment for Coal Sites in Transition

This article describes a part of the POTENTIALS project promoted by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) of the EU, which, in general, has aimed to develop business models for the reuse of former industrial and mining sites in different European regions. The goal of this project focused on the creation of so-called eco-industrial parks to enable sustainable energy production and reduce waste and pollution on coal sites in transition. A key aspect was the development of a suitable territorial impact assessment (TIA), a new and complex policy tool for the assessment of the territorial impacts of EU policies and projects on territorial cohesion. Therefore, the special TEQUILA (Territorial Efficiency, Quality and Identity Layer Assessment) approach is used to describe the TIA for this case and emphasizes its application in assessing ex ante the impacts of the transition from a coal site to an eco-industrial park. It underlines the need for a differentiated understanding of the regional characteristics and potential impacts of transition policies or projects. Furthermore, the process and results of applying the TEQUILA methodology, a multicriteria analysis, in the context of regionalized impact models has shown how important it is to select well-defined, expert-based criteria, but at the same time, to establish a system that is flexible and adaptable to the needs of political decision makers and stakeholders considering the normative weights of the criteria. This has been illustrated by some examples.

Potential for restoration of biodiversity in karstic mining regions with small-scale mining sites: birds and pits

Potential for restoration of biodiversity in karstic mining regions with small-scale mining sites: birds and pits

Path Tracking and Anti-Roll Control of Unmanned Mining Trucks on Mine Site Roads

Path Tracking and Anti-Roll Control of Unmanned Mining Trucks on Mine Site Roads

The Rio Grande Rise circulation: Dynamics of an internal tide conversion hotspot in the Southwestern Atlantic

The Rio Grande Rise (RGR) is a plateau located at 31°S in the Southwestern Atlantic, rising from 5916m up to 161m below the sea level. The RGR is an important site for future mining of Fe-Mn crusts and can lead to an expansion of Brazil’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The Cruzeiro do Sul Rift (CSR) fault cuts through the RGR from southeast to northwest. In this study we characterize the RGR circulation, showing that M2 tides are the main source of variability in the region, with an amplitude that can reach 0.3ms−1, larger than the mean flow. These M2 tides are dominated by the baroclinic component and intensified near the bottom. The generation of M2 internal tides occurs mainly in the CSR slopes, with most energy converted from the barotropic tide being radiated away in the form of tidal beams. In addition, the impingement of the mean southern South Equatorial Current and tidal rectification generates anticyclonic circulations around the RGR peaks, with the latter mechanism being responsible for a bottom intensified anticyclonic circulation of 0.2ms−1. Finally, our results reveal that the RGR is a hotspot of internal tide generation in the Southwestern Atlantic.

A biochar selection method for remediating heavy metal contaminated mine tailings

Approximately 390,000 abandoned mines across the US pose considerable, pervasive risks to human and environmental health; world-wide the problem is even greater. Lime, organic materials, and other amendments have been used to decrease metal bioavailability (e.g., Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn) in contaminated mine wastes and to promote plant community establishment for tailings stabilization. Biochar properties (e.g., alkaline pH, metal sorbing capabilities, available nutrients, improved soil water retention) make it a potential amendment for remediating metal contaminated mine tailings. A three-step procedure was developed to identify biochars that were most effective at reducing heavy metal availability, retaining metals, and subsequently selecting biochars for use in a soil amendment laboratory trial to ultimately be utilized in heavy metal contaminated mine land settings: Step (1) a synthetic precipitation leaching procedure extract of mine tailings was produced, representing potentially available metals, and used to identify metal removal properties of 28 different biochars (e.g., made from various feedstocks and pyrolysis or gasification conditions); Step (2) evaluate how well biochars retained previously sorbed metals; and Step (3) laboratory evaluation of the most promising biochars that removed and did not releases metals, applied at 0, 1, 2.5, and 5% (by wt) to mine tailings for reducing metal bioavailability. The reported methodology and results from this study could be used to quickly identify specific biochars and application rates to reduce mine tailings metal availability and aid in future remediation of abandoned mine sites globally.

Assessment of arsenic and toxic metal contamination in soils, pore waters and plants surrounding a historical mine site in Czarnów (SW Poland)

Assessment of arsenic and toxic metal contamination in soils, pore waters and plants surrounding a historical mine site in Czarnów (SW Poland)