Mine Workings Research Articles

FOYDALI QAZILMALARNI QAZIB OLISH NATIJASIDA HOSIL BO‘LGAN BO‘SHLIQLARNI YER YUZASIGA TA’SIRI VA ULARNI BARTARAF QILISH USULLARI

This article examines the impact of underground voids formed as a result of mineral extraction on the Earth's surface, as well as the processes of displacement, collapse, and subsidence, the formation of ring depressions, and effective methods to address such voids. The main goal of the research is to study the deformation processes in underground mine workings and develop modern methods for their reinforcement, as well as effectively mitigate surface damages using layered grouting technology.

Analysis of natural and technological factors of changes in exogeodynamic conditions of mine No. 2 of the Stebnytsky potassium deposit as a consequence of self-rehabilitation flooding

The Stebnytsy deposit of potash salts is located in the foothills of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The engineering-geological and hydrogeological conditions of the field’s operation due to the development of a thick layers of loose and water-soluble rocks are difficult of loose and water-soluble rocks are complex and therefore sensitive to mining-technological influences, extraction of rocks, deformation of the surface, hydrographic network, activation of the interaction of surface and groundwater. The most threatening situation was at mine No. 2, where in 1978, due to too intensive blasting, violation of waterproof layers, loosening and increase of water permeability, reduction of rock strength, an emergency breakthrough of super-saline waters occurred in the spent chambers of the first horizon. The total inflow of brines during the years of existence of the flow here constantly increased and reached up to 1700 m³/day, in 2002, the outflow of suprasaline waters developed in 22 points and acquired an irreversibly negative character, suffusion-diffusion processes began to develop actively. During the operation of the mine, ore extraction was carried out for a long time without laying out spent cavities, as a result of which more than 15 million m³ of unlined cavities were formed at the mine, the deformations of which disturbed the geodynamic regime of the salt-bearing massif with the subsequent development of sedimentary and karst-failure processes. In 2004, a comprehensive project for the conservation of mine No. 2 and the reclamation of disturbed lands was approved in order to restore the ecological balance in this area. Mine conservation works were carried out behind the design schedule, which led to the failure of the main provisions of the project and increased the danger due to the expansion of existing karst cavities and the formation of new ones. It can be argued that the works on the conservation of mine No. 2, including: preparation of brines, feeding them to underground mine workings, laying of chambers, etc., were carried out in a timely and incomplete manner, which does not ensure the cessation of negative consequences for the natural environment and ecological safety. The results of our research can be used in the future in the development of projects for the conservation or liquidation of salt mines.

Sarajevo and its Satellites

In 1942, Grabrijan and Neidhardt guest-edited an issue of the Croatian architectural journal Technical Gazette (Tehnički Vjesnik). Titled Sarajevo and Its Satellites (Sarajevo i njegovi trabanti), the publication contributed to architectural and urban debates and to the development of the regulatory urban plan of the city of Sarajevo. It allowed the authors to present their design work and writings–both individually and collaboratively–framed by their shared vision of a new master plan for the city.This paper argues that despite the authors’ interest in and fascination with the historic core of Sarajevo, their master plan denied the relevance of the existing urban fabric to the growing city. Their discussion of the old precinct demonstrates the authors’ gradually shifting intentions as they abandon their search for modernity within the old fabric’s authentic qualities. Instead, they associated Islamic urban forms with stereotypical and preconceived oppositional relationships between new and old, progressive and backward. As this paper demonstrates, the result of this approach was that Grabrijan and Neidhardt’s master plan assigned only a peripheral role to the old precinct within their proposed vision. However, even within this publication, some projects, such as designs of mining workers’ housing, anticipate Neidhardt and Grabrijan’s later redefinition of Bosnian architecture as innately modern, which would become a major theme of their subsequent collaboration and well-known book, Architecture of Bosnia and the Way towards Modernity, published 15 years later in 1957.

Analysis of work productivity and compatibility of excavation-loading equipment and transport equipment in soil salvaging activities at Katala Hill area of PT. Amman

Abstract PT. Amman Mineral Internasional Tbk in Katala Hill, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, is an open-pit mining company producing copper as its main commodity, followed by gold and silver. The initial stage of mining involves soil removal in land clearing activities for reclamation, waste disposal areas, and construction of other infrastructure. In soil salvaging activities, it is essential to understand the influential factors to productivity and the match factor in mechanical equipment, including work efficiency, delay time, cycle time, fill factor, and swell factor. The objective of this study is to determine the productivity and match factor values of the digging-loading equipment and transportation equipment in soil salvaging activities in the Katala Hill area. This study applied the descriptive quantitative method, involving direct field observations of the digging-loading and transportation equipment activities and interviews with mining workers. Based on the results, the actual work efficiency of the digging-loading equipment was 59% and the transportation equipment was 76%, the actual productivity of the digging-loading equipment was 825.00Bcm/h, the transportation equipment productivity was 611.17 Bcm/h, and the compatibility factor value is 0.7408. After increasing the work efficiency of the conveyance by 83%, the conveyance productivity was 667.46 Bcm/h with the match factor increasing to 0.8090.

Clean water consumption of the coal mining operations in East Kalimantan province

Abstract Water consumption of mining workers is a crucial factor in the environmental impact assessment but is often overlooked by the mining company. In addition, water consumption for mining activities is not reflected in some domestic water consumption standards such as SNI and PUPR standards. Therefore, calculating the rate of clean water demand is important to estimate water supply, organize and manage water distribution, and determine the waste water treatment plant (WWTP) capacity. The purpose of this study was to identify clean water consumption of mine workers at the contractor Lati Site of PT. Berau Coal, East Kalimantan Province per person per day. We conducted a direct measurement of water usage using the installed flow meters, and employed assumptions such as piping leakage and roster day-off to calculate clean water consumptions. Compared to the existing standards, clean water consumption at Lati Site was much greater, up to 229 litres per head per day whereas the water usage in the mining camp was 156 litres per head per day.

Design and Research of Mine Toxic Gas Monitoring and Early Warning Sensor Based on Multi-Purpose

When workers work in mines, a variety of toxic and flammable gases are produced that are not easily detected and can pose serious health hazards if inhaled by workers above a certain concentration range. The research question: How to design a multi-purpose, effective early warning monitoring sensor for mine workers, this is an issue that deserves to be studied in depth and with great value. Based on this, taking the MQ-2 gas device as the core component and multi-purpose concept as the design method, the design of multi-purpose mine toxic gas monitoring and early warning sensor is completed from the contents of user portrait, design principle, sensor circuit principle, and explosion diagram, sensor sensitivity principle, sensor modeling, and three-dimensional effect, and the application scenario is simulated by 3DCLO The sensitivity and design value of conventional test methods are evaluated. The results show that the sensor can effectively test the lower limit concentration range of CO, H2, Methane, Propane, Butane, Liquefied gas, and Alcohol, achieve the early warning effect, and can also be placed in clothing, helmets, and backpacks. At the same time, the sensor can also be used in mines, chemicals and families to achieve multi-purpose purposes.

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Rural Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Study of Patients’ Characteristics in Selected Healthcare Facilities

This study investigated the characteristics and outcomes of drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in selected rural healthcare facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A retrospective review of clinical records from 456 patients, covering the period from January 2018 to December 2020, revealed a statistically significant relationship between DR-TB types and age groups (Chi-square statistic: 30.74, p-value: 0.015). Younger adults (19–35 years) and middle-aged adults (36–50 years) are more frequently affected by RR-TB and MDR-TB, which are the most prevalent forms of DR-TB. Less common types, including Pre-XDR, XDR, and INH TB, were observed in smaller numbers. The study suggests that DR-TB imposes a heavy burden on the working age population. Gender analysis shows that while the frequency of DR-TB differs between males and females, the percentage distribution of DR-TB types is relatively equal. Both genders are predominantly affected by RR-TB and MDR-TB, which together account for nearly 90% of cases. Pre-XDR, XDR, and INH-resistant TB are much less common, comprising only a small percentage of cases in both males and females. High-risk behaviors such as smoking and drinking are linked to a wider diversity of DR-TB types, while occupations like mining and prison work show higher rates of RR-TB and MDR-TB. In HIV-positive individuals, DR-TB is more common, but the distribution of DR-TB types between HIV-positive and negative groups shows no statistically significant difference. However, HIV-positive individuals have a 20% lower survival rate (65%) compared to HIV-negative patients (85%). Financial stability and comorbidities also significantly influence outcomes, with patients having stable income and fewer high-risk comorbidities experiencing better survival and treatment outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to improve DR-TB treatment outcomes in rural Eastern Cape.

A new approach to assessment of supergene geochemical gold anomalies, exemplified by the Soldat massif (Murun massif of the Aldan shield)

Lithochemical prospecting by secondary scattering halos is considered in practice as attempts to locate ore body outcrops or to significantly reduce the search area. Even when all commonly accepted methodological principles are followed, the researchers rarely show interest in the identified anomalies, for which the vast majority of forecast resources are calculated. The problem lies in the fact that the calculated resources are usually not confirmed, and many anomalies are recognized as false or related to elevated Clarkes of the elements in the rocks. At the phase preceding the exploration drilling and mining workings, the main task is to determine the prospectivity of a certain anomaly. A methodological approach allowing one to justify the prospectivity of identified anomalies was developed using the Soldat massif as an example. Its essence consists in clarifying the contact interaction between the rocks of the massif and the host rocks by analyzing their covering hypergene analogues. Using factor analysis, based on the division of the main rock-forming elements, the spatial position is determined of the main rock types that make up the geological structure of the area. Within a zone of overlapping factors of the rock-forming elements, anomalies of Au, As, Cu, W, Co, Ni, and other elements are established. The localization of these anomalies within the contour of superposition of the rock-forming factors is considered a potential reflection of specific features of the contact interaction between rocks of different types and compositions. The main goal of the article is to attract the attention of researchers to similar situations so as not to miss weak anomalies. For example, positive significant correlations of ore elements are established in samples taken from the zone of overlapping rock-forming factors, while no correlations are observed in samples taken outside this zone. This indicates a unique geochemical environment that needs to be considered and used to predict potential mineralization. All subsequent constructions are related to geometrizing a detailed area in accordance with the identified zone where the main associations of chemical elements were established and the zonal structure of the secondary geochemical field of the massif was studied.

The Association Between Employment in Coal Mining and History of Injury, Current Pain, and Prescription Opioid Use.

Coal mining involves heavy physical demand, which is associated with increased risk of injury and long-term musculoskeletal health disorders and chronic pain. Management of chronic or recurrent pain is in turn associated with prescription opioid use and risk of opioid use disorder (OUD). We analyzed clinical data from 5463 coal miners evaluated between 2004 and 2015. Using an iterative text mining procedure, we analyzed structured clinical notes to extract information on occupational histories and clinical data. We evaluated associations along the causal chain using a series of multivariable logistic regression models to determine the relationship between (1) specific mining occupations and history of traumatic injury, (2) history of traumatic injury and current pain, and (3) current pain and current prescription opioid use. Among these mostly-former coal miners (mean age 62.4 years), the average coal mining tenure was 27.3 years; 88.4% reported being previously injured, 92.3% reported suffering from current pain and 39.2% reported current prescription opioid use. Occupations involving the most strenuous mining work were associated with a history of traumatic injury. A history of traumatic injury to body regions of the head/neck/back/spine was associated with current pain involving the head/neck/back/spine (adjusted OR = 5.04; CI 95%: 4.46, 5.70; p < 0.001). In a separate model, reported current pain of the head/neck/back/spine was associated with current prescription opioid use (aOR = 2.66; CI 95%: 2.35, 3.01; p < 0.001). These miners had a high prevalence of self-reported current pain, and certain specific mining occupations were more strongly associated with a history of injury, pain, and prescription opioid use.

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Improving the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Ontario Mining Workers

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Improving the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Ontario Mining Workers

Reduced resting and task-related alpha activity in mine workers: Implications for occupational health and neurodegenerative risk

Underground mine workers face many risk factors at work sites that are known to affect the neural system. Observational studies report that these risk factors precede neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders, especially in old-age miners. Neurodegenerative disorders have electrophysiological, anatomical, and functional changes long before symptoms are seen in older adults. Therefore, this study investigated whether risks faced by miners at young ages were reflected in electrophysiological signals. Twenty-one underground miners and twenty-two above-ground workers matched with them in terms of age, education, and working duration were included in this study. Participants were recorded with a 20-channel EEG during the resting-state (eyes open and closed; EO-EC) and the perception of the International Affective Picture System Paradigm (IAPS). Time-frequency analyses were performed for alpha frequency. Rs-EEG results showed a statistically significant difference in alpha power between the EO and EC states in the control group. However, there was no statistical difference in alpha power between these two conditions in the miners. Additionally, we noted a more pronounced decrease in alpha responses in the posterior region during EC in the miners. The group's main effects were statistically significant in event-related alpha responses during emotional responses. Accordingly, event-related alpha responses of the miner group were lower than the control group in terms of both power spectrum and phase-locking. Underground mine workers are cognitively and emotionally affected by risks in the work environment. Electrophysiological changes seen in young underground workers may be a harbinger of neurodegenerative disorders in miners' old age. Our research findings may lead to the development of occupational neuroscience, social policies, and worker health, which are necessary to improve working conditions for mineworkers.

Penerapan Program Kesehatan dan Keselamatan Kerja dalam Aktivitas Kerja Coal Hauling di PT. XYZ

The implementation of an occupational health and safety (K3) program can be an effort for mining companies to make efforts to prevent accidents in mining work activities such as coal hauling. Based on this, the purpose of this study was to analyze the implementation of K3 (occupational health and safety) on coal hauling activities by PT. XYZ with HAZOP and HIRARC methods. The research was carried out using data collection methods such as interviews, observations, and document studies. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using the HAZOP and HIRARC methods, which are data analysis methods that aim to determine the potential hazards that exist in mining work activities. The results showed that through the HAZOP analysis showed that there were 12 sources of danger in 5 work activities in the Coal hauling section. These 12 hazard sources are divided into 4 hazard categories with 56% high risk, 24% moderate risk, 15% extreme conditions, and 5% low risk. Based on this, it can be seen that the potential hazard by causing work accidents is quite significant. Meanwhile, the HIRARC analysis shows that there are 6 sources of danger with 9 potential work accidents which are divided into 4 categories of hazards as much as 51% high risk 4 potential risks, 21% extreme risk with 1 high value potential risk, 18% low risk with 3 potential risks, and 10% medium risk with 1 potential hazard. This potential and source of danger has and will continue to allow for the occurrence of losses, both material and physical injury to employees.

Influence of Contaminated Ammonium Nitrate on Detonation Behaviour of Bulk Emulsion Explosives and Numerical Analysis of Detonation‐Induced Damage Zone

AbstractBulk emulsion explosives are widely used industrial explosives for mining and civil infrastructure work. Ammonium nitrate is an important ingredient for bulk emulsion explosives and plays an important role in the detonation behaviour. Considering the growing demand for bulk emulsion explosives, an in‐depth investigation is necessary to understand how the impurities in ammonium nitrate can affect the detonation behaviour and safe handling of bulk emulsion explosives. Herein, we have demonstrated the influence of contaminated ammonium nitrate on the detonation behaviour and characteristics of bulk emulsion explosive. Furthermore, the particle size of the internal phase of the all prepared bulk emulsion explosives was analyzed using optical microscopy to confirm the effect of contaminated ammonium nitrate. Time dependent chemical‐induced gassing behaviour and detonation velocity of prepared bulk explosive samples were also studied. Importantly, numerical modeling was used to stimulate the detonation‐induced rock damage zone and assess the impact of ammonium nitrate contamination. Additionally, a real‐time rock damage pattern of different prepared samples was further investigated to understand the impact of contamination on the detonation induced crack development phenomena of different bulk emulsion samples.

Developing a Technology for Driving Mine Workings with Combined Support and Friction Anchors in Ore Mines

This study summarizes the experience of conducting and maintaining mining operations in unstable zones in mines in Kazakhstan, assessing the mining and geological technical conditions of their operation under difficult mining and geological conditions. A field study and analytical modeling with an assessment of the stability of the boundary mass using the Barton mining method enabled the development of a technology for sinking mining operations with combined fasteners and friction anchors in ore mines.

Recovering psychological trauma in coal mining communities

ABSTRACT To date, there has been little research on the history of work-related mental health issues among coal workers. Much of the coal extraction industry peaked during the early twentieth century and then began its precipitous decline. Mining has high casualty rates, and the medical field did not understand the long-term effects of psychological trauma on mine workers until recently. Newspaper articles and other historical records provide accounts of accidents and tragedies. Heroism is often emphasized in recalling tragic episodes at the expense of recording the emotional stress suffered by survivors. A diverse set of historical sources provides a context for work-related mental health issues in the coal extraction industry. Probing a set of historic oral histories of coal workers and creating analogies to current studies provide additional clues about the under-told story of these historic actors’ general health and well-being. While incorporating oral histories from other regions, focusing on the anthracite coal industry in northeastern Pennsylvania allows us to identify historical actors and helps us think differently about other working-class communities impacted by industrial capitalism.

Cross-sectional analysis of dyslipidemia risk in coal mine workers: from epidemiology to animal models

Objective: To investigate the association between coal dust exposure and the occurrence of dyslipidemia in coal mine workers, and identify relevant risk factors. Methods: We selected a population who underwent occupational health examinations at Huainan Yangguang Xinkang Hospital from March 2020 to July 2022. Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of dyslipidemia, and their baseline information was collected, including records of coal dust exposure. We employed single-factor analysis to identify risk factors for dyslipidemia and adjusted for confounding factors in the adjusted models. Additionally, we explored the effects in different populations using stratified analysis, smooth curve fitting, and propensity score matching. Finally, we confirmed the causal relationship between coal dust exposure and dyslipidemia by examining tissue sections and lipid-related indicators in a mouse model of coal dust exposure. Results A total of 5,657 workers were included in the study, among whom 924 individuals had dyslipidemia and 4,743 individuals did not have dyslipidemia. The results of the single-factor analysis revealed that dust exposure, age, BMI, blood pressure, and smoking were statistically significant risk factors for dyslipidemia (p < 0.05). Additionally, the three multivariate models, adjusted for different confounders, consistently showed a significant increase in the risk of dyslipidemia associated with coal dust exposure (Model 1: OR, 1.869; Model 2: OR, 1.863; Model 3: OR, 2.033). After conducting stratified analysis, this positive correlation remained significant. Furthermore, propensity score matching analysis revealed that with increasing years of work, the risk of dyslipidemia gradually increased, reaching 50% at 11 years. In the mouse model of coal dust exposure, significant coal dust deposition was observed in the lungs and livers of the mice, accompanied by elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Conclusion Exposure to coal dust significantly increases the risk of developing dyslipidemia, and this positive correlation exists in different populations, particularly with increasing years of work, resulting in a higher risk. Keywords: Dust, occupational health, dyslipidemia, risk factors, cross-sectional study.

Seasonal impact of particulate matter exposure on urinary health of mine workers in iron ore mining environment

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) in opencast iron ore mines poses a significant health risk to mine workers, particularly impacting urinary health. This study specifically examines how mining activities influence urinary parameters in employees, with a focus on how seasonal variations – such as shifts between monsoon and winter – intensify these effects. Through real-time analysis of air pollutants including PM1, PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and HCHO, we captured critical seasonal fluctuations in pollutant concentrations across different mining departments.Urine samples from workers in diverse departments were rigorously analyzed for glucose levels, elemental concentrations, and other health indicators. Advanced regression and correlation analyses revealed strong associations between urine markers and PM exposure, with exceptionally high R² values across departments: 0.984 for excavation, 1.000 for crushing, 0.969 for downhill, 0.963 for screening, and 0.992 for loading, indicating a precise relationship. Low mean squared error (MSE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) values further underscored the model's predictive accuracy. Seasonal variations showed a clear impact on exposure levels, with the overall relevance percentage between monsoon and winter seasons approximating 39.24%, underscoring the added health burden during seasonal transitions. The results indicate that workers' health is clearly affected by exposure to mining-related air pollutants, as shown by the urine analysis, which revealed elevated levels of occupationally relevant elements. These findings highlight the need for proactive air quality monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies in mining environments to protect worker health, offering critical insights for policymakers and occupational health professionals focused on improving safety standards in mining operations.

Research on the Effects of Operational Fatigue and Bagging-SVM Recognition of Deep Coal Mine Workers

Research on the Effects of Operational Fatigue and Bagging-SVM Recognition of Deep Coal Mine Workers

IOT Based Mining, Tracking and Worker Safety Helmet

Abstract: This project addresses a cost-effective, flexible solution of underground mine workers safety. A module of MEMS and temperature-based sensors are used for underground environment monitoring and automating progression of measurement data through IOT communication technique is proposed with high accuracy, smooth control and reliability. Arduino microcontroller is used for collecting data and making decision, based on which the mine worker is informed through server. Sensor data transforms into digital signal and effectively communicate wirelessly with the ground control centre computer.

Coal mining activities driving the changes in bacterial community

The mechanism of the difference in bacterial community composition caused by environmental factors in the underground coal mine is unclear. In order to reveal the influence of coal mining activities on the characteristics of bacterial community structure in coal seam, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing technology was used to determine the species abundance, biodiversity, and gene abundance of bacterial community in a coal mine in Shanxi Province, and the environmental factors such as metal elements, non-metal elements, pH value, and gas concentration of coal samples were determined. The results showed that environmental factors and bacterial communities had obvious regional characteristics. Mining activities greatly affected the α diversity of bacterial communities, mining working face > main airway > roadway roof > unexposed coal seam > tunneling roadway. The bacterial community composition of each sample point is also very different. The main airway, roadway roof, and unexposed coal seam are dominated by Actinobacteria while the mining working face and tunneling roadway are dominated by Proteobacteria. Among the gene abundances of metabolic pathways in each site, Citrate cycle had the greatest difference, followed by glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation and methane metabolism had little difference. RDA analysis showed that the environmental factors affecting the bacterial community were mainly cadmium, oxygen, hydrogen, and gas content. CCA analysis divided the bacterial community into three categories. Degradation functional bacteria are located in mining working face, bacteria that tolerate poor environments are located in main airway and tunneling roadway, and human pathogens are mostly located in roadway roof and unexposed coal seam. The research results would provide support for realizing green and safe mining in coal mines.