Open Pit Research Articles

Spatial distribution, source apportionment, and health risks assessment of trace elements in pre- and post-monsoon soils in the coal-mining region of North Karanpura basin, India

Coal mining activities in the North Karanpura basin have significantly increased the trace element (TE) concentrations in the soil, resulting in soil pollution and potential health risks. To assess this, 113 soil samples, along with coal, shale, and overburden rocks, were collected from open-cast mining areas during pre-monsoon (Pre-M) and post-monsoon (Post-M) seasons. Seasonal analysis revealed higher TE concentrations in the Post-M period, especially in the SE direction, followed by NE and NW, likely due to surface runoff and deposition, demonstrating temporal variability in TE distribution which corroborated from the spatial distribution maps. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model identified four factors: mixed sources (F1Pre-M: 37.6 %; F4Post-M: 28.9 %), coal-fired emissions (F2Pre-M: 20.5 %; F3Post-M: 26.0 %), overburden rocks (F3Pre-M: 25.5 %; F2Post-M: 16.7 %), and agricultural and lithogenic origin (F4Pre-M: 16.4 %) during the Pre-M period, attributed to coal mining. Post-M sources were similar, but agricultural and lithogenic origins were replaced by atmospheric deposition (F1Post-M: 28.4 %), enhanced by monsoon effects. Carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that As, Cr, and Ni exceeded acceptable levels for children via ingestion, though adults remained within safe limits. Inhalation and dermal contact were also considered, but ingestion posed the highest risk. The hazard index (HI) via ingestion showed that children had an HI of 1.6 in Pre-M, increasing to 2.66 in Post-M, highlighting their potential vulnerability to non-carcinogenic risks, while adults stayed within safe limits. The expansion of mining areas in the study region led to decrease in vegetative areas which could affect agriculture and local communities, raising a comprehensive environmental and public health issues. These results underline the need for implementing effective biannual soil monitoring and mitigation strategies, such as phytoremediation, bioremediation, rock dust remediation, chemical amendments and improved waste management, to reduce TE contamination.

Backpropagation-based inference for spatial interpolation to estimate the blastability index in an open pit mine

The blastability index (BI) is a measure that indicates the resistance of rock to fragmentation when blasting. With novel technologies, miners are now able to collect and calculate BI at different depths while drilling. In this research, we propose an approach to estimate the BI at multiple depths for new areas using only spatial locations and observed BI measurements of previously drilled holes. Spatial interpolation techniques are investigated. This study introduces a novel treatment for Gaussian Processes (GPs) and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). Variography is leveraged to ensure an appropriate fit between the data and the spatial component. The parameters controlling anisotropy are constrained to intervals chosen to reflect the observed anisotropy. Gradient descent with back-propagation is used for optimization. The proposed approach improves the performance of GP and IDW at predicting BI. The similarities between the IDW variant proposed and a single-layer neural network are discussed.

Terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD) rates and radiological risk assessments in Tiru region of the Naga Schuppen Belt, India

The aim of the present study is to assess the levels of dose rates and the potential risks of exposure to terrestrial gamma radiations in indoors and outdoors in houses in Tiru coal mining area. A highly sensitive portable micro-R gamma survey metre incorporated with a NaI (Tl) scintillator has been used for this study. Indoor and outdoor gamma dose rates (GDRs) have been estimated to be 58.5-178.3 nGy h-1 and 55.5-81.9 nGy h-1, respectively, with averages of 89.7 7.4 nGy h-1 and 65.7 5.8 nGy h-1, considerably higher than the reported global population-weighted averages. The annual effective doses (AEDs) for indoors and outdoors have been estimated to be in the ranges of 0.29-0.87 mSv y-1 and 0.07-0.1 mSv y-1, with averages of 0.44 0.04 mSv y-1 and 0.08 0.01 mSv y-1, which are marginally higher than the reported global averages. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) has been calculated and found to be in the range of 1.2 10-3-3.4 10-3 with an average of 1.8 10-3. This study contributes significantly to the scientific understanding of radiation exposure in an open-cast coal mining area as well as its potential impact on human health.

Granular characterisation of coal spoil dump using unmanned aerial vehicle data to enhance stability analysis

Open pit mining operations generate significant spoil dumps that need to be characterised for stability to identify potentially unstable slopes. However, the current subjective practice for spoil characterisation often involves tedious and risky field work. To this end, this study demonstrated the use of periodically acquired unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based images over a coal mine spoil dump in New South Wales, Australia. A granular approach that captures the variability of each truck offload pile on a dump was adopted through morphology-based segmentation and ensemble algorithm-based classification which consolidates predictions from multiple classifiers. Overall accuracy of over 90% in the material characterisation based on the classification framework was achieved. The two-dimensional classification outcome was then transformed into three-dimensional (3D) block models using a point-based interpolation approach for stability analysis. The factor of safety derived from the granular approach offered improved assessment of failure risk compared to the conventional approaches, which treat the entire dump as a uniform category. This rapid classification and assessment method proposed in this study will help reduce the uncertainty associated with the variability of spoil dumps in slope stability assessments, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of mining operations.

Data-Supported Prediction of Surface Settlement Behavior on Opencast Mine Dumps Using Satellite-Based Radar Interferometry Observations

To ensure the safe repurposing of post-mining landscapes, understanding and managing geotechnical risks, particularly ground movements such as settlements on opencast mining dump surfaces, is critical. Satellite-based radar interferometry (InSAR) technology offers highly detailed data on vertical ground movements with a high spatial and temporal resolution. By combining a data-driven approach, using InSAR-generated high-resolution datasets, with model-driven methods such as inverse modeling and classic time–settlement models, the efficient monitoring and prediction of opencast mine dump settlements can be achieved. This dual approach—leveraging advanced data analysis tools and precise modeling—yields valuable insights into spatial settlement behavior. In particular, classic time–settlement models are applied to the InSAR data through least square regression and Taylor approximation. The integration of both approaches enables the more robust, data-validated forecasts of key geotechnical indicators, such as the time to settlement stabilization and the expected maximum settlement over large areas. An application at a mine in central Germany illustrates the method by generating spatial predictions of the settlement behavior over more than 200 ha. In general, the results provide a comprehensive dataset for investigating other factors influencing the settlement behavior of opencast mine dumps.

Machine Learning Techniques for Predicting the Quantity of ANFO Used in Blasting a Bench in an Open Pit Mine

Machine Learning Techniques for Predicting the Quantity of ANFO Used in Blasting a Bench in an Open Pit Mine

Block method of mining quarry fields as a tool to reduce environmental impact in conditions of intensification of production

Relevance. The intensification of open-pit mining in the coal basins of the Russian Federation is accompanied by an increase in negative impact on the environment. Directly in Kuzbass, the environment is exposed to the impact of the coal industry, especially when conducting open-pit mining using deep mining systems, with external dumping, which is accompanied by the withdrawal of a large amount of undisturbed land. The block method of mining quarry fields, well known in mining, has been rarely implemented in existing and planned quarry fields. The general line of its application is the lack of a unified approach to the design of block parameters, including environmental and economic assessment of the impact of this technological solution on the environment. Aim. Reduce environmental payments of mining enterprises with justified parameters of blocks for the development of quarry fields of promising inclined and steeply dipping coal deposits. Methods. Systematic generalization of the actual situation of mining operations in open-pit mines using the block method of mining quarry fields, the method of options and technical and economic modeling using spreadsheets. Results and conclusions. The authors have proposed the ecological and economic criteria for assessing the application of the block method of quarry field development. This allows us to study the patterns of change in environmental indicators. Using the example of the Krasnobrodskoe open-pit mine, the costs of environmental payments for the use of land resources, emissions and dusting are calculated for two options different from the design documentation. Based on the calculation results, the authors proved the efficiency of applying the block procedure for developing promising coal deposits, allowing us to reduce the costs for environmental impact by 22.5 and 63%, respectively, when changing the length of the initial block along the bottom from 2.2 to 1.4 km. From which it follows that the combined ecological and economic indicators allow us to fully assess the feasibility of applying the method for calculating block parameters, which is generally reflected in reduction in the costs for negative impact on the environment.

Prediction of rock fragmentation in the Boukhadra’s mine conditions

Purpose. The objective of the study consists in obtaining better quality rock fragmentation by using inclined holes to ensure good energy distribution and better stability of the upper wall.The Kuz-Ram model and the Langefors method are best suited to achieve the goal. Methodology. The study compares the blasting plan adopted by the Boukhadra mine located in the Wilaya of Tebessa, with that calculated by the Langefors method while using inclined holes. We chose the Kuz-Ram model as a simulation model and validation for the following reasons. Findings. The application of the proposed method of Langefors gave a satisfactory result in terms of process efficiency, the Kuz-Ram model predicts a significant reduction in the rate of oversized blocks using an inclined hole drilling technique, from 13.1 to 5.3 %. This approach appears to improve the degree of fragmentation, reduce the percentage of oversized blocks and decrease energy loss during blasting. Originality. Rock fragmentation, which corresponds to the size distribution of fragments of the blasted rock, is one of the most important indices for estimating the effectiveness of blasting works where the size of the fragments of the blasted pile plays an important role in efficient transportation, crushing and grinding.The size of the fragments depends on the characteristics of the rock mass, the type of explosive used, and the drilling and blasting pattern. Practical value. The use of inclined holes is an important technique to optimize rock fragmentation in open pit mines. The inclination can be adjusted to improve the direction and distribution of blast energy, which contributes to more efficient and uniform fragmentation of extracted rocks.

Modeling of drilling tool vibration in the process of drilling blast wells

Purpose. To determine the characteristic features and model bit vibration during its interaction with rock in the process of drilling technical (blast) wells in open pit mines. Methodology. The following methods were used in the work: analysis of scientific and practical solutions; statistical methods for processing the results of experimental studies; methods of analytical synthesis; computer modeling methods for synthesis and analysis of mathematical models. Findings. The process of interaction between a drill bit and a rock was analyzed. The conditions and causes of vibration of drilling equipment are determined. The spectral analysis of the vibration signal, the formation and analysis of the map of the order of rotation of the rotating parts of the drilling rig during the drilling of technical (blast) wells were performed to identify the bit in the frequency domain of the measured concomitant integrated vibration signal as a source of high-amplitude vibration. The modulated signal measured in the time domain at the specified frequency carries information about the physical and mechanical characteristics of the drilled rock and the state of the bit. The analysis of the experimental studies and modeling of the process of interaction of the bit with the rock allows us to conclude that the obtained statistical indicators of the accompanying vibration signal really adequately characterize the process of well drilling. Originality. A method for determining the characteristics of the interaction of a drill bit with rock in the process of drilling technical (blast) wells based on measuring the parameters of the accompanying vibration signal is proposed. The method differs from the known ones in the fact that in the process of changing the operating mode of the drive of the rotating parts of the drilling rig, an order map is formed over the entire range of its revolutions, the frequency of high-amplitude vibration of the bit is determined, which corresponds to a certain peak order of revolutions, and at this frequency the statistical parameters of changes are measured. Practical value. This approach to the process of drilling wells in open pit mines makes it possible to quickly determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of the drilled rock and adjust the process parameters accordingly to increase its productivity and energy saving.

Determination of geochemical stability of swamp ecosystems of the taiga zone of Western Siberia to anthropogenic impact

Relevance. The need for scientifically based regulation of impacts on wetland ecosystems taking into account their specificity and geochemical stability. Aim. To determine the geochemical stability of wetlands in the taiga zone of Western Siberia to pollutants for two typical cases associated with: 1) operation of sludge pits; 2) discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater. Methods. Mathematical modeling, statistical methods. Results and conclusions. The authors have carried out the analysis of the results of studies of the chemical composition of wetland waters and extracts from peat and mineral soils of wetlands in the taiga zone of Western Siberia (mainly in the Tomsk region, as well as in the adjacent territories of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, Novosibirsk and Omsk regions). They obtained the estimates of the average values of geochemical indicators of wetland waters and peat by the depth of the peat deposit in peat bogs with varying degrees of anthropogenic impact. The paper introduces the method for assessing the anthropogenic impact of wastewater discharge and geomigration on swamps in areas where oil and gas facilities are located (permissible concentrations in wastewater entering swamp ecosystems), taking into account the «geochemical background» and sorption capacity of peat. In particular, the authors substantiated and tested the method for assessing the values of permissible concentrations, which should be considered as a «relatively safe» level of impact on swamp ecosystems, at which secondary pollution of swamp waters is not expected. It is shown that anthropogenic changes are mainly limited vertically by the upper layer of the peat deposit up to 1–2 m, and horizontally (within the active horizon of the peat deposit) – by areas up to 100–200 m.

Numerical Investigation of the Slope Stability in the Waste Dumps of Romanian Lignite Open-Pit Mines Using the Shear Strength Reduction Method

Open-pit mining generates significant amounts of waste material, leading to the formation of large waste dumps that pose environmental risks such as land degradation and potential slope failures. The paper presents a stability analysis of waste dump slopes in open-pit mining, focusing on the Motru coalfield in Romania. To assess the stability of these dumps, the study employs the Shear Strength Reduction Method (SSRM) implemented in the COMSOL Multiphysics version 6 software, considering both associative and non-associative plasticity models. (1) Various slope angles were analyzed, and the Factor of Safety (FoS) was calculated, showing that the FoS decreases as the slope angle increases. (2) The study also demonstrates that the use of non-associative plasticity leads to lower FoS values compared to associative plasticity. (3) The results are visualized through 2D and 3D models, highlighting failure surfaces and displacement patterns, which offer insight into the rock mass behavior prior to failure. (4) The research also emphasizes the effectiveness of numerical modeling in geotechnical assessments of stability. (5) The results suggest that a non-associative flow rule should be adopted for slope stability analysis. (7) Quantitative results are obtained, with small variations compared to those obtained by LEM. (6) Dilatation angle, soil moduli, or domain changes cause differences of just a few percent and are not critical for the use of the SSRM in engineering.

Recovery of compaction resources in internal dump of gently inclined composite coal seam open-pit mine

In the production and construction process of a slowly inclined composite coal seam surface mine in China, the problem of coal compression by the non-working slope is common, but the research on coal recovery is usually conducted for the end slope compression problem. Due to the small economic and reasonable stripping ratio in the early stage of infrastructure construction in an open-pit mine, the buried deep coal seam has not yet been mined and is covered by internal dumping. In recent years, with the gradual increase of the economic and reasonable stripping ratio, the mining of coal seam covered by internal dumping site has become feasible. This paper puts forward the mining scheme for this problem. In this paper, a mathematical model is established, and the trench between the inner dump and the non-working side is used as the working platform for coal seam mining. The relationship between stripping height, working line length and mining width of coal seam is studied. The variation law of production stripping ratio, remining amount, repeated stripping amount and mining width is further analyzed. At the same time, the influence of production stripping cost on the economic and reasonable stripping ratio is studied, and the relationship between transportation cost and discharge distance is established, so as to indirectly determine the relationship between mining width and economic and reasonable stripping ratio. Finally, it is found that the relationship between mining net income and mining width is first proportional and then inversely proportional. Taking an open-pit mine as an example, through the quantitative analysis of economic indicators, the net income of coal mining under different mining widths is calculated. The results show that when the mining width is 271 m, the economic benefit of the inner row mining is the highest, and the net income reaches 2021.4575 million yuan. At this time, the production stripping ratio is 5.25, which is less than the economic and reasonable stripping ratio of 6.95. The practical significance of the results is to improve the overall economic benefits and recovery rate of mining enterprises, and ensure the safe, green and efficient mining of mines.

Comprehensive evaluation of fault-controlled open-pit mine stability classification analysis and numerical simulation

Comprehensive evaluation of fault-controlled open-pit mine stability classification analysis and numerical simulation

Comprehensive assessment of factors affecting the operational reliability of low-voltage asynchronous electric motors of a coal mining complex

THE RELEVANCE of this study lies in solving the problem of reliable functioning of elements of energy systems and ensuring their effective operation during open-pit mining. The paper presents a methodological approach that allows us to assess the level of reliability of low-voltage asynchronous electric motors in a coal mine with complex mining, geological and climatic conditions of production. THE PURPOSE of the work is to quantify the operational factors affecting the service life of an asynchronous electric motor with a short-circuited rotor. Attention is focused on how influencing factors, different in physical basis, among which electrical parameters are highlighted – the coefficient of voltage asymmetry in the reverse sequence, the coefficients of harmonic voltage components and environmental parameters – temperature, air humidity and dustiness, affect the dynamics of changes in the service life of an asynchronous electric motor. Asynchronous electric motors used at one of the enterprises of JSC SUEK in the Trans-Baikal Territory are considered as an object of research. METHODS. The main tool for the implementation of research tasks is computer modeling based on the Matlab software package. RESULTS. The studies were performed on an asynchronous electric motor with a short-circuited rotor with Ph = 3 kW, rated speed 1500 rpm. The simulation of the operating mode of the electric motor under study was performed by changing the experimental parameters: the values of the total coefficient of harmonic voltage components (KU) – from 4 to 12% with a range of 2%; the values of the voltage asymmetry coefficient in the reverse sequence (K2U) – from 0 to 4% with a range of 1%; the ambient temperature (∆Tокr) – from -30°C to +30°C with a range of 10°C; air humidity values (Vc) – 20% and 60%; dust thermal conductivity coefficient values (Kт) – 0,12 and 0,28. Based on the obtained research results, diagrams are constructed that clearly illustrate the dynamics of changes in the service life of an asynchronous electric motor depending on the combination of influencing factors. CONCLUSION. The trends in solving the issues of reliable functioning of a coal mining enterprise with the presence of asynchronous electric motors and ensuring their efficient operation are the most priority, mainly focused on maintaining the stability of technological processes and maintaining the production volumes of a coal mining enterprise. The stability of the electric motor to certain influencing factors is estimated and their critical values are established. Recommendations on the use of asynchronous electric motors are formulated, taking into account their operating conditions.

Health Risks Due to Co-Exposure to Noise and Respirable Crystalline Silica Among Workers in the Open-Pit Mining Industry—Results of a Preliminary Study

Occupational exposure to carcinogenic respirable crystalline silica and noise requires a deeper understanding and an assessment of the possible health risks caused by their combined action. Data on individual exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and occupational noise (ON) was collected among 44 open-pit miners. The study group was divided into two groups according to the job tasks performed. The individual exposure, exceeding of maximum admissible concentration/intensity, and predicted hearing thresholds (HTs) (according to ISO 1999:2013) were compared between the groups directly participating in the technological process (group 1; N = 23) and performing auxiliary, supervising, or laboratory activities (group 2; N = 21). All the analysed indices were significantly higher for group 1; therefore, the job category may predict ON and RCS exposure among open-pit miners. A statistically significant relationship (rs = 0.66, p < 0.05) was found between the time-weighted average (TWA) 8 h RCS and individual daily noise exposure levels. Exposure to noise in the course of employment causes the risk of hearing impairment (mean HTs for 2, 3, and 4 kHz > 25 dB) up to 74% and 4.4% (in the case of groups 1 and 2, respectively). Further studies are needed before conclusions concerning the effects of co-exposure to ON and RCS on open-pit miners can be made.

Research on a coal seam modeling construction method based on improved kriging interpolation

To address the issues of large anomalous triangulations, invalid interpolations, and uneven boundary interpolations in kriging interpolation, we propose research on a coal seam modeling construction method based on improved kriging interpolation. The work methodology assumes that by introducing kriging interpolation and analyzing its problems, we improve the interpolation method via a local interpolation algorithm for large anomalous triangulations, an optimization algorithm for locally redundant interpolation points, and a nonuniform boundary adaptive local interpolation algorithm. These improvements allow the interpolation method to better reflect the variability and realistic nature of coal seams. The research results indicate that applying this method to the construction of the Dananhu No. 2 open-pit mine coal seam model has improved the issue of coal seam transition stiffness, such as abnormal large-area triangulation in areas with significant elevation differences. This approach appropriately reduces the memory space usage without altering the coal seam morphology (which saves approximately 27,000 KB of memory, equivalent to the space occupied by 4 out of 21 coal seams). It has also prevented inaccuracies in boundary line positioning and transitions caused by too low a density of points on the coal seam reserve boundary line, resulting in smoother model transitions at the boundaries that better align with the actual coal seam change trends, the error rate in coal quality estimation decreased by 62.69%. This study provides data support for mining planning and reduces costs. This method can be extended to the construction of all mine models.

An analytical approach for evaluation of conveyor exit strategies in open-pit mines

Transportation is the most expensive task in deep open-pit mining operations. An In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCC) system, as an alternative to the conventional shovel-truck system, requires precise planning to avoid wasting high capital expenditures on trucks. The decision to fit a conveyor system into the pit design is challenging and needs to be addressed in the literature. Further optimisation of the IPCC system requires choosing an appropriate conveyor exit strategy. Conveyor exit schemes include a Dedicated Ramp Slot (DRS), an Existing Ramping System, an inclined tunnel and High-Angle Conveyors (HAC). This paper provides an analytical approach to compare the cost of different conveyor exit strategies in open-pit mines. The results indicate that for a depth up to 100 m, the Present Value of Cost (PVC) for the DRS is the least. For the cases deeper than 300 m, the HAC has the least PVC. Sensitivity analysis showed that for the depths between 100 and 300 m, a more accurate and detailed definition of parameters is needed. Besides, in most cases, the HAC provides the lowest payback period and the highest internal rate of return among the alternatives.

Analisis Biaya Pengurasan Sedimentasi pada Kolam Pengendap Lumpur di PT Bukit Asam Tbk Unit Pertambangan Tanjung Enim Sumatera Selatan

PT Bukit Asam is one of the companies engaged in the coal mining sector which is located in Tanjung Enim, South Sematra. The mining system applied in exploiting coal is open pit mining which produces water called acid mine water (AAT), one of the components of the AAT problem. namely total suspended solid (TSS). At PT Bukit Asam, Bangko Barat, there are several KPLs that are still in use. KPLs that are continuously supplied with mining water certainly produce a negative impact, namely silting. The aim of this research is to analyze the cost of dewatering sedimentation in mud settling ponds. The method used in this research is to use field visits and direct observations. The shallowing itself is caused by rain factors and the long deposition time. To prevent silting, draining is carried out using an excavator and loading of the material using a dump truck. Draining activities in February amounted to IDR 185,634,400.00 handling the mud settling ponds also using chemicals or control methods which are useful for settling mud particles so that the draining process at the KPL runs quickly.

Justification of an innovative system for the complete burial of solid, high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in spent open-pit mines

The object of research is the spent open-pit mines themselves where the proposed system could be applied. The primary reason for this studying is the following circumstance: up to the present time period, in all countries of the world, no methods of HLW disposal in a storage facility has been identified that is absolutely safe for any length of time, taking into account the impact of catastrophic natural emergencies and man-made emergencies. The research was conducted to address the problem of safely managing and storing HLW, leveraging the unique characteristics of spent open-pit mines, such as their large volume and geological stability, to prevent environmental contamination and ensure long-term safety. In the article has been justified a novel approach to the burial of sarcophagus containers with solid HLW in exhausted mining pits and studied the usabilities of the basalt sarcofagous container. Robust materials and advanced robotic systems proposed in the article aims to address the challenges associated with long-term radioactive waste disposal effectively. The robotic systems transfer the basalt container with HLW, ensuring personnel safety by minimizing human presence near radioactive materials. In the article have been established the distribution of temperature into the multi-layered composite structure of the basalt sarcophagous with HLW from 300 °C into the inner space to 50 °C onto on the its outer suffer where the thickness of each layers (from inner to outer radius) was respectively: for lead matrix: from r1=0.1 m to r2=0.2 m; for clay layer: from r2=0.2 m to r3=0.3 m; for basalt block: from r3=0.3 m to r4=0.4 m. The findings on temperature distribution are crucial as they directly affect the performance and longevity of the basalt containment system

Sedimentation cycles, tectonic phases and progradation trends: Late Pannonian deposition in the Drmno Basin, Serbia

The Drmno Basin is characterized by siliciclastic deposition and coal accumulation during the Late Pannonian and Pliocene, which resulted in the formation of numerous coal seams that lack lateral continuity, challenging traditional research methods. The cyclicity and geometry of the coal seams suggest several phases of peat accumulation, interrupted by the influx of siliciclastic material from the Carpathians. Siliciclastic deposition began in the upper delta plain environment and developed into an alluvial plain with river channels and swamps. The coal seams in the Drmno field within the Kostolac open-cast mine show a northward shift of the peat accumulation centre and, together with the coarsening upward trend in the interburden sediments, indicate a south-northward progradation. Biostratigraphic results confirmed the progradation trend with Prosodacnomya carbonifera indicating an age of 7.5–8 Ma in the southern part of the field and with Prosodacnomya elongata indicating an age of 7.2 Ma in the northern part. The influence of recent tectonic activity in the peri-Pannonian domain is reflected by the presence of compressional tectonic structures observed in the basin fill.