Open Pit Research Articles

Research on a dust concentration prediction model for open-pit mines based on error reciprocal integration GA-LSSVM and Elman-Adaboost

Research on a dust concentration prediction model for open-pit mines based on error reciprocal integration GA-LSSVM and Elman-Adaboost

Risk-Based Optimization of Post-Blast Dig-Limits Incorporating Blast Movement and Grade Uncertainties with Multiple Destinations in Open-Pit Mines

Risk-Based Optimization of Post-Blast Dig-Limits Incorporating Blast Movement and Grade Uncertainties with Multiple Destinations in Open-Pit Mines

Residents’ willingness to pay for sustainable solid waste management services: a case of Glenview suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe

Solid waste generation is an inevitable outcome of anthropogenic activities, which is an issue of concern in Zimbabwe. Among other challenges, inadequate finance is a key challenge to reach sustainable waste management. This study focuses on residents’ willingness to pay for improved solid waste management services. Analytical case study research design, employing quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and presentation was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, observations while analysis was done using SPSS and content analysis. Results indicated that most respondents were house owners (53.92%) and 46.08% were tenants. Solid waste generated consists of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Solid waste collected by the city council (57.84%), private collectors (36.27%) while remaining is collected by other individuals and scavengers. Interviews and questionnaires outcomes denote that solid waste was collected once a week (43.14%), twice a week (3.92%) and rarely collected (38.24%). Solid waste is disposed through open dumping, burning, pits and landfilling, although most of the disposal strategies pose environmental health problems. Solid waste mismanagement is attributed to lack of awareness, weak legal framework and shortage of resources, specifically finance. Questionnaire respondents (66.67%) argued that proper solid waste management is important and needs to be improved. Participants (65.69%) revealed that they were willing to pay for improved solid waste management, however, 34.31% were unwilling. Willingness to pay for improved solid waste management was determined by educational level and house ownership status. Improving residents’ willingness to pay for proper solid waste management requires an integrated approach and increasing residents' awareness.

A two-step dynamic FEM-FELA approach for seismic slope stability assessment

AbstractThe determination of the factor of safety (FoS) of slopes during seismic excitation can be complex if the relevant effects of pore water pressure accumulation, nonlinear material response and variable shear strength are duly accounted for. A rational two-step approach to tackle this task based on a hydro-mechanically coupled dynamic simulation and finite element limit analyses is henceforth introduced. To ensure accurate transfer of the hydro-mechanical soil state, a mapping concept is presented, accounting for spatial distributions of stresses, excess pore water pressures, inertial forces and shear strength. The proposed approach is compared to limit equilibrium method (LEM) for the case of a large-scale water-saturated open cast mine slope subjected to seismic loading. In comparison with LEM, the new approach to assess seismic slope stability proves to be simpler in its implementation and straightforward, which could be an important asset for practitioners.

Engineering methodology for operative assessment of seismic blast impact in the boundary rock mass in open pits

Engineering methodology for operative assessment of seismic blast impact in the boundary rock mass in open pits

Efficiency of excavators application in open pit mines of Uzbekistan

Efficiency of excavators application in open pit mines of Uzbekistan

Effects of Artisanal Mining on Land Degradation in Zamfara North-West, Nigeria

This paper analyzed the effects of artisanal mining on land degradation. It took critical look on both legal and illegal mining activities in the study areas and their level of devastated effects on land texture and structure over space. The method implored is both probability and non-probability approaches. The purposive targeted populations for the study were licensed and unlicensed small scale gold mining operators in the study areas, with a sample population of 100 person, and types of data used is both primary and secondary sources. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistic and frequency chart that indicated major challenges was illiteracy 31% and lack of coordination among miners 23%, major effect of land degradation was water pollution and deforestation had 30% and 23% respectively, and effects of artisanal mining on land degradation was degradation of arable land had 20% and exposing the soil to wind and chemical had 18%. It had a serious implication on ecosystem. The paper concluded that artisanal mining of mineral ores had caused serious damages on the land resources both soil and rivers. Therefore, to ensure sustainability in mining activities and to secure a quality environment, the following recommendations are hereby suggested, Educating local miners on the dangers of open cast mining and grinding of gold ore using the same grinder for grains to be consumed and Policy makers should avoid politicizing vital issues that will threaten peace and security of people in Zamfara and its environs.

Specific features of mining out the penthouse between the open pit floor and the underground mining zone at the International mine

Specific features of mining out the penthouse between the open pit floor and the underground mining zone at the International mine

Hydrosocial imaginaries of green extractivism: Water-energy transitions and geothermal lithium development at the Salton Sea in Imperial Valley, California

Lithium is considered an “energy transition mineral” for mitigating climate change because it is a key component of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Even though it is framed as green, lithium mining has significant impacts on communities and ecosystems, especially in relation to water. This research takes a hydrosocial approach to examine the benefits and burdens of a proposed alternative method to avoid the harmful impacts of conventional lithium mining from brine evaporation or open-pit mining, by pairing geothermal energy production with direct lithium extraction (DLE) in the Salton Sea region of California. Government and industry proponents have framed this novel technology as an environmentally superior process, and boosters seek to transform the southeast edge of the Salton Sea in Imperial Valley into "Lithium Valley." We examine the emergence of green extractivism in Imperial Valley through three hydrosocial imaginaries: (1) reclamation; (2) restoration; and (3) recovery. Reclamation offers a lens through which to critically analyze the foundation of the Salton Sea, which is deeply rooted in colonialism, dispossession and industrialization. Restoration encompasses the environmental and public health impacts that a receding sea level and agro-industrial waste streams have on the region. Finally, geothermal lithium development has been framed by tech entrepreneurs, energy firms and resource managers as a process of “recovery” that would deliver community benefits and cleaner energy, while evading negative connotations of mineral “extraction.” Drawing from collaborative research and action for environmental justice, this study contributes to community engagement on the proposed Lithium Valley development.

Sovereign Debt and Climate Change in Argentina – The Catalytic Role of the IMF

Abstract This article studies the interdependence between Argentina’s public over-indebtedness and climate change. It addresses the following questions: What type of productive model does the Argentine public debt profile promote, and what is its impact on climate change? In a debt-servicing scheme marked by fiscal consolidation, which strongly conditions the state budget, what public funds are available to invest in adaptation and mitigation? Finally, what is the role of the IMF in this fiscal-environmental scheme? The article first presents the international commitments of the Argentine State in the face of climate change and the estimated fiscal cost of implementing the necessary adaptation and mitigation measures. It then describes the situation of Argentina’s debt in historical perspective up to the present and explains how the external debt has been determining the productive specialization of the national economy, which seeks to boost the country’s primary export capacity, particularly agribusiness, the fossil fuel sector, and open-pit metalliferous mining. It also analyzes the role of the IMF in Argentina as a catalytic actor in the climate crisis, describing the IMF’s centrality in the national economy, its economic-environmental policy on the production pattern that accelerates climate change, and the incidence of this phenomenon in Argentina.

Research on prediction of PPV in open pit mine used on intelligent hybrid model of extreme gradient boosting

Peak particle velocity (PPV) serves as a critical metric in assessing the appropriateness of blasting design parameters. However, existing methods for accurately measuring PPV remain insufficient. To develop a robust PPV prediction model, this study integrates the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm with four distinct optimization techniques: Runge Kutta Optimizer (RUN), Equilibrium Optimizer (EO), Gradient-Based Optimizer (GBO), and Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA). Real-time blasting data from open-pit mines are employed to predict PPV, utilizing parameters including Charge Quantity per Hole (CQH/kg), Total Charge Quantity (TCQ/kg), Distance from Bursting Point to Measuring Point (DBM/m), Drilling Depth (DP/m), Borehole Diameter (BD/mm), Spacing (S/m), Row Spacing (RS/m), Minimum Burden (MB/m), and Depth Displacement (DD/m). The predictive outcomes of the XGBoost model, optimized by various algorithms, are benchmarked against the Sadovsky empirical formula, the conventional XGBoost model, and several traditional machine learning models (Ridge, LASSO, SVM, SVR) using performance metrics including R2, RMSE, VAF, MAE, and MBE. Additionally, the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) method is employed to assess the impact of various factors on PPV prediction outcomes. The findings reveal that the GBO-optimized XGBoost model surpasses the RUN, EO, and RSA-optimized XGBoost models, along with other machine learning models and traditional empirical formulas, in predicting PPV. This study further corroborates that the XGBoost model, when enhanced with various optimization algorithms, effectively manages the non-linear characteristics of multiple factors, resulting in a reliable, straightforward, and efficient PPV prediction model. Moreover, the SHAP sensitivity analysis identifies DBM, TCQ, and CQH as the primary factors influencing PPV, enabling engineers to mitigate the impact on nearby structures, equipment, and personnel through the careful adjustment of explosive quantities.

BN SO50 - The Resurgence of Veress Needle Insufflation: An Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of One Surgeon’s Practice

Abstract Background Veress needle insufflation has been established as a safe and effective method of establishing pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery, with comparable risk profile to open methods. However, the blind nature of the procedure with potential complications such as iatrogenic bowel and blood vessel injury has seen this technique fall out of fashion with general surgeons. This study reviews the safety and efficacy of a single surgeon’s practice using Veress needle insufflation for Laparoscopic surgical procedures. Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on minimally invasive procedures performed between January 2019 and June 2024. In our practice, a standard or bariatric Veress needle is placed in a small incision at Palmer’s point. A manometer test is performed with CO2 insufflation at a low flow rate and raising the abdominal wall. If a low pressure is established, then the flow is increased to achieve adequate pneumoperitoneum before introduction of a midline 5mm camera port. Primary outcomes of this study include rate of conversion to open techniques (either Hasson’s or open cut down) and any complications. Results Of the 702 cases reviewed, five patients (0.71%) required conversion to open insufflation techniques. Two (0.28%) had bleeding from the omentum, and one patient (0.14%) experienced inadvertent bowel insufflation which was managed conservatively with no long-term morbidity. Notably there were no port site hernias. Conclusion This study supports the continued use of the Veress needle as a safe and effective method of insufflation in laparoscopic surgery. It offers minimal incision size, easier access in high BMI patients, and an alternative when adhesions and scarring limit access. Furthermore, adopting this technique can be particularly useful for appropriate port placement in robotic surgery, making it a valuable tool for modern surgical practices.

Energy Consumption and Fume Analysis: A Comparative Analysis of the Blasting Technique and Mechanical Excavation in a Polish Gypsum Open-Pit Mine

This article presents a comparative assessment of energy consumption and fume emissions such as NOx, CO2, and CO associated with the excavation of a specified gypsum volume using two mining methods (blasting and mechanical extraction). The analysis was carried out based on a case study gypsum open-pit mine in Poland where both extraction methods are applied. The findings indicate that, for the same output volume, blasting operations require significantly less energy (ranging from 1298.12 MJ to 1462.22 MJ) compared to mechanical excavation (86,654.15 MJ). Furthermore, a substantial portion of the energy in blasting operations is attributed to explosive loading and drilling (970.95 MJ). Conversely, mechanical mining results in higher fume emissions compared to blasting. However, during mechanical extraction, the fumes are dispersed over a prolonged period of 275 h, whereas blasting achieves the same gypsum volume extraction in approximately 7.5 h. The prediction model suggests that, based on the obtained data, overall gypsum extraction will decline unless new operational levels are developed or the mine is expanded. This reduction in gypsum extraction will be accompanied by a corresponding decrease in energy consumption and emission of fumes.

Study on the impact of humidity on dust dispersion in open-pit mining under different environmental temperatures

To investigate the impact of changes in environmental temperature and humidity on the dust migration patterns during the open-pit mining and loading process, a 1:1 simulation model of open-pit mining and loading was established using SCDM software, based on actual working conditions. Fluent software was used to study the airflow velocity field and dust migration patterns under different temperature and humidity conditions. The simulation results were validated by on-site measurements of dust concentration, with the error values at selected measurement points all within 20%. The results indicate that as relative humidity increases, the dust dispersion capacity decreases, with a more significant reduction in high-temperature environments. Dust concentration is higher in the plane at heights of 3 m to 6 m, and dust tends to accumulate within a range of approximately 10–15 m around the ore transport vehicle. As relative humidity increases from 20% to 80%, the dust concentration within the height range of 3–6 m gradually decreases. At lower environmental temperatures, dust is less likely to settle and tends to move upwards above 6 m. As the environmental temperature increases, dust tends to settle near the ore transport vehicle.

A Correlation Relating the Residual Strength Parameters to the Proportions of Clay Fractions and Plasticity Characteristics of Overburden Sediments from the Open-Pit Mine Drmno

One of the prerequisites for the safe exploitation of surface mines is the stability of the working and final slopes of the mine. In order to ensure this, it is necessary to carry out detailed field and laboratory geomechanical tests of the soil and, based on the obtained results, make calculations related to stability analyses. The results obtained in this way are used for dimensioning the slope of exploitation slopes (excavation). Landslides occur when the ultimate shear strength is reached, and therefore, the adequate definition of shear strength parameters is one of the essential prerequisites for successfully solving the stability problem. Unlike earlier tests in Serbia, when the residual shear strength parameters were determined based on the usual conventional methods (direct shear apparatus, triaxial apparatus), this time, in addition to the direct shear apparatus, a ring shear apparatus was also chosen for testing. The paper shows the method of determining the residual shear strength parameters of high plasticity gray clays and siltstones of roof sediments from open pit mine Drmno, using direct and ring shear apparatus. The results show that the residual angle of internal friction for gray clays obtained with the ring shear apparatus is 9.9–10.8°, and for the siltstone, it is 11.8–12.9°, both of which are lower than the values obtained with the direct shear apparatus. In addition, correlations between the residual parameters of soil shear resistance and some physical indicators (plasticity index, clay content) are provided, showing high correlation coefficients. The proposed correlations should be used only when time and financial constraints prevent the execution of actual tests to determine residual shear strength, as concrete experimental procedures provide a much more reliable assessment of the residual strength properties of the soil.

Monitoring and Analysis of Surface Deformation in the Buzhaoba Open-Pit Mine Based on SBAS-InSAR Technology

The Buzhaoba open-pit mine is an important lignite production base in Yunnan Province, China. As mining activities have continued to progress, varying degrees of deformation have occurred in different areas of the Buzhaoba open-pit mine, threatening normal coal production and mine safety. To comprehensively investigate the characteristics of surface deformation and its influencing factors at the Buzhaoba open-pit mine, this study employed the following methods: first, the SBAS-InSAR technique was used to process 86 Sentinel-1A ascending and descending orbit remote sensing images from 2020 to 2023, obtaining LOS surface deformation information for the mining area; second, leveling observation data were used to validate the accuracy of the SBAS-InSAR results, and based on the principle of two-dimensional deformation decomposition, the east–west and vertical surface deformation information of the mining area was obtained; finally, the temporal variation characteristics and influencing factors of the Buzhaoba open-pit mine were analyzed. The study results indicate that (1) the maximum LOS surface deformation rates in the ascending and descending orbits of the mining area were −42.1 mm/a and −114.0 mm/a, respectively; (2) the correlation coefficient between the SBAS-InSAR monitoring results and the leveling observation results was 0.938, confirming the reliability of the SBAS-InSAR monitoring results; (3) the maximum east–west and vertical deformation rates obtained from the two-dimensional deformation decomposition were −103.4 mm/a and −189.2 mm/a, respectively, with the surface deformation in the east–west direction being more pronounced; (4) internal factors such as stratigraphic lithology and geological structures, as well as atmospheric rainfall, have a certain degree of influence on the surface deformation of the Buzhaoba open-pit mine. Therefore, the research results of this study can provide important data support and theoretical references for safety management and disaster prevention in the mining area.

Physics-Informed Neural Networks-Based Online Excavation Trajectory Planning for Unmanned Excavator

As a large-scale mining excavator, the electric shovel (ES) has been extensively employed in open-pit mines for overburden removal and mineral loading. In the development of unmanned operations for ES, dynamic excavation trajectory planning is essential, as it directly influences operational efficiency and energy consumption by guiding the dipper during excavation. However, conventional optimization-based methods for excavation trajectory planning typically start from scratch, resulting in a time-consuming process that fails to meet real-time requirements. To address this challenge, we propose an innovative online trajectory planning framework based on physics-informed neural networks (PINNOTP) that utilizes advanced data-driven techniques. The input to PINNOTP consists of on-site working conditions, including the initial state of the ES and the material surface being excavated. The output is a smooth, polynomial-based curve that serves as the reference trajectory for the dipper. To ensure smooth execution of the generated trajectory, prior domain knowledge—such as physics-based target-oriented constraints, essential system dynamics, and mechanical constraints—is explicitly incorporated into the loss function during training. A case study is presented to validate the proposed method, demonstrating that PINNOTP effectively addresses the challenges of online excavation trajectory planning.

Environmental aspects of remote sensing for the classification of asbestos industry impact on the landscape changes in Cyprus

Abstract. The Industrial Revolution led to the commercial exploitation of asbestos in Cyprus. Cyprus has the second largest asbestos deposits in Europe, after Italy. Even though most of the extracted asbestos was exported, Cyprus had two operational asbestos manufacturing plants. Production increased steadily until 1980, with mining activities ending in 1988. These activities have left a significant mark on the environment. The key example of post-asbestos landscape in Cyprus is the opencast mine at Amiandos in the Limassol District, where large amounts of asbestos were mined. This has had a considerable impact on the natural environment and land use including the disposal of asbestos residues and asbestos-cement waste. Temporal analysis of land use changes from 1963 to 2014 reveals shifts in exploitation areas and vegetation cover. Though challenges persist, including asbestos-containing waste, efforts to restore vegetation in the mine area are evident. The evolution from sparse and undeveloped vegetation to a lush and diverse ecosystem is important for restoring ecological balance and restoring habitats for local fauna and flora. This research provides critical insights into the historical context, environmental impacts, and remediation efforts related to asbestos mining in Cyprus.

Truck Transportation Scheduling for a New Transport Mode of Battery-Swapping Trucks in Open-Pit Mines

To address the scheduling challenges associated with the increasing deployment of battery-swapping trucks in open-pit mines, this study proposes a multi-objective scheduling optimization model. This model accounts for the unique characteristics of battery-swapping trucks by incorporating constraints related to battery swapping alerts, the selection of battery-swapping stations, and the impact of ambient temperature on battery capacity. The primary objective is to minimize the total haulage cost and total waiting time. Both a genetic algorithm and an adaptive genetic algorithm are applied to solve the proposed multi-objective scheduling optimization model. The aim is to identify an optimal scheduling solution without violating any model constraints. Results demonstrate that both the basic genetic algorithm and the adaptive genetic algorithm effectively achieve truck transportation scheduling. However, the adaptive genetic algorithm surpasses the basic genetic algorithm, reducing the total transportation costs by 5.6% and total waiting time by 17.4%. It also reduces the number of battery swaps and transportation distance by 15.8% and 1.2%, respectively. The proposed multi-objective scheduling optimization model successfully minimizes the waiting time and transportation costs of battery-swapping trucks while ensuring the completion of production tasks. This approach provides valuable technical support for improving the production and transportation efficiency of open-pit mining operations.

Study on the Development Rule of Mudstone Cracks in Open-Pit Mine Dumps Improved with Xanthan Gum

The stability of open-pit mine slopes is crucial for safety, especially for spoil dump slopes, which are prone to cracks leading to landslides. This study investigates the use of xanthan gum (XG) to enhance the stability of mudstone in spoil dumps. Various concentrations of xanthan gum were mixed with mudstone and subjected to dry–wet cycle tests to assess the impact on crack development. Pore and crack analysis system (PCAS) was utilized for image recognition and crack analysis, comparing the efficiency of crack rate and length modification. The study found that xanthan gum addition significantly improved mudstone’s resistance to crack development post-drying shrinkage. A 2% xanthan gum content reduced the mudstone crack rate by 45% on average, while 1.5% xanthan gum reduced crack length by 46.2% and crack width by 26.3%. Xanthan gum also influenced the fractal dimension and water retention of mudstone cracks. The optimal xanthan gum content for mudstone modification was identified as between 1.5% and 2%. Scanning electron microscopy imaging and X-ray diffraction tests supported the findings, indicating that xanthan gum modifies mudstone by encapsulation and penetration in wet conditions and matrix concentration and connection in dry conditions. These results are expected to aid in the development of crack prevention methods and engineering applications for open-pit mine spoil dump slopes.