Mining Industry Research Articles

Mineral Reconnaissance Through Scientific Consensus: First National Prospectivity Maps for PGE–Ni–Cu–Cr and Witwatersrand-type Au Deposits in South Africa

AbstractWe present here the first experimental science (consensus)-based mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) method and its validation results in the form of national prospectivity maps and datasets for PGE–Ni–Cu–Cr and Witwatersrand-type Au deposits in South Africa. The research objectives were: (1) to develop the method toward applicative uses; (2) to the extent possible, validate the effectiveness of the method; and (3) to provide national MPM products. The MPM method was validated by targeting mega-deposits within the world’s largest and best exploited geological systems and mining districts—the Bushveld Complex and the Witwatersrand Basin. Their incomparable knowledge and mega-deposit status make them the most useful for validating MPM methods, serving as “certified reference targets”. Our MPM method is built using scientific consensus via deep ensemble construction, using workflow experimentation that propagates uncertainty of subjective workflow choices by mimicking the outcome of an ensemble of data scientists. The consensus models are a data-driven equivalent to expert aggregation, increasing confidence in our MPM products. By capturing workflow-induced uncertainty, the study produced MPM products that not only highlight potential exploration targets but also offer a spatial consensus level for each, de-risking downstream exploration. Our MPM results agree qualitatively with exploration and geological knowledge. In particular, our method identified areas of high prospectivity in known exploration regions and geologically and geospatially corresponding to the known extents of both mineral systems. The convergence rate of the ensemble demonstrated a high level of statistical durability of our MPM products, suggesting that they can guide exploration at a national scale until significant new data emerge. Potential new exploration targets for PGE–Ni–Cu–Cr are located northwest of the Bushveld Complex; for Au, promising areas are west of the Witwatersrand Basin. The broader implications of this work for the mineral industry are profound. As exploration becomes more data-driven, the question of trust in MPM products must be addressed; it can be done using the proposed scientific method. Graphical Abstract

University extension in family agricultural cooperative groups

This work is a report based on the extension developed by professors and students of a Federal University with cooperative/associative groups in the municipality of Parauapebas (PA). It assumes that Teaching, Research, and Extension are inseparable and can contribute to strengthening and developing local entrepreneurial actions. The methodology used was action research, a research procedure with an extensionist character. Students from the focus discipline conduct propositional diagnoses in cooperatives, providing subsidies to the local public authorities in serving cooperative groups. Results revealed that the work done in the cooperatives awakens the critical and professional sense of the involved students, allowing them to understand the problems and, based on the presented scenario and the knowledge already theoretically acquired, propose improvements in management, production, and/or commercialization practices. Thus, it is concluded that the used methodology contributed to expanding knowledge and exchanging experiences among the involved producer groups, the Higher Education Institution, and local public authorities, generating prospects for the primary economic vector of the municipality, mineral extraction.

Implementation of Circular Economy in a Developing Economy’s Mining Industry Using Institutional Theory: The Case of Namibia

Despite the global focus on sustainability, transitioning from linear to circular production systems is slow in the mining sector of most developing economies like Namibia. However, mining plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Furthermore, existing literature indicates that the potential for regenerative production systems using the remanufacture and recycle approach remains low and limited within the mining and developing economies. Institutional theory can help reveal the reasons for the slow take-up of the regenerative circular economy models in mining. This study uses a unique dataset of 40 semi-structured interviews with key players in the mining sector of Namibia to understand the current phase of circular economy adoption and the role played by institutional pressures in the process of institutional isomorphism, when companies would display a similar level of practices within a shared institutional environment. The findings reveal: (1) 72.5% of participants believe that Namibian mines are adoption-decision phase—a beginning stage of circular economy adoption; (2) companies are reliant on heavy government participation through policy/legislation and tax incentives is recommended; (3) the ranked order—coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures—describes their significance among key actors, for the successful adoption; and (4) proactive implementation and a mindset shift towards circularity is needed to meet emerging expectations on social and environmental concerns in mining.

The Effect of Eco-Efficiency and Eco-Innovation Disclosure on Firm Value: Does Profitability Matter?

This research aims to test whether profitability strengthens the influence of eco innovation and eco efficiency disclosures on the value of mining sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Research data was obtained from annual reports and sustainability reports from the Indonesian Stock Exchange website and company websites. The sample used was 39 companies that met the criteria and were listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018 – 2021. The sample data calculation technique used the cross sectional method via the eviews application. Hypothesis testing in this research uses multiple linear regression analysis methods. The results of this research show that eco innovation and eco efficiency have a positive effect on firm value, and profitability has an effect as a moderating predictor variable in the relationship between eco innovation and eco efficiency on firm value. This study differentiates samples based on more diverse dependent variables and involves moderating variables as amplifiers. Previous research did not use the two dependent variables, namely eco innovation and eco efficiency simultaneously so that the value of the company could not be determined as a whole whether the implementation of both had an effect on the value of the company. Then the researchers found that investors considered the application of eco innovation and eco efficiency to the value of mining sector companies.

Use of Technogenic Mineral Formations: Current State, Identified Trends

It has been established that there is a constant increase in the accumulation of waste within the borders of the RF, in which the main share consists of waste from mining. The correlation between the annual mass of waste generated from technogenic mineral formations (TMF) and the volume of mineral extraction and the specific share of the open-pit mining method has been determined. The distribution of accumulated waste across the Federal Districts has been identified and the situation with their use has been characterized. It was noted that in the Federal Districts with the largest volume of accumulated waste, the percent of their involvement in secondary circulation for the period 2019–2022 decreases (relative decrease percent 41.2–7.2%). A conclusion is made about the unsatisfactory state of affairs in the field of application of SWM, which requires the number of measures to solve problems that complicate the introduction of man-made deposits into economic circulation.

Enhancing blasting efficiency: A smart predictive model for cost optimization and risk reduction

Mineral extraction involves distinct stages, including drilling, blasting, loading, transporting, and processing minerals at a designated facility. The initial phase is drilling and blasting, crucial for controlled dimensions of crushed stone suitable for the processing plant. Incorrect blasting can lead to unsuitable stone grading and destructive outcomes like ground vibrations, stone projection, air blasts, and recoil. Predicting and optimizing blasting costs (BC) is essential to achieve desired particle size reduction while mitigating adverse blasting consequences. BC varies with rock hardness, blasting techniques, and patterns. This study presents a BC prediction model using data from 6 Iranian limestone mines, employing firefly (FF) and gray wolf optimization (GWO) algorithms. With 146 data points and parameters like hole diameter (D), ANFO (AN), sub-drilling (J), uniaxial compressive strength (σc), burden (B), hole number (N), umolite (EM),spacing (S), specific gravity (γr), stemming (T), hole length (H), rock hardness (HA), and electric detonators (Det), the data was split into 80% for model construction and 20% for validation. Using statistical indicators, the model showed good performance, offering engineers, researchers, and mining professionals high accuracy. The @RISK software conducted sensitivity analysis, revealing T parameter as the most influential input factor, where minor T changes significantly affected BC. Lastly, the @RISK software was employed to conduct a sensitivity analysis on the model's outputs. The analyses demonstrated that, among the input factors, the T parameter had the most pronounced effect on the model's output. Even small changes in the value of T led to considerable fluctuations in the predicted BC.

The Principles of Evaluating the Risk of Rock and Gas Outburst in Copper Ore Mines

AbstractRock and gas outburst is one of the most significant natural hazards faced by the mining industry. In the last decade, this issue has appeared in firm rock mining (including copper ore mines) in addition to coal mining. A number of methods have been developed for coal mining to assess the hazard posed by gasogeodynamic phenomena, but in the case of copper ore mines, no studies have led to forecasts of this risk. To face the challenge, the authors decided to propose their own concept of risk assessment principles based on a threshold analysis of the phenomenon and a continuous analysis using fuzzy logic. A series of tests were performed to support the paper, investigating selected parameters which directly affect the risk. The evaluation principles for gasogeodynamic phenomena presented herein were the result of experimental investigations carried out by the authors.

Deterministic modelling for driving factors of mineralization in Shanggong gold deposit (China)

1. Three-dimensional (3D) deterministic modeling is crucial for analyzing the controlling factors of mineralization. The Shanggong gold deposit, situated in the southern margin of North China Craton, represents a magmatic hydrothermal deposit. To construct the 3D deterministic model, boreholes, cross-sections, and geochemistry assays are integrated based on the geological characteristics of the Shanggong gold deposit. This paper summarizes its contents as follows: 1) GoCAD software can be utilized to build a 3D geology model encompassing faults and ore bodies; 2) Geostatistics and discrete smooth interpolation (DSI) can be employed to create a 3D attribute model involving grade and Au/Pb ratio. The findings reveal that: 1) High-value zones are associated with NE and NNE trending cross faults; 2) Deterministic modeling, such as grade model and Au/Pb ratio model, effectively elucidates the metallogenic process mechanism.

Functionalization of Filter Media for Improved Crystalline Silica Analysis Using Raman Spectroscopy

ABSTRACTRespirable crystalline silica (RCS) poses significant health risks in workplaces, including underground coal mines, metal and nonmetal mining, construction sites, fire suppression, and oil and gas industries. Raman spectroscopy offers a promising avenue for direct analysis of RCS on sample filters with minimal pretreatment. However, the presence of organic compounds (OC) in the samples can generate fluorescence signals that interfere with RCS measurements, potentially saturating the detector even at short integration times, particularly when using portable Raman instruments. This study explores a novel approach to address these challenges by functionalizing filters with a hydroxyapatite/silver bromide/titanium dioxide (HAT) photocatalyst, facilitating the oxidation and removal of OC using the Raman excitation laser. Photocatalytic degradation experiments conducted on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filters preloaded with HAT and anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles demonstrated that HAT significantly enhances the degradation of OC, such as oxalic acid, under visible light irradiation compared to TiO2. Additionally, fluorescence interferences were reduced for coal dust samples analyzed on functionalized silver filters using a portable Raman instrument. The efficacy of HAT in OC photocatalytic degradation on silver filters was further confirmed using a benchtop micro‐Raman system. Filter functionalization had minimal impact on filtration efficiencies and pressure drops, indicating the feasibility of this approach for improving RCS analysis while maintaining filter performance.

Selection of longwall shearers based on the results of research on the mechanical properties of coal

The proper selection of cutting longwall winning machines for specific mining and geological conditions requires the development of an appropriate algorithm. The appropriate selection of a machine (shearer) is closely related to acquiring a high concentration of exploitation from the given longwall. That is indispensable, especially taking into consideration the growing cost of mining, as well as the depth of coal seams. In this article, an algorithm showing the selection of longwall winning machines has been presented. The algorithm has been created based on results of research on the processed coal’s mechanical properties. Analysis of the mining process, especially in difficult conditions, shows that in order to define a drum longwall shearer’s range of usage, the coal’s properties which have a significant impact on the mining process must be determined. The above also influences the technique, technology and effectiveness of mining—they impact the effectiveness of the winning machines. In connection to this, the cutting heads should be chosen and designed based on those factors, as well as any performance forecasts. As representative values the following have been chosen: workability index (WUB), resistance to unidirectional compression (Rc), and energy consumption of the mining process (TE).

Criminology significant signs of criminal offenses related to the illegal use of minerals

This scientific article is aimed at clarifying the criminologically significant signs of criminal offenses related to the illegal use of minerals (Articles 240, 2401 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). It is noted that the complex geopolitical and economic situation, the imperfection of legislation and other factors lead to an increase in the number of cases of illegal amber mining in Ukraine. This indicates that the specified problem needs to be solved in a theoretical and practical aspect. It was concluded that the criminological characteristics of criminal offenses related to the illegal use of minerals should be considered as an information model that displays typical features, that is, those inherent in such an array of criminal offenses, and specific ones that allow them to be separated from other groups illegal acts. Among the main characteristics of criminal offenses related to the illegal use of minerals, the following criminologically significant signs of a criminal offense are singled out: data on preparation for the commission and concealment of a criminal offense; typical techniques; time, place and circumstances of the commission; the subject of criminal encroachment; tools, means, data about the identity of the criminal, the motive and purpose of committing the criminal offense; typical traces of a criminal offence. All methods of illegal mineral extraction are divided into two groups: open method; underground way. The most common method of spontaneous extraction is hydromechanical. The subject of criminal offenses related to the illegal use of minerals can be the subsoil and minerals of national significance (except for common ones). The place of illegal extraction of minerals depends on their location, and the situation is often determined by weather conditions, the specifics of the activity of controlling bodies, and the organization of the work of individual services. The main sources and carriers of traces of committed criminal offenses are people and things. Special devices have been identified as tools for illegal amber mining. The subjects of such illegal actions can be persons both related and unrelated by nature of their professional occupations to amber mining. The usually group method of committing criminal offenses is indicated.

Gold concentration during polyphase deformation: Insights from Boulanger Project, French Guiana

The Boulanger gold deposit is hosted within the Rhyacian greenstone belts from the Guiana shield located within the North Guiana Through, French Guiana. The Boulanger deposit is characterized by a complex polyphase deformation and mineralization history involving a coaxial shortening phase, D1, followed by a transcurrent deformation event, D2. The main ore bodies consist of a series of quartz-tourmaline-pyrite-carbonate extension and shear veins in response to NNE-SSW shortening event (D1), and adjacent altered host-rocks. The proximal alteration bordering the vein system is characterized by pyrite-tourmaline (main ore assemblage). This shortening event is followed by transcurrent deformation, D2. Locally, D2 is expressed by the formation of N020-030 narrow zones (F2 axial trace) along which D1 structures are reoriented. The structural analysis performed on both S1/0 foliation and on geophysical data interpretation highlights the presence of Type-1 interference patterns. These zones are associated with significant gold enrichment and the presence of a new ore assemblage dominated by pyrrhotite-pyrite. Quantitative structural analysis approach, based on measured foliations (S1/0) and gold grade demonstrates that D2-related folding is associated with important gold endowment. These findings suggest that the characterization of the exact fold interference pattern is fundamental for the targeting of favorable enriched zones at the deposit scale.

A Novel Job Similarity Index for Career Transition in the Mining Industry

In this study, with the primary goal of capturing ongoing digital transformation and automation impacts on the mining industry and its workforce, we conduct several interviews with mining industry experts in the USA and analyze our survey reports qualitatively and quantitatively through exploratory analysis. After the interpretation of the insights of industry experts, we proceed to generate a personalized and customized data analysis through a novel metric based on skills, knowledge, competencies, and occupational requirements, which quantifies the job similarities for occupations in the mining industry based on the publicly available database of the United States Department of Labor. We utilize text analytics to tokenize and classify the interviews to capture a better understanding of major response categories. The temporal analysis shows that the critical competency needs in the data science and autonomy category increases from 28% in current demands to 43%. In defining our metric, we also calculate Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence for each job profile that enables determining whether and to what extent that job is transitionary in our test set based on the mean, standard deviation, and kurtosis of each job of interest. Our analysis reveals that the in-group job transitions are significantly easier than the between-group transitions, proving our initial assumptions and common sense. The generated heat maps provide the opportunity to present the gap between the current job and desired job profiles that provide feasible career change options, among others, offering individualized career paths for job seekers and promoting potential job transitions. Through the collection of industry-specific individual employee data, the AI system is envisaged to continue to learn as end users engage with the system, thus creating a central data hub specifically for the future workforce in the mining industry. Although the study has limitations on generalizability for qualitative assessments, it presents itself as a valuable application of how qualitative and quantitative approaches could be of value for future worker training in the mining sector.

Rock slope stability analysis of a limestone quarry in a case study of a National Cement Factory in Eastern Ethiopia

Rock slope failures pose significant challenges in geotechnical engineering due to the intricate nature of rock masses, discontinuities, and various destabilizing factors during and after excavation. In mining industries, such as national cement factories, multi-benched excavation systems are commonly used for quarrying. However, cut slopes are often designed with steep angles to maximize economic benefits, inadvertently neglecting critical slope stability issues. This oversight can lead to slope instability, endangering human lives and property. This study focuses on analyzing the stability of existing quarry cut slopes, estimating their final depth, and conducting a parametric study of geometric profiles including bench height, width, face angle, and rump width. Kinematic analysis helps identify potential failure modes. The results reveal that the existing quarry cut slope is prone to toppling, wedge failure, and planar failure with probabilities of 42.68%, 19.53%, and 14.23%, respectively. Numerical modeling using the finite element method (Phase2 8.0 software) was performed under both static and dynamic loading conditions. The shear reduction factor (SRF) of the existing quarry cut slope was 1.01 under static loading and 0.86 under dynamic loading. Similarly, for the estimated depth, the SRF was 0.82 under static loading and 0.7 under dynamic loading. These values indicate that the slope stability falls significantly below the minimum acceptable SRF, rendering it unstable. The parametric study highlights the face angle of the bench as the most influential parameter in slope stability. By adjusting the bench face angle from 90° to 75°, 70°, and 65°, the SRF increased by 31.6%, 35.4%, and 37.9%, respectively. Among these, a 70° bench face angle is recommended for optimal stability with a SRF of 1.27 under static loading and 1.18 under dynamic loading.

A systematic literature review of sustainable water management in South Africa

Addressing global challenges of inequitable and unsustainable natural resource management is imperative. South African water management serves as a critical case study allowing for the deep exploration of the intricate complexities surrounding these issues. South Africa's apartheid era witnessed inequitable water distribution and, despite the efforts made through the post-apartheid National Water Act of 1998 to prioritise equity and sustainability, challenges still persist in its implementation. This review aims to bridge knowledge gaps in sustainable water management in South Africa, focusing on environmental justice and sustainable development within the framework of the three pillars of sustainability. Through a systematic literature review of 57 scientific papers published in the Web of Science database between 1995 and 2021 this study aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the complex dynamics shaping water management in South Africa. Major themes, challenges, and solutions in sustainable water management are identified, emphasising the importance of stakeholder interactions, insufficient collaboration, and a lack of capacity building. The study also explores water policy implementation, environmental impacts of business, particularly in agriculture and mining, and the management of freshwater sources and their overexploitation. Economically, the mining industry's role and associated challenges such as acid mine drainage and water use competition are assessed. The Water-Energy-Food Nexus's influence on water management, water pricing efficiency, user willingness to pay, and the potential of decentralised systems and corporate social responsibility are also explored. With South Africa facing urgent challenges of water scarcity and resource management, integrated approaches that consider environmental, social, and economic dimensions, alongside robust multi-stakeholder collaboration, are essential. This review offers valuable insights for policymakers, water managers, and researchers working toward a sustainable water future in South Africa.

Empowering Navajo Nation's Water Quality Monitoring through State-of-the-Art Paper-Electrochemical Sensors

The NSF-PREM research collaborative effort between Navajo Technical University (NTU) and Harvard University aims to address the critical issue of water contamination within the Navajo Nation. Decades of uranium mining and mineral extraction have left a lasting mark on the Navajo land and groundwater resources, necessitating effective solutions. The Nano-electrochemical Analysis and Energy Storage Laboratory (NEST LAB) at NTU has developed flexible paper-based sensors integrated with advanced electrochemical techniques to detect heavy metal concentrations in water samples. These sensors are cost-effective, easy to fabricate, and highly reliable, offering real-time monitoring capabilities. The projects core goal is to expedite water quality analysis and empower the Navajo community to detect potential contamination promptly. By distributing these sensors to local chapter houses, residents can independently assess groundwater quality, fostering a sense of ownership and proactive environmental stewardship. This partnership exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions and trains Navajo students to get involved in scientific innovation to safeguard the environment for future generations in the Navajo Nation.

(Invited) Electrifying Sulfate Waste for Gigaton-Scale Carbon Capture and Valuable Product Synthesis

Travertine has developed an innovative process for gigaton-scale carbon capture and sequestration that leverages sulfate waste from the mining and fertilizer industries. alt-splitting electrolysis powered by renewable energy is used to convert sulfate waste and carbon dioxide into carbonate minerals and hydrogen gas at the cathode, and sulfuric acid at the anode. The resulting carbonate minerals serve as a sustainable precursor for green cement, while the sulfuric acid is employed to extract critical elements. An increased demand for critical elements over the next several decades (particularly for energy storage and fertilizer applications) will supply sufficient waste to permanently sequester CO2 at the gigaton per year scale. Notably, for every ton of sulfuric acid produced, 0.45 tons of CO2 are permanently sequestered as carbonate minerals. Travertine is currently designing a pilot system to capture 1 ton of CO2 per day, and the technology represents a transformative and economically viable solution to both climate change and resource sustainability.

N-level complex helical structure modeling method

This paper primarily explores the modeling method of n-level complex helical structures with coal mining machine cables as the research object. The paper first elaborately introduces the modeling method of n-level helix curves based on parametric equations and coordinate transformations, and compensates for the n-level helix curves with corrected pitch, which can obtain more accurate n-level helix curves and improve the accuracy of n-level helix curves modeling. Subsequently, based on this high-precision n-level helix curves modeling method, the paper elaborates on the method of solving pitch and twisting radius of multi-layer helical structure. Calculation scripts were written based on the above methods, which can be used to batch calculate the twisting radius and pitch of each layer structure in multi-layer structures when satisfying the conditions of in-layer tangency, inter-layer tangency, and extrusion deformation, and retain the actual results through logical judgment. Then, based on the above two methods, the paper developed a modeling method for braided structures based on piecewise functions containing fifth-order polynomials, which can effectively avoid the problem of insufficiently dense arrangement of braided lines and easy interference in traditional methods. Finally, a set of modeling tools was developed using C# and Python in Grasshopper to implement the modeling algorithm. Taking the MCPT-1.9/3.3 3120 + 170 + 4 * 10 coal mining machine cable as an example. The cable was modeled using both the method proposed in this paper and the traditional method. Comparative data shows that the method proposed in this paper can reduce errors by 3.31E6 times in the second-level and above helical structures. In addition this paper compares the standard line length, measured line length, and the line length established by the proposed model, showing that the relative errors are both less than 0.1941%. This paper provides a new, systematic, high-precision, and full-process cable modeling method, in which all parameters except the process parameters are accurately solved by equations. It lays a theoretical foundation for the high-precision simulation and intelligent sensing cables, which is of great significance for improving the safety, stability, and efficient development of the coal mining industry. The research results of the paper can not only be applied to the modeling of coal mining machine cables but also can be extended to the modeling of other complex multi-layer helical structures.

Энергетика, экономика и право в Арктической зоне России

The article examines the correlation of interconnected areas: energy, economics and law. It was emphasized that energy resources for solving the strategic tasks of the state are effective areas for the development of economic activity in the Arctic zone of Russia. It is emphasized in the Arctic that the profit mechanism is associated with the production of hydrocarbons on the Arctic shelf. Important problems of the structure of the infrastructure complex and environmental protection during the extraction of minerals on the shelf by methods of new technologies are touched upon. It is justified that strategic directions as an economy and law should be combined to adopt a special legal regime for all subjects of the Arctic zone of Russia. An array of regulatory legal acts on economic activity in the Arctic has been investigated. It is proposed to adopt a comprehensive federal law for the development of the country’s economy in relation to raw materials energy.

Pengaruh Kebijakan Dividen dan Konservatisme Akuntansi terhadap Kualitas Laba

This research aims to examine the effect of dividend policy and accounting conservatism on earnings quality in companies in the infrastructure, utilities & transportation and mining sectors listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI). This type of research is quantitative research. The sampling method used is a purposive sampling method based on certain criteria. From the specified criteria, a sample of 25 companies was obtained. The analytical method used is multiple linear regression analysis using IBM SPSS statistics 22. The results of this research indicate that the dividend policy variable has no effect on earnings quality. Meanwhile, accounting conservatism has a significant positive effect on earnings quality. The principle of accounting conservatism is applied by companies on the basis of management's caution against exaggerating the profit value of the financial statements.