Potash Mine Research Articles

The discovery of the first potash mine and the development of the potash industry since 1861

AbstractThe birth of potash industry was 1861 in Staßfurt, Duchy of Prussia with commissioning of the first potash plant. During the mining of rock salt in Staßfurt, seams containing potassium had previously only been discovered by chance and initially treated as overburden. Until 1918, potash production was only in the German Empire with a total capacity of about 0.83 million t K. Subsequently, a successful global exploration for further potash deposits began. Large and high‐quality potash deposits are found in the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Canada, Russia, and Belarus. From around 1950 onward, the industry began to grow strongly. In 2021, the global production was about 36 million t K. More than 90% is marketed as fertilizer, mainly potassium chloride. Feeding the world's growing population requires a safe and adequate supply of fertilizer. The potash production capacities are correspondingly high and the global supply of potassium fertilizer is secured for centuries to come.

Different Responses of Bacteria and Archaea to Environmental Variables in Brines of the Mahai Potash Mine, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Salt mines feature both autochthonous and allochthonous microbial communities introduced by industrialization. It is important to generate the information on the diversity of the microbial communities present in the salt mines and how they are shaped by the environment representing ecological diversification. Brine from Mahai potash mine (Qianghai, China), an extreme hypersaline environment, is used to produce potash salts for hundreds of millions of people. However, halophiles preserved in this niche during deposition are still unknown. In this study, using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and estimation of physicochemical variables, we examined brine samples collected from locations with the gradient of industrial activity intensity and discrete hydrochemical compositions in the Mahai potash mine. Our findings revealed a highly diverse bacterial community, mainly composed of Pseudomonadota in the hypersaline brines from the industrial area, whereas in the natural brine collected from the upstream Mahai salt lake, most of the 16S rRNA gene reads were assigned to Bacteroidota. Halobacteria and halophilic methanogens dominated archaeal populations. Furthermore, we discovered that in the Mahai potash mining area, bacterial communities tended to respond to anthropogenic influences. In contrast, archaeal diversity and compositions were primarily shaped by the chemical properties of the hypersaline brines. Conspicuously, distinct methanogenic communities were discovered in sets of samples with varying ionic compositions, indicating their strong sensitivity to the brine hydrochemical alterations. Our findings provide the first taxonomic snapshot of microbial communities from the Mahai potash mine and reveal the different responses of bacteria and archaea to environmental variations in this high-altitude aquatic ecosystem.

Development of Automated Mine Ventilation Control Systems for Belarusian Potash Mines

Development of Automated Mine Ventilation Control Systems for Belarusian Potash Mines

Microbiome convergence and deterministic community assembly along successional biocrust gradients on potash salt heaps.

Potash mining, typically performed for agricultural fertilizer production, can create piles of residual salt waste that are ecologically detrimental and difficult to revegetate. Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) have been found growing on and around these heaps, suggesting resilience to the hypersaline environment. We set out to understand the community dynamics of biocrust formation by examining two succesionary salinity gradients at historical mining sites using a high throughput amplicon sequencing. Bare heaps were distinct, with little overlap between sites, and were characterized by high salinity, low nutrient availability, and specialized, low diversity microbial communities, dominated by Halobacteria, Chloroflexia, and Deinococci. 'Initial' stages of biocrust development were dominated by site-specific Cyanobacteria, with significant overlap between sites. Established biocrusts were the most diverse, with large proportions of Alphaproteobacteria, Anaerolineae, and Planctomycetacia. Along the salinity gradient at both sites, salinity decreased, pH decreased, and nutrients and Chlorophyll a increased. Microbiomes between sites converged during succession and community assembly process analysis revealed biocrusts at both sites were dominated by deterministic, niche-based processes; indicating a high degree of phylogenetic turnover. We posit early cyanobacterial colonization is essential for biocrust initiation, and facilitates later establishment of plant and other higher-level biota.

Waste biomass from hypersaline potash mining byproducts: Detection and visualization of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) on Croceicoccus sp. FTI14 biosorbent

Microorganisms in hypersaline potash mining byproducts and their potential environmental applications have not been extensively reported. This study reports the diverse waste-impacted microbial communities (archaea and bacteria) adapted to extreme salinity (>10–25%). Of these, halotolerant Croceicoccus sp. FTI14 was investigated as a biosorbent for removing dissolved Cu(II) and Cr(VI) from synthetic Cu(II) and Cr(VI)-contaminated DI, groundwater and saline groundwater (0.55 M ionic strength). FTI14 biomass was oven-dried, finely ground, and investigated in batch biosorption experiments. At initial metal concentrations of 40 mg/L, FTI14 removed 40 ± 0.7% (16.3 ± 0.5 mg/g) and 19 ± 0.1% (7.8 ± 0.1 mg/g) of the Cu(II) from deionized water and saline groundwater, respectively, while only 22.9 ± 0.7% (9.6 ± 0.2 mg/g) and 2.1 ± 0.6% (1.0 ± 0.3 mg/g) Cr(VI) removal was achieved. Cu(II) uptake (mg/g) exceeded Cr(VI) uptake by a factor of 1.7–7.8. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied on FTI14 biosorption isotherm data. The Freundlich model showed a better fit for both Cu(II) and Cr(VI), as indicated by the AIC values compared with evidence ratios. Synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) visualizations of the biosorbent showed a mixture of whole cells and indistinct biomass and a spatial association between metals and biomass. Metal exposure alters the amide functional groups peak in Fourier transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectra, suggesting its role in sorption process. Thus, this study indicates culturable halotolerant microorganisms from hypersaline potash mining byproducts and its potential as biosorbent applications for metal removal from impacted groundwater.

Проблемы и перспективы внедрения многостадийной выемки руды при отработке запасов калийных месторождений

Introduction. Most of the potash deposits in the world are mined using room-and-pillar mining method with natural support, which is accompanied by high mineral losses, as well as a high mine accidents due to the destruction of supporting elements, waterproof strata continuity and breakthroughs of oversalt water and brines into the mined-out void. Methods. Generalisation, systematisation and analysis of theoretical and experimental research on increasing the extraction ratio of potash ore to establish the methods degree for increasing extraction of potash reserves, to identify unexplored and problematic issues, to determine directions and approaches. Results. Theoretical justification of the possibility and expediency of several-stage stoping for potash mining implementing the principle of re-extraction of reserves from pillars with the provision of necessary protection measures of aquifer in the form of backfill. Conclusion. The article presents the results of an analysis of the specifics of underground mining of potash deposits. The concept of several-stage stoping for potash mining is formulated. Generalized variants of several-stage stoping are presented. The main problems of several-stage stoping implementation at potash deposits are described: the problem of gap-filling in rooms; prediction of altered physical and mechanical properties of seams and host rocks; the influence of multiple excavation on water-resistant properties of waterproof strata in several-stage stoping; the role of time in geomechanical processes; rational composition and recipe of backfill preparation; organization of stowing and clean-up operations at the site; technical and economic expediency of several-stage stoping. Possible lines of approach are suggested. Resume. The use of several-stage stoping for potash mining will increase the extraction ratio, improve the reliability of the waterproof strata during mining by replacing potash seams with a continuous fill mass, utilize waste from potash ore processing, and extend the service life of potash mines. A competent scientific and methodological foundation on the implementation of such technology at potash deposits needs to be built for a deep evaluation of the mining and geomechanical processes in the operation areas and the technical and economic performance of several-stage stoping. Suggestions for practical applications and future research line. The variants of several-stage stoping presented in the article can be used to develop methods of potash mining considering specific mining and geological conditions. Application of the described and similar variants of several-stage stoping in practice will significantly increase the extraction ratio while maintaining a minimal impact on the seam. Future research line will focus on the underground deposit development plan and the geomechanical justification of the parameters of the several-stage stoping.

Способ проветривания добычных участков калийных рудников Верхнекамья, обеспечивающий безопасность при возникновении аварийной ситуации

The potash mines of the Verkhnekamsk potassium-magnesium salt deposit have low aerodynamic resistance, and therefore many factors influence the air distribution between the mine workings of the mining sites. Some of such significant factors are: the magnitude and direction of the natural draft that occurs between the mine workings due to the difference in air densities in them. The density of air also changes when the temperature changes and when it is mixed with other gases of a different density. When the air is heated, which can be caused by the operation of mining equipment, as well as when an air-gas mixture enters the air (methane is the most common gas in the potash mines of the Verkhnekamsk potassium-magnesium salt deposit), it becomes lighter. In this regard, in the inclined workings, it tends to rise up. In the existing ventilation methods, such a phenomenon has a positive effect in blocks and panels located along the rise of the formation, and a negative effect, when natural drafts prevent ventilation in the production areas located along the dip of the formation. In this regard, it was proposed to change the method of ventilation of mining areas located along the dip of the formation. In the event of a fire in a conveyor mine working, which is the most common fire hazard emergency, due to air heating, natural draughts will begin to play a dominant role in the distribution of air and the spread of flue gases. The article presents the proposed method of ventilation of the mining area of the Verkhnekamsk potassium-magnesium salt deposit of the potash mine, which will allow to efficiently carry out ventilation in the normal mode and prevent the ingress of flue gases into the working area in the event of a fire in the conveyor mine working. This effect is achieved through the positive use of emerging natural drafts and insulating devices (quickly assembled ventilation stoppings). The calculation presented in the article, performed in the «Aeroset» software package, confirmed the assumptions about the efficiency of the proposed solutions.

Closure of potentially hazardous sites in potash mines

Closure of potentially hazardous sites in potash mines

Statistical and clustering analysis of microseismicity from a Saskatchewan potash mine

Microseismicity is expected in potash mining due to the associated rock-mass response. This phenomenon is known, but not fully understood. To assess the safety and efficiency of mining operations, producers must quantitatively discern between normal and abnormal seismic activity. In this work, statistical aspects and clustering of microseismicity from a Saskatchewan, Canada, potash mine are analyzed and quantified. Specifically, the frequency-magnitude statistics display a rich behavior that deviates from the standard Gutenberg-Richter scaling for small magnitudes. To model the magnitude distribution, we consider two additional models, i.e., the tapered Pareto distribution and a mixture of the tapered Pareto and Pareto distributions to fit the bi-modal catalog data. To study the clustering aspects of the observed microseismicity, the nearest-neighbor distance (NND) method is applied. This allowed the identification of potential cluster characteristics in time, space, and magnitude domains. The implemented modeling approaches and obtained results will be used to further advance strategies and protocols for the safe and efficient operation of potash mines.

Environmental Aspects of Potash Mining: A Case Study of the Verkhnekamskoe Potash Deposit

Potash fertilizer production is one of the most important economic activities. Historically, potash mining has had a significant impact on the environment, often with catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of studies on the environmental impact of potash mining using the example of the Verkhnekamskoe potash deposit. The deposit is located in the central part of the Solikamsk depression in the Pre-Ural foredeep (Perm Krai, Russia). All the main features and problems of underground mining of water-soluble ores and potassium fertilizer production are considered using the example of one of the world’s largest potash deposits. This paper looks into the specifics of the material composition of waste, its disposal, underground mining issues associated with the solubility of salts, and the risks of groundwater inflow into the mine workings, which causes flooding of mines. The results of all surveys show that potash mining affects the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater, soil, and vegetation. The most effective measure to reduce the adverse environmental impact of potash mining at the Verkhnekamskoe Deposit is hydraulic backfilling of mine chambers, which protects the underground mines from flooding, minimizes ground subsidence, and reduces the area of potash waste.

Mathematical Modeling of Air Distribution in Mines Considering Different Ventilation Modes

The calculation of air distribution in large mine ventilation networks is usually carried out by numerically solving a system of equations representing Kirchhoff’s circuit laws. This formulation of the problem traditionally only considers the frictional air resistance of straight sections of mine airways. However, when analyzing the changing ventilation modes, it is also important to correctly consider the shock losses, which sufficiently affect the redistribution of airflows. The reason is that the shock loss factor strongly depends on the airflow rates at the junctions of mine airways. This paper presents a mathematical model of a ventilation network that considers shock losses. The model considers steady-state air distribution as well as natural draft. The significance of the shock was confirmed with a practical example; we describe the application of the proposed mathematical model for the analysis of air distribution in the ventilation network of a potash mine during planned airflow reversal.

Unsteady Coupled Heat Transfer in the Air and Surrounding Rock Mass for Mine Excavations with Distributed Heat Sources

This paper presents an unsteady coupled heat transfer model in mine air and surrounding rock mass in the presence of distributed heat sources. The case of distributed heat sources is typical when analyzing the temperature distribution in mine excavations equipped with conveyor systems. For this case, the asymptotic value of the air temperature at the end of the mine excavation is determined not only by the heat exchange between the air and surrounding rock mass but also by the thermal power of distributed heat sources and the total airflow. This conclusion is confirmed by the experimental data presented in the paper for a longwall in a potash mine. We formulate the mathematical model and calculate the distribution of air parameters along the length of an excavation, considering heat release from the conveyor and surrounding rock mass. The results show that a distributed heat release is necessary for correctly calculating the air temperature in working areas. The numerical simulations allow us to recommend a redistribution of air between the haulage and conveyor roadways in the presence of distributed heat sources.

Altering regional development for sustainability: Lessons learned from strategic communications of RCE Saskatchewan (Canada) with government

An important part of successful strategies for sustainable development involves altering (or, in some cases, preventing) proposals for development that are unsustainable or have significant opportunity costs relative to more sustainable alternatives. In modern democracies, development proposals normally require formal public approvals (whether at the municipal, provincial/state, or national level) with opportunities for public and specialist input and oversight as well as legal remedies where due processes are not followed. This creates an important locus for ESD, specifically educational interventions by Regional Centers of Expertise on education for sustainable development (RCEs). RCEs are able to rapidly mobilize local, regional, and global expertise to engage such processes, frequently where there are narrow time frames and complex mechanisms for public input. The paper will use a case studies approach examining strategic communications of RCE Saskatchewan with various levels of government in proposed developments within its region in Western Canada. Despite a primary commitment of governments in the RCE Saskatchewan region to economic growth with a more limited role for sustainable development, the RCE has successfully contributed to substantially altering unsustainable development proposals in a range of areas since its acknowledgment in 2007. These proposals have included forest clear-cutting, large-scale water diversions, agricultural drainage, nuclear power, road construction, and potash mining. The RCE's interventions have been modest, involving letters and formal submissions through existing government channels aimed at public officials or elected representatives involved in key stages of decision making. This paper will document some of the main elements of the formal RCE correspondence that has lead to its strategic effectiveness including the RCE's ability to draw upon independent scholarly knowledge (including expertise about governmental processes) and legitimization of local sustainability expertise. These interventions have enabled local learning, modifications of specific development proposals, and, in some cases, system-wide transformations. Importantly, however, it highlights how an older form of university scholarship associated with the rise of the humanities, namely the art of formal correspondence or letter writing, can be customized to the goal of regional education for sustainable development.

Optimization of excess brines disposal methods at potash mining and processing plants

The paper analyzes the positive and negative aspects of various technological solutions for the liquid brines used during the development of polymineral potash ore deposits and considers the problem of determining the choice of the optimal approach by considering geological, technical, environmental, and financial factors. The study of the issues of utilization and reduction of the liquid brines components of discharges in the production of potash fertilizers, the simultaneous reduction of valuable components loss with liquid discharges, and, due to this, increasing the production of potash fertilizers, and the usage in the technology of mine brines, are an urgent and important scientific and engineering challenge of the potash industry. Technologically, several alternative solutions can reduce the number of liquid by-products placed in sludge storage. The work used analytical methods, including statistical data processing, modeling, pre-design studies of technological solutions, and assessment of economic costs. Excess brines of potash mining and processing plants are liquid waste obtained during the production of potash fertilizers ? MOP ? SOP. The accumulation of excess brines in sludge storage facilities is estimated at millions of cubic meters per year. However, the expansion of the sludge storage facilities area and the construction of dams are only temporary solutions. They are associated with risks in the design, construction, and operation of hydraulic structures, increasing the risks of brine leakage into open and underground water basins. Therefore, it makes it necessary to use other methods of brine disposal. Depending on the nature of the processed polymineral potash ores, several methods can be combined to dispose of excess brines at once: backfilling, osmosis, injection into deep horizons, and multistage evaporation. The most optimal combination of brine reduction technologies for potassium-magnesium processing plant's raw materials is the following: 60% is disposed of by usage of vacuum evaporation units, 20 % by injecting excessive brines into deep absorbing horizons, and 10%?20% should be used for backfilling or additional products production.

ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННЫЕ МОДЕЛИ ПЛАСТА АБ НА ШАХТНОМ ПОЛЕ БКПРУ-2 ПАО "УРАЛКАЛИЙ"

Among the methods of local predication of gas and dynamic phenomena at potash mines being tried, there is no method based on structural and tectonic analysis of the structure of potash banks, which largely determines the gas-dynamic danger of potash banks and enclosing rocks. The purpose of this study is to identify the optimal method of spatial interpolation of the silvinite bank AB. The results obtained will be used in the formation of a method for predicting gas and dynamic phenomena based on structural and tectonic analysis of the structure of potash banks.

ФИЗИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА СОЛЯНЫХ ГОРНЫХ ПОРОД, ФОРМИРУЮЩИЕ СПЕЦИФИЧЕСКИЕ ПАРАМЕТРЫ ВОЗДУШНОЙ СРЕДЫ

The article discusses the main physical and chemical properties of salt rocks - alkali metal chlorides of sodium, potassium, magnesium - halite, sylvinite, carnallite, which form the specific parameters of the air environment of rock-salt and potash mines, including underground speleohospitals, as well as special salt rooms - "salt caves" or speleoclimatic chambers used for therapeutic and recreational purposes. The data of long-term field observations by the authors for slow current (for visual observation and instrumental fixation) natural phenomena - the interfacial interaction of moist air with the polymineral salt surface of natural rocks are presented.

Enhanced energy efficiency of ventilation in potash mines by means of sequential airing of service rooms

Enhanced energy efficiency of ventilation in potash mines by means of sequential airing of service rooms

Analysis of the structural integrity of a frozen wall during a mine shaft excavation using temperature monitoring data

This paper describes the results of the temperature monitoring of a frozen wall (FW) around the skip shaft of a potash mine under construction. The data on temperature measurements in control-thermal boreholes were used to parameterize the mathematical model of heat transfer, which allowed for the reconstruction of the temperature field throughout the entire cooled and frozen soil volume. The resulting temperature distribution in the FW zone for greater than 1 year was used to determine the distribution of the strength properties and calculate the temporary change in the limiting value of the external lateral load on an FW of a given thickness and specified thermomechanical properties. The obtained dependencies of the maximum external load on the FW can be used to optimize the operation mode of the freezing station at the ice holding stage (or passive freezing) to increase the energy efficiency of the system and ensure the structural integrity of the FW.

Analysis of Methane–Air Mixture Dynamics in a Dead-End Drift Ventilated Using an Exhaust System

The dynamics of methane–air mixtures in a dead-end drift of a potash mine are investigated in this study. Methane release is associated with the destruction of potash ore during mining operations. The studied dead-end drift is ventilated using an exhaust ventilation system in which fresh air is supplied through the drift, and polluted air is removed through a ventilation duct equipped with a fan. The regularities of the stationary distribution of methane in the drift are described using a 3D multiparametric numerical simulation. The size and shape of the methane cloud at the roof of the dead-end drift were analyzed depending on the ratio of the main mass transfer mechanisms in the system: forced convection due to the action of the fan, free convection due to the differing densities of the methane–air mixture, and turbulent diffusion. A criterion linking the Reynolds number, the gas Grashof number, and the length of the accumulated methane cloud is determined. Overall, the results of this study have important implications for developing new effective auxiliary mine ventilation systems that can improve the safety of mining operations.

Natural Radionuclides in Soils of Natural-Technogenic Landscapes in the Impact Zone of Potassium Salt Mining

This study considers the contents of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in the soils of natural–technogenic landscapes in the Verkhnekamskoe potassium–magnesium salt deposit (Perm Krai, Russia). The purpose of the study is to assess the lateral activity distribution of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in the soils of natural–technogenic landscapes of the mining areas on the territory of the Berezniki–Solikamsk industrial hub. Seventy-five soil samples from depths of 0–0.4 m are examined. The specific activities of the natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soil samples are measured using gamma spectrometry. The average values of the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K are 11.78 Bq/kg, 8.11 Bq/kg, and 246.9 Bq/kg, respectively. A gamma survey is conducted using the MKS/SRP-08A search dosimeter–radiometer over a control point framework covering 50,000 hectares. The research shows that the migration of the studied natural radionuclides is limited to a radius of 10 km. The results of the gamma-radiation measurements in the study area fall within a range of 0.06–0.25 µSv/h, which does not exceed the permissible limits. According to the findings, there is an increase in the concentration of natural radionuclides in transit supra-floodplain terrace landscapes and accumulative floodplain landscapes in the area affected by potash mining.