Mining Practices Research Articles

Assessing soil contamination by potentially toxic elements in artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites of the Adamawa Region, Cameroon

Gold mining is acknowledged as a principal source of environmental contamination, primarily due to the release of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through tailings dispersion into adjacent soils. Such contamination leads to land degradation, pollution, biodiversity loss and soil contamination, and subsequently impacts the food chain, human health and soil ecosystems. This study evaluates the extent of PTE contamination in soils at artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sites within the Meiganga area of the Adamawa-Yade Domain, Cameroon. ASGM extraction processes from quartz veins in this area involve the removal of topsoil to access the ore. Comparative analysis of soil samples from three profiles within the mining zone were conducted to determine contamination levels using pollution indices: enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, contamination factor and pollution load index. Results indicate higher concentrations of PTEs in soils from the mining area compared to the control profile, with notable contamination in the bottom slope profiles and B horizons, reflecting considerable metal accumulation. The contamination levels of PTEs substantially exceed background levels in the upper continental crust. The study attributes the elevated concentrations of PTEs not only to local mineralization but also to anthropic activities, particularly ASGM, which contributes to their enrichment, distribution and mobility. This pronounced contamination necessitates immediate intervention, advocating for pollution-control measures to address potential ecosystem and human health risks. It highlights the environmental toll of ASGM and underscores the imperative for sustainable mining practices and effective soil remediation techniques, including phytoremediation and soil replacement, to alleviate the adverse effects.

Promoting safety of underground machinery operators through participatory ergonomics and fuzzy model analysis to foster sustainable mining practices

One of the most vital parameters to achieve sustainability in any field is encompassing the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) of the workers. In mining industry where heavy earth moving machineries are largely employed, ergonomic hazards turn out to be significant OHS hazards causing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the operators. Nevertheless, the Indian mining industry lacks a comprehensive technique of OHS risk assessment, especially for ergonomic hazards that cause MSDs. This research appraises ergonomic hazards and develops Fuzzy Musculoskeletal-disorders Index (FMI) model to evaluate ergonomic-related MSDs. Work process and work tool ergonomic risk factors were identified through literature review and directives recommended by experts. Work posture was evaluated using RULA. The data-collecting approach was implemented using participatory ergonomic and design science principles. The FMI results show average MSDs score of 3.69, indicating high to extremely high risk. Surface plots show that combined work tool and work process was the most sensitive factors to MSDs risk compared to other two combinations. A two-sample t-test validated the FMI. The findings should help safety experts and managers develop effective OHS management plans and programmes for the sustainability of Indian mining industry.

Feasibility of respirable crystalline silica exposure reduction in small-scale tanzanite mining in Tanzania.

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposures in tanzanite gem mining have been linked to tuberculosis and silicosis among miners. We conducted a plot study to assess RCS exposures and to introduce safer mining practices in one small-scale underground tanzanite mine. Personal and area air samples for RCS were collected during tanzanite mining operations before and after improved work practices employed to reduce exposures and analyzed using X-ray diffraction. Area samples were collected at the rest area, located approximately 300 m underground and 100 m from other work activities. Improved practices included the use of wet drilling methods and drilling with new bits. A total of 33 personal and 4 area air samples were collected. Pre-intervention, mean exposures for all operations, drilling operations, non-drilling activities, and area samples were 122 mg/m3, 247 mg/m3, 34.3 mg/m3, and 1.95 mg/m3, respectively which exceeded the U.S. OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) by 2,440 times for all operations, by 4,946 times for drilling operations, by 686 times for non-drilling activities and 39 times for area samples collected at an underground rest area. The post-intervention results showed a 99% reduction of RCS exposures for wet drilling operations, 98.5% reduction for non-drilling activities, and 36% reduction for area samples. Despite improvements, post-intervention RCS exposures during drilling had a mean of 2.08 mg/m3 or more than 41 times the OSHA PEL. We successfully piloted a program to work with small-scale tanzanite miners to reduce RCS exposures and raise awareness about the occupational health risks of RCS, though additional measures are recommended to further reduce RCS exposures. Similar programs should be taken to scale throughout underground mining sites in Tanzania and other countries.

A new suggestion to marine gold extraction: Utilizing reduced graphene oxide membranes within seawater desalination processes

Traditional mining practices not only cause severe environmental issues, but also face the problem of insufficient production capacity of gold to meet its growing demand. The proposed alternative strategies for gold production, such as the extraction of gold from seawater, still keep a formidable challenge due to their strong dependence on adsorbent materials with high capacity, selectivity, and sensitivity, while also needing to meet the demands of being environmentally friendly and cost-effective. In practice, the direct extraction of gold from seawater is limited by its extremely low yield and high energy expenditure. However, if the combination of gold extraction techniques with seawater desalination can substantially reduce the energy consumption, the extraction of gold from seawater will become economical and feasible. In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility of marine gold extraction using reduced graphene oxide membranes (rGOM) during the seawater desalination process. The rGOM can adsorb almost all Au3+ from the solutions with trace concentrations of Au3+ ranging from 10 ppb to 200 ppb. The adsorption quantity is linearly related to the concentration, indicating that the adsorption capacity of rGOM is much higher than the total amount of Au3+ in the solution. Additionally, the rGOM can selectively adsorb 99 % of Au3+ in the mixed solution while hardly adsorbing other common elements in seawater. More importantly, the rGOM exhibits the long-term stability over 30 days when being immersed in the solution, making it directly compatible with the existing seawater desalination processes. These specific properties allow the rGOM to be an ideal candidate for combining the extraction of gold from seawater with seawater desalination processes. Our findings provide a methodology for enhancing the economic efficiency of the extraction of gold from seawater and hold promise for addressing the problem of gold scarcity.

Air Quality Predictions through Mathematical Modeling for Iron Ore Mine Project

Mathematical modeling was deployed to predict air quality during the construction and operation phases of an iron ore mine project in Maharashtra, India. A survey of different models revealed that the ISCST3 model was the most applicable one to predict the air quality parameters, particularly the suspended particulate matter (SPM) and coarse particulate matter (PM10). Baseline air quality data, emission rates, local meteorology, and terrain information were used to simulate the ground-level concentrations. The simulation predicted SPM and PM10 peaks of 172 µg/m3 and 44 µg/m3, respectively. The prediction was within the prescribed limits of the national standards of 200 µg/m3 and 100 µg/m3, respectively, near the source, with minor exceedances in total SPM in two nearby villages and an impact on air quality due to proposed mining. Accordingly, mitigation strategies towards such villages were recommended and implemented. Later, the monitoring in the operation phase revealed that particulate matter could be controlled effectively with mitigation strategies and ensured compliance with air quality standards. The analysis also revealed strong correlations between the particulate matter and the distance of the localities and SPM and PM10. Continuous monitoring and adaptive mitigation based on real-time data were thus emphasized for long-term sustainability and responsible mining practices.

A novel framework for integrating environmental costs and carbon pricing in open-pit mine plans: Towards sustainable and green mining

As the worldwide need for mineral resources continues to grow, there is an increasing emphasis on mitigation of the environmental consequences of the mining sector, necessitating a shift towards sustainable and green mining practices. This paradigm requires the meticulous integration of environmental considerations throughout all stages of planning and operation in open-pit mining. Therefore, this research introduces an innovative integrated framework for long-term mine planning, strategically combining economic and environmental considerations in open-pit mining operations. The methodology integrates carbon pricing into the decision-making process, addressing potential financial risks and introducing two distinct scenarios: one focused on minimizing environmental costs and the other on maximizing adjusted Net Present Value (NPV). The application of this integrated framework to an open-pit iron mine in the Middle East region yielded insightful results. The integrated framework's impact on block sequencing, greenhouse gas emissions, and financial outcomes was assessed, highlighting the divergent strategies employed in the two scenarios. The minimization scenario demonstrated it was feasible to attain 90.54% of the global warming impact and 90.48% of environmental costs while achieving 96.25% of the adjusted NPV compared to the maximization scenario. Sensitivity analyses further underscored the adaptability of the framework to varying carbon pricing scenarios. This research validates a sustainable approach to mine planning, emphasizing a balance between economic returns and ecological responsibility, and provides valuable insights for decision-makers in the mining industry.

Data Mining Prior to Earth Mining: A Sustainable Approach for Mineral Exploitation

The extraction of mineral resources from the earth, in various mining forms, such as open-cast and underground mining, has significant environmental and societal consequences, both during and after mining operations. It results in habitat destruction, soil erosion, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the release of harmful pollutants into the environment. These pollutants, including heavy metals and sulphur compounds, etc., which contaminate water sources and soil, posing a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. Despite these challenges, mining remains essential for providing raw materials to meet the needs of modern civilization, and as the global population grows, demand for minerals continues to rise, leading to increased mining operations. This intensified mining activity poses a significant threat to the planet Earth. In this context, addressing the negative effects of mining, such as mining failures, and disruptions to biodiversity, is a growing concern. Mining failures encompass a range of economic, environmental, and social consequences. A comprehensive understanding of these interrelated components is crucial for mitigating the risks and consequences associated with mining failures, as well as for developing sustainable and responsible mining practices.

Pertambangan Emas Tanpa Izin (Peti), Dampak Lingkungan, Sosial dan Ekonomi Serta Peranan Hukum Lingkungan di Kabupaten Lebong, Provinsi Bengkulu.

Unlicensed gold mining in Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province, is a complex problem with significant environmental, social and economic impacts. Unlicensed gold mining in Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province, is a complex problem with significant environmental, social and economic impacts. This research aims to analyze the social interaction patterns of the illegal workers in the region. illegal workers in the region. The research method was conducted by analyzing and description of the social interaction patterns of mine workers, with a focus on the subject of illegal miners in Lebong Tambang Village, North Lebong Regency. Sample The sample consisted of 100 illegal miners with probability sampling technique. Sampling technique. Research variables include environmental impacts andenvironmental and health impacts caused by unlicensed gold mining activities. Instruments The instruments used were surveys, interviews and documentation, with qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The data analysis used is qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The research results are expected to provide input for stakeholders, especially local governments, in formulating sustainable management of natural resources and the environment. sustainable management of natural resources and the environment. This research is expected to provide input for stakeholders, especially local governments, in formulating sustainable management of natural resources and the environment. This research is also expected to be a reference material for research and development on the topic in the future. Thus, this research As such, this research contributes to reducing the risk of environmental damage and pollution caused by illegal mining practices in Lebong District. caused by illegal mining practices in Lebong Regency.

Leaching characteristics and environmental impact of heavy metals in tailings under rainfall conditions: A case study of an ion-adsorption rare earth mining area

Following ion-adsorption rare earth mining, the residual tailings experience considerable heavy metal contamination and gradually evolve into a pollution source. Therefore, the leaching characteristics and environmental impact of heavy metals in ion-adsorption rare earth tailings require immediate and thorough investigation. This study adopted batch and column experiments to investigate the leaching behaviour of heavy metals in tailings and assess the impact of tailings on paddy soil, thereby providing a scientific basis for environmental protection in mining areas. The results showed that Mn, Zn, and Pb contents were 431.67, 155.05, and 264.33 mg·kg−1, respectively, which were several times higher than their respective background values, thereby indicating significant heavy metal contamination in the tailings. The batch leaching experiment indicated that Mn and Pb were priority control heavy metals. Heavy metals were divided into fast and slow leaching stages. The Mn and Pb leaching concentrations far exceeded environmental limits. The DoseResp model perfectly fitted the leaching of all heavy metals from the tailings (R2 > 0.99). In conjunction with the findings of the column experiment and correlation analysis, the chemical form, rainfall pH, ammonia nitrogen, and mineral properties were identified as the primary factors controlling heavy metal release from tailings. Rainfall primarily caused heavy metal migration in the acid-extraction form from the tailings. The tailing leachate not only introduced heavy metals into the paddy soil but also caused the transformation of the chemical form of heavy metals in the paddy soil, further exacerbating the environmental risk posed by heavy metals. The study findings are significant for environmental conservation in mining areas and implementing environmentally friendly practices in rare earth mining.

Labour control through risk and profit-sharing: Social inequalities and exploitation through artisanal and small-scale mining in Ghana

Despite the expanse of studies on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Africa, discussions on how the organization of workers and the division of work tasks influence labour outcomes in the sector remain marginal. There are growing concerns that ASM may account for rising income inequalities in communities. Using a case study from Ghana and relying on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with miners and other stakeholders, this paper examines processes of labour exploitation and domination in ASM. It is revealed that ASM labour processes facilitate capitalist accumulation among elites as the organization of work in the sector is moulded around pre-existing social identities and relations. The production of social differences, such as class and gender, is integral to labour exploitation, value extraction and profit accumulation in ASM. The deeply entrenched patriarchal system influences mining practices and facilitates the domination of women in ASM, producing inequalities between men and women. It is argued that capital-labour social relations underpin extractive activities in the sector hence the need to recognize ASM as a capitalist form of production. The paper concludes that the development potential of ASM will not be realized without addressing the persistent gender inequities and prevalence of exploitative relationships in the sector.

Ecocide of the Nechi river: Invocation of the inter communis effect

Introduction: Mining in Colombia has long been one of the economic activities carried out by the population, both illegally and artisanally; moreover, this practice hasspread to companies seeking to exploit these soil resources in our territories. However, the consequences of both practices raise alarms in nearby communities due to their damage to human health. Objective: The main objective of this work is to make the general public aware of the current situation of the Nechi River. This study employs a descriptive and qualitative approach to make visible the current situation of the NechiRiver, affected by the indiscriminate use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and others, due to illegal mining practices. This approach allows for a detailed understanding of the environmental and health impacts on the communities surrounding the river.Reflection: The results indicated that the Nechi River is indeed undergoing an ecocide that has it on the brink of extinction. Conclusions: All the aforementioned obligesthe State authorities to act and prevent catastrophic results in the future, using legal tools such as invoking the inter comunis effect, which would allow, by extension, the recognition of rights to the Nechi River.

Numerical study of the coupling collection flow field and collecting mechanism of swirling flow and negative pressure suction flow in deep sea mining

The ore collection mechanism of seafloor massive sulfide has not been paid enough attention. In order to achieve collection efficiency, it is necessary to study the ore collection mechanism. Aiming at the ore collection model of the 'KTII' deep-sea mining vehicle, this paper carried out the analysis of the flow field characteristics of the coupled collection, the swirling flow collection and the negative pressure suction flow collection, and the role of each power source in the ore collection process. Finally, the relationship between swirling flow and negative pressure suction flow in the ore collection process is summarized, and the ore collection mechanism is analyzed. The results show that the rotation of the mining head will produce swirling flow, triggering the "inward winding effect", which can ensnare the ground surface fluid into the virtual cutting rotary cavity. The negative pressure suction flow of the collecting hard pipe can suction the liquid in the small-scale range of the throat surface. However, swirling flow and negative pressure suction flow both have advantages and disadvantages in collecting and the two power sources are complementary and inseparable. The research results of this paper have certain guiding significance for the engineering practice of deep-sea mining.

The Influence of Geotechnical, Geological and Mining Factors on the Formation of Sinkholes at Lubambe Mine, Zambia

Mining-induced sinkholes are a common feature in underground mines. Sinkholes usually disrupt mining operations and associated infrastructure when they occur. This paper presents a case study of the Lubambe copper mine, where nine (9) sinkholes have been reported on the eastern and southern limbs. The development of sinkholes has resulted in increased mining costs due to the closure of the 182 mL decline on the eastern limb and the 175 mL truck route on the southern limb. This study establishes the influence that poor ground formation, rock stability, geological structures, and inappropriate mining practices have on the formation of surface sinkholes. Assessment of ground condition was done by core logging, and borehole analysis was conducted using GEM4D-BasRock software to classify the rock mass quality based on RQD, RMR, Q-System and GIS. Assessment of the mining operational environment was focused on the effects of varying stope designs and sequencing on ground stability. Results of the study indicate that the formation of surface-induced sinkholes is attributed to historical mining in weak rock formation and weathered rock coupled with subsequent failure of unsupported stopes with stope height between 8 and 25 metres and less stand-up time of 7 days.

Sustainable long-term production planning of open pit mines: An integrated framework for concurrent economical and environmental optimization

As the global demand for mineral resources continues to rise, the mining industry's environmental impact has garnered increasing attention. Sustainable mining practices demand the incorporation of environmental considerations into every phase of planning and operation. This article addresses the critical need to consider and minimize the negative environmental impacts of the operation in the long-term planning of open pit mines, with a specific focus on mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) and dust emissions. To achieve this, the article suggests an integrated framework that incorporates environmental data obtained from life cycle assessment (LCA) and a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) into the mine planning process. This framework, referred to as LCA-MILP, quantifies the environmental impact of mining activities. The article examines various GHG constraints and economic scenarios. To assess and verify the effectiveness of our proposed LCA-MILP framework, we conducted a case study on an open-pit iron ore mine situated in the Middle East. This article underscores the vital role of harmonizing environmental impact with long-term open-pit mine planning, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and socially responsible mining industry. For example, it was feasible to reduce the GHG emissions for 11.05% while achieving 93.66% of the original NPV. In another instance, the framework was capable of achieving the same NPV as the baseline with a 2% price adjustment (a common policy), while attaining a 5.39% reduction in its environmental impact. These measurable outcomes offer mining managers a comprehension of the compromises and prospects associated with incorporating factors into their long-term mine planning procedure promoting a mining industry that is both sustainable and economically viable.

Advancing toward sustainability: The emergence of green mining technologies and practices

This study comprehensively evaluates the integration and effectiveness of green mining technologies within the mining sector, specifically focusing on mitigating the environmental impact of traditional mining practices. The primary goal is to establish a sustainable mining model that significantly reduces energy consumption and minimizes ecological disturbances. To achieve this, the study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative data analysis from monitored mining sites and qualitative insights from industry experts. Key parameters include energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and reductions in chemical use. The findings reveal that effective integration of green mining technologies leads to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy consumption, and improved waste management compared to traditional methods. Specifically, the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources in mining operations has resulted in decreased carbon emissions and energy usage across studied sites. The research concludes that green mining practices, when supported by robust technological integration and regulatory frameworks, not only enhance environmental sustainability but also boost economic efficiency within the mining industry. This study recommends increased investment in the research and development of green technologies and calls for tighter regulatory oversight to ensure the widespread adoption and optimization of these practices.

Comparative analysis: CapEx in diamond mining versus diamond growing, based on open data sources and experimental results

The diamond industry has long been associated with environmental and social problems, ranging from mining practices to ethical concerns related to diamond sourcing. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in lab-grown diamonds as a sustainable alternative for diamond consumers. However, the production of lab-grown diamonds has own challenges. This article examines the capital expenditures per annualized carat of rough diamonds obtained through mining and two fabrication methods: high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) and microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition (MP CVD). Lab-grown diamonds produced using HPHT and MP CVD methods require significantly higher capital expenditures per annualized carat compare to mined diamonds. HPHT diamonds require on-time CapEx of 500–833 US$ per carat annually, while MP CVD diamonds demand 549–1648 US$ per carat annually. Finding ways to reduce production cost and increase efficiency will be crucial in realizing the potential of lab-grown diamonds as a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds.

LLM CHATBOT TO ANSWER MINING RELATED QUERIES

The mining industry operates within a complex framework of rules and regulations that are crucial for safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency. However, understanding and navigating these regulations can be challenging due to their sheer volume and intricacy. To address this issue, we propose the development of a chatbot that streamlines access to mining rules and provides comprehensive information. Our chatbot leverages state-of-the-art technologies, including Langchain, FAISS (CPU), Hugging Face, Python, and Llama 2 7B Chat. The multi-step approach involves chunking relevant information, creating a vector index, and efficiently retrieving data when users pose queries. Notably, the chatbot not only retrieves existing information but also generates hypothetical answers to user questions. Key findings from our research demonstrate that the chatbot significantly enhances accessibility to vital mining regulations. By improving compliance and safety, this solution contributes to more responsible and sustainable mining practices. Key Words: Mining Regulations, Chatbot, Langchain, FAISS (CPU), Hugging Face, Python, Llama 2 7B Chat, Management Information System, Information Retrieval

Perspective on Artisinal and Small-scale gold Mining: Ecological and Socio-economic Inovation

Global aspirations for stringent mercury regulations have not been translated effectively in Russia, largely due to the emergence of new domestic cinnabar mining ventures. These initiatives have increased locally sourced mercury, reducing its cost and undermining efforts to curtail its use. This study employs Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability Analysis (SMAA) within an environmental finance framework to rigorously assess the challenges associated with mitigating mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Russia. The sampling period for the research spans from June to September 2018 in the Krasnoyarsk Krai area, comprising Yeruda and Chebyzhek villages in the Kurakhinsky district and Abalatskoye village in the Minusinsky district. The paper investigated these complexities using SMAA to identify the multifaceted challenges in implementing the Minamata Agreement, a global treaty committed to regulating and curtailing mercury use. The findings revealed that mercury management is associated with various socioeconomic factors, labor relations, and power structures that have collectively hindered mercury-free practices in gold mining. Therefore, this study highlighted the critical need for a holistic, sustainable economic framework by incorporating new insights into the societal metabolic functions of dynamic mineral finance. Utilizing SMAA within the specific context of native employment conditions, the authors challenged the prevailing norms and offered robust, data-driven strategies aimed at reducing or eliminating mercury usage in ASGM.

A critical appraisal of the legal and policy framework for sustainable mining in Ethiopia

The integration of the concept of sustainable mining into major legal frameworks presents a complex challenge of balancing short-term economic gains with the long-term objectives of economic and social development as well as environmental well-being. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how the Ethiopian legal framework incorporates the principles of sustainable mining. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study examines the adequacy of the legal framework in addressing sustainability issues arising from mineral resource extraction. Through document analysis, the article investigates the legal challenges associated with achieving sustainable mining practices. It scrutinizes constitutional provisions, mining laws, and policies governing mineral resources in Ethiopia. The findings indicate that the Ethiopian government has made notable efforts to develop a competitive legal framework that ensures that mining activities are conducted in an economically efficient, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible manner. However, this research uncovers significant gaps and inconsistencies within the existing legal framework, which results in uncertainty and confusion among various stakeholders. These problems impede the effective and sustainable management of mineral resources and ultimate ly undermine their potential contribution to Ethiopia's economic growth and social development. Considering these findings, this article proposes several recommendations to address the identified legal and practical challenges associated with regulating mineral resources.

Sociocultural risks of resource extraction for the low-carbon energy transition: Evidence from the Global South

The ongoing global transition to low-carbon energy relies on access to energy transition minerals (ETMs), bringing to life new mining projects. This shift is particularly impacting the Global South, due to high levels of interaction of mineral deposits with territories of Indigenous peoples and peasants, weak governance and remoteness. Focusing on the sustainability and justice of energy transitions, previous research has identified a range of environmental and social impacts of ETM mining across Global South countries. We argue that current research overlooks impacts of energy transition-related mining on tangible and intangible cultural heritage of land-connected people. This paper seeks to address this gap by examining the intersection of ETM mining and sociocultural practices in the Global South from spatial, governance and justice perspectives. Based on an extensive literature review, this article critically addresses key themes in the literature on the social aspects of energy transitions and uses cases from Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Chile, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) to demonstrate the immediate and long-term sociocultural impacts associated with ETM mining. It is important to foster an all-encompassing approach to planetary just energy transitions that places equal weight on ensuring cultural alongside environmental, economic and social sustainability.