Profitable Exploitation Research Articles

Problems and Prospects of Botanical Methods of Mineral Exploration with Reference to India - an Appraisal

The present report attempts to evaluate the existing literature with regard to geobotanical and biogeochemical methods of investigation for mineral prospecting. The emphasis is laid o.i the validity of grouping of indicator plants into 'Universal' and 'Local' in the light of their limitations in application value. The report also stresses the essentiality of biosystematic studies prior to making any new reports from any mineralized areas. This suggestion is made taking in view the prevailing opinions on the evolution and adaptation of indicator plants. Moreover, few notable indicator species are now recognised as only ecotypes of the related species growing on unmineralised areas. A compilation of indicator plants is made and the scope of utilisation and profitable exploitation of these taxa is discussed. A few important aspects of biogeochemistry are also given which are necessary in systematic and effective orientation surveys. It was felt that instead of taking up this subject in the established line, the analysis of herbarium material, procured from different herbaria of the country would be of great use for a quick tracing and assessment of mineral rich areas in the country.

Qualification of geotechnical parameters with 3D geotechnical modelling to improve mine planning reliability

Mine planning and pit design involve making the best decisions and recognising good practices for the profitable exploitation of mineral resources. A pit design project begins with the delimitation of the ore body in the form of blocks, then going through pit optimisation, then pit design and sequencing and ends with the economic evaluation. Several techno-economic indicators are used in these stages and have a direct impact on mine planning. The research methodology proposes an in-depth study of the geotechnical parameters of the pit to be conducted in mine planning in a more reliable and assertive way, with the aid of 3D geotechnical modelling. From a geotechnical point of view, an initial validation of the methodology was performed in an example of application in an iron mine, where a change in the planned slope angles of a pit over a 5-year period was suggested. The suggested new pit guarantees safety factors that suit the minimum stability requirements and proposes a 1.49% higher ore availability and a 0.90% increase in the net present value.

IFMIF-DONES Y LA ENERGÍA DE FUSIÓN

Fusion is a safe, sustainable and massive energy source whose profitable exploitation is a huge technological challenge. Over the past seventy years, numerous investigations and major experiments have brought us close enough to a viable solution to now have a well-defined roadmap, supported by two big experiments that will confirm, on the one hand, how fusion energy production should be optimized (ITER project) and, on the other hand, which materials are suitable for use in the most critical areas of future fusion reactors (IFMIF-DONES project). This article aims to convey the magnitude and the challenges faced by the latter.

Feasibility of semi-pilot scale up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket fixed-film reactor for fermentative bio-hydrogen production from palm oil mill effluent

The present study focuses on bio-hydrogen production using palm oil mill effluent (POME) at a semi-pilot scale of an “up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket fixed-film (UASFF) reactor”. The reactor was operated in the palm oil mill industry for over 180 days of operation at ambient temperature through dark fermentation process with different organic loading rates (OLR) of 22–36 g-COD/l.d, depending on the COD concentration of POME. By acclimatizing the sludge, the semi-pilot scale UASFF reactor achieved hydrogen content, and hydrogen production rate (HPR) of 20%–68%, and 12 L H2/d to 39 L H2/d, respectively with a maximum COD removal of 35%. Moreover, from high through pyrosequencing analysis, hydrogen fermentation was attributed to Clostridium sensu stricto, Lactobacillus, and thermoanaerobium spp. This study offers an extensive approach to developing a semi-pilot scale bio-hydrogen production and, provides further prospects for profitable exploitation which could be a promising approach for reaching sustainability and economic feasibility (using wastewater as a low-cost feedstock) in commercial applications for future studies.

Assessment of a surface-active ionic liquid formulation for EOR applications: Experimental and simulation studies

This study aims to assess a surfactant blend for enhanced oil recovery from carbonate rocks. Due to the abundance of these reservoirs, their profitable exploitation would ensure our petrochemical needs are met, and maintain current quality of life. The objective of this work is to increase the technology readiness level of our previous proposal based on the use of a blend of pure sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and the surface-active ionic liquid cocosalkylpentaethoximethyl ammonium methylsulfate. To that aim, the method was adapted for its application with a commercially available petrochemical surfactant (RECOLAS103, a mixture of lineal alkyl benzene sulfonates), and reservoir simulations were carried out to evaluate its effectiveness. Phase behavior, stability, dynamic interfacial tension, adsorption and core flooding were the experimental tests carried out. An optimized formulation consisting of 1 wt% of blend (40 wt% RECOLAS103) in synthetic sea water was found stable and able to reduce water-oil interfacial tension down to 0.02 mN/m. The dynamic blend adsorption in carbonate rocks was found to be 0.60 mg/grock, a promising value for the application. Core flooding tests were conducted at 25 and 120 °C and additional oil recoveries achieved ranged from 10.2 to 12.7% of the original oil in place, the lowest production obtained at the highest temperature. This work offers an advance in the application of surfactants for EOR in carbonate reservoirs, since it improves previous proposals that show stability or high adsorption problems. Moreover, a chemical injection optimization was also carried out by simulation with the CMG-STARS software. Results point to the possibility of reaching higher oil recoveries than those obtained experimentally if the extraction method is optimized.

Bioactive Molecules from Marine Diatoms and Their Value for the Nutraceutical Industry.

The search for novel sources of nutrients is among the basic goals for achievement of sustainable progress. In this context, microalgae are relevant organisms, being rich in high-value compounds and able to grow in open ponds or photobioreactors, thus enabling profitable exploitation of aquatic resources. Microalgae, a huge taxon containing photosynthetic microorganisms living in freshwater, as well as in brackish and marine waters, typically unicellular and eukaryotic, include green algae (Chlorophyceae), red algae (Rhodophyceae), brown algae (Phaeophyceae) and diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). In recent decades, diatoms have been considered the most sustainable sources of nutrients for humans with respect to other microalgae. This review focuses on studies exploring their bio-pharmacological activities when relevant for human disease prevention and/or treatment. In addition, we considered diatoms and their extracts (or purified compounds) when relevant for specific nutraceutical applications.

GEOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF DOLOMITE DEPOSIT NIKOLIN POTOK NEAR BUGOJNO

<p>This paper presents the results of detailed geological investigations of the Middle Triassic dolomite deposit of Nikolin Potok, which is located west of Bugojno. Based on the established borders of surface distribution and research results, geological reserves of about 4.6 million m3 have been determined in the wider area of the deposit. The dolomite reserves that have been established so far in this area are at a low level of geological exploration. For this reason, the level of research should be significantly increased, because the calculated and confirmed reserves are very modest compared to the potential possibilities. The paper contains a description of the geological characteristics of the area and the qualitativequantitative characteristics of dolomite. The results of the conducted research point that the general geological and technical-exploitation factors are favorable and indicate profitable exploitation of the deposit in the coming period as well. Taking into account the significant raw material potential, and the possibility of expanding the existing raw material base, this area has a special significance for the perspective development of dolomite exploitation and its use in the production of technical-building stone.</p>

Genetic Variability for Morphological and Biochemical Traits among the Interspecific F4-5 Populations of Brassica Species

The study was carried out to determine genetic variability, heritability, and genetic progress among the F4-5 population of Brassica species for several biochemical and morphological traits at Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, during the Rabi season 2018-19. In Pakistan, Brassica are economically important and high yielding oil seeds and it is needed to produce improved Brassica varieties for successful expansion of cultivation of oilseed crops. The genetic variability among 51 populations (genotypes) of four interspecific crosses Bn-531xBr-118, Bn-525xBr-118, Bn-514xBj-109 and Bn-510xBj-109 with six parents of Brassica species in paired rows of 4 m length with a spacing of 30 x 10-15 cm (row × plant). Data were recorded on ten different agro-morphological characters and six biochemical traits. The interspecific crosses of Brassica species highly performed all types of morphological traits in populations viz; 142, 129, 196, 186 and 142. Biochemical traits are highly performed in interspecific crosses of F4-5 populations other than parental genotypes. Majority had high to moderate heritability, whereas greatest had less environmental and genetic influence in the expression of these characters and had high heritability with substantial genetic advance. Interspecific crosses showed superior diversity for various traits and thus give a unique opportunity in further evaluation of these materials for profitable exploitation in next generations.

Profitable exploitation of biodegradable polymer including chitosan blended potato peels’ starch waste as an alternative source of petroleum plastics

Profitable exploitation of biodegradable polymer including chitosan blended potato peels’ starch waste as an alternative source of petroleum plastics

Role of Copyright Institutions and Enforcement Agencies in the Digital and Online Dissemination of Copyright Works

Digital and online dissemination of copyright works contributes in meaningful ways to the achievement of social inclusion and cultural diversity. This is because it provides a medium which affords a worldwide audience by projecting cultural heritage, promoting socio-economic development, supporting foreign direct investment and expansion of the Nigeria market. It is the aim of this paper to examine the role and challenges of the copyright institutions and enforcement agencies that prevent them from performing optimally. It is also the aim of the paper to examine: the impact of digital technology on copyrightable work; the adequacy of existing and emerging responses to the phenomenon and to what extent does the existing legal framework in Nigeria cater for the traditional as well as new technology paradigms, which give reason for an examination of existing legal regime under Nigeria’s copyright law. The paper situates the discourse in its proper context by undertaking: an examination of the powers, functions and challenges of the various copyright institutions and enforcement agencies in fighting infringement; the Nigeria Copyright Act—substantive provisions and the Nigeria digital and online dissemination of copyright works. The paper found out that digital technology has a strong impact on the attainment of these objectives, both in terms of opportunities for profitable exploitation, and as a challenge which exacerbates the problem of infringement. Therefore, the paper proposes that these issues need to be addressed through law reforms to address issues relevant to the right of copyright owners online by putting in place a suitable legal framework. Also necessary is logistic, technical support and creation of awareness levels of the implication and available options for right holders.

Development of a stochastic bioeconomic model for the red octopus fishery on the Yucatan Peninsula: Implications for management

Although much effort has been dedicated to the management of the red octopus fishery on the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico), managers have yet to incorporate economic aspects to ensure sustainable and profitable exploitation of this fishery resource. We developed a bioeconomic model that incorporated the uncertainty for the r and K parameters. We fit 3 models (Schaefer, Fox, and Pella–Tomlinson) to abundance index survey data and used the Akaike information criterion for model selection. The best fit corresponded to the Schaefer model. We built deterministic and stochastic versions of the Gordon–Schaefer model. Economic data (costs and prices) were determined from inter[1]views with fishermen. To estimate the posterior distributions of parameters and indicators, we used Bayesian methods with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations. The deterministic results suggested that the maximum sustainable income was Mex$851.70 million, with a fishing effort of 3,650 fishing boats, while the maximum sustainable profit was $390.8 million, with a fishing effort of 2,472 fishing boats. The equilibrium point corresponded to an effort of 4,945 fishing boats. Regarding the stochastic model, the MCMC simulation results suggest that the maximum sustainable income distribution was not normal; its average was $856.1 million (SE 1.8) and the most likely value was $849.50 million. The most likely fishing effort at equilibrium was 4,970 fishing boats. Our results suggest the fishery could be operating close to the economic equilibrium point; if this is the case, fishing effort must decrease in order for annual profit to increase. Our approach will help make periodical re-evaluations of the fishery and establish management strategies to ensure the profitable and sustainable exploitation of the red octopus on the Yucatan Peninsula.

PALEOZOIC QUARTZITE OF THE SMRČEVICE IN THE CENTRAL BOSNIA

<p>The paper presents results of detailed geological research of quartzite in the wider area of Smrčevice, southeastern of Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje. Based on the defined boundaries of surface distribution and research results, geological reserves of about 12 million tons have been determined in the wider area of Smrcevica. The quartzite reserves that have been so far determined in this area are at a low level of geological research.<br>The paper contains an overview of the geological characteristics of the area, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of quartzite, and the mineral raw material potential of quartzite in the Smrčevice area according to the PERC standard.<br>The results of the conducted research indicate that the general geological and technical-exploitation factors are relatively favorable and indicate a possible profitable exploitation of the deposit. Taking into account the significant raw material potential, and the possibility of expanding the existing raw material base, this area has special importance for the perspective development of quartzite exploitation and its use in the production of ferrosilicon and silico-metals.</p>

Development of the digital oil and gas complex in Arctic areas of Russia

This article examines the issues of digital modernization of the oil and gas complex of Russia, the evolution of digital oil and gas technologies. The main results of research work in the field of creating digital technologies for preventing complications and accidents, transferring drilling data in blockchain format, monitoring the state of pipelines using magnetic tomography are briefly outlined. The digital modernization strategy is aimed at large-scale digitalization of oil and gas production facilities and lays a reliable basis for the growth of capital productivity of fields in the long term. The approach is based on improving the quality of management, analyzing the effectiveness of control actions when using an integrated model or a digital twin of the field. The integrated application of digital technologies for effective management is the basis for cost optimization, ensuring the transition to robotic control, and increasing the capital productivity ratio of key gas assets. These solutions are especially effective in regions with difficult natural and climatic conditions or undeveloped infrastructure, Arctic fields. The proposed integrated approach makes it possible to extend the periods of profitable exploitation of gas fields at the stage of declining production and complicated production conditions. By the end of 2025, the number of digital fields using technologies for processing Big Geo Data will exceed 10% of the total number of oil and gas fields in Russia.

Effective energy exploitation from horse manure combustion.

We investigated the exploitation of horse manure for energy recovery by combustion. First, the impact of the waste origin and management (storage conditions) was evaluated in terms of elemental analysis, moisture content, heating value, and ash melting temperature. Besides some carbon loss over the time, horse manure origin and management policy do not impact its profitable exploitation by combustion. More relevant, the ignition tests disproved the current industrial opinion that combustion of manure alone is difficult, without the addition of auxiliary fuel, like wood shavings. It has been demonstrated through ignition tests that the major limitation in manure combustion is just the high moisture content (approx. 60% w.b.). The study focused on overcoming the detrimental effect of the large moisture content, and specifically its removal efficiency. The latter requires the understanding of manure permeability which is determined by the bedding material and the stable management. Here we provide indications of the impact of the manure composition and its sample size on the efficiency of moisture removal, whose energy impact must be minimized for an effective energy recovery. The energy balance confirms that the total removal of 62% w.b. moisture reduces by 23% the potential energy content of the manure; this drying penalty on energy is largely offset by the dramatic improvement in reactivity of the residual solid fuel.

Evonik focuses on circular plastics programme; aims to generate €350 M sales by 2030

We investigated the exploitation of horse manure for energy recovery by combustion. First, the impact of the waste origin and management (storage conditions) was evaluated in terms of elemental analysis, moisture content, heating value, and ash melting temperature. Besides some carbon loss over the time, horse manure origin and management policy do not impact its profitable exploitation by combustion. More relevant, the ignition tests disproved the current industrial opinion that combustion of manure alone is difficult, without the addition of auxiliary fuel, like wood shavings. It has been demonstrated through ignition tests that the major limitation in manure combustion is just the high moisture content (approx. 60% w.b.). The study focused on overcoming the detrimental effect of the large moisture content, and specifically its removal efficiency. The latter requires the understanding of manure permeability which is determined by the bedding material and the stable management. Here we provide indications of the impact of the manure composition and its sample size on the efficiency of moisture removal, whose energy impact must be minimized for an effective energy recovery. The energy balance confirms that the total removal of 62% w.b. moisture reduces by 23% the potential energy content of the manure; this drying penalty on energy is largely offset by the dramatic improvement in reactivity of the residual solid fuel.

Optimization of Inulin Hydrolysis by Penicillium lanosocoeruleum Inulinases and Efficient Conversion Into Polyhydroxyalkanoates.

Inulin, a polydisperse fructan found as a common storage polysaccharide in the roots of several plants, represents a renewable non-food biomass resource for the synthesis of bio-based products. Exploitation of inulin-containing feedstocks requires the integration of different processes, including inulinase production, saccharification of inulin, and microbial fermentation for the conversion of released sugars into added-value products. In this work paper, a new microbial source of inulinase, Penicillium lanosocoeruleum, was identified through the screening of a fungal library. Inulinase production using inulin as C-source was optimized, reaching up to 28 U mL–1 at the 4th day of growth. The fungal inulinase mixture (PlaI) was characterized for pH and temperature stability and activity profile, and its isoenzymes composition was investigated by proteomic strategies. Statistical optimization of inulin hydrolysis was performed using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD), by analyzing the effect of four factors. In the optimized conditions (T, 45.5°C; pH, 5.1; substrate concentration, 60 g L–1; enzyme loading, 50 U gsubstrate –1), up to 96% inulin is converted in fructose within 20 h. The integration of PlaI in a process for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production by Cupriavidus necator from inulin was tested in both separated hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). A maximum of 3.2 g L–1 of PHB accumulation, corresponding to 82% polymer content, was achieved in the SSF. The proved efficiency in inulin hydrolysis and its effective integration into a SSF process pave the way to a profitable exploitation of the PlaI enzymatic mixture in inulin-based biorefineries.

Перспективы практического значения комплексного освоения бедных титан-циркониевых россыпей и кор выветривания Казахстана

On the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan there is a significant number of identified deposits related to weathering crusts and titanium-ilmenite placers, bearing industrial mineralization of rare and rare-earth elements. Deposits of placers and weathering crusts, formed as a result of bedrocks denudation in coastal and continental sedimentation conditions, form the basis of the mineral resource base of titanium-zirconium ores in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Titanium-zirconium deposits of placers and weathering crusts usually have low average contents of the main useful components (rutile, ilmenite, and zircon), while containing associated mineralization of valuable rare and rare earth elements. Various aspects of the complex development of poor titanium-zirconium placers, which are currently of no practical importance, are considered. Associated useful components of titanium-zirconium placers are usually represented by rare and rare earth elements, which are of practical importance in high-tech industries. The study of associated useful components in titanium-zirconium placers will allow considering the possibility of profitable exploitation and assessing the prospects for strengthening their mineral resource base. As a result of the review, analysis and assessment of known titanium-zirconium placers on the territory of Kazakhstan, the most promising ore occurrences have been identified, which may be of practical importance in their integrated development: Karaotkel deposit – increased contents of rare and rare earth elements in placer ores can be considered, not only as a source monomineral concentrates of ilmenite, zircon, quartz and quartzite, mica and feldspar ceramic raw materials, but also as a source of rare and rare earth elements; The Kundybai, Zayachye and Druzhba ore occurrences have the potential for the integrated development of titanium-zirconium placers with rare and rare-earth elements. The selected objects deserve prospecting and appraisal work with technical and economic studies of the possibility of integrated development.

Morphological characterization and productivity estimates of Acrocomia totai Mart. (Arecaceae) – a sustainable alternative of extractivism and cultivation

Abstract The Acrocomia totai palm can be found in areas of Cerrado and Pantanal in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Its fruits are used by traditional and rural communities for subsistence or income source. Given the relevance of this genetic resource, we assessed the morphological and agronomic characters and estimated the population density in two physiognomies of the Pantanal. We found variation in all analyzed characters, such as the density of spines on the stipe, coloration of leaves, epicarp and mesocarp. The average number of fruits per bunch was 392.30±134.53, fresh mass (g) of the whole fruit of 15.50±3.87 and, the mesocarp oil content (%) of 14.94±8.06. The population density varied between 48 pls.ha-1 in area of shrubby grassland to 287 pls.ha-1 in open grassland. We estimated yields per hectare of 8.65 t of fruits, 4.77 t of pulp and 270 kg of oil in areas of shrubby grassland and 1.45 t of fruits, 0.8 t of pulp and 50 kg of oil in areas of open grassland. The data demonstrate the potential of profitable exploitation of the species in extractive or cultivation. The variation found can be useful for the genus taxonomy, breeding and conservation programs.

Geomechanical appraisal and prospectivity analysis of the Goldwyer shale accounting for stress variation and formation anisotropy

Profitable exploitation of unconventional shale gas reservoirs relies on the success of hydraulic fracturing stimulation. This is more likely in brittle rock formations because natural and hydraulic fractures remain open after stimulation, allowing for more hydrocarbon production. Identification of the most favourable depth intervals relies on the robust analysis of available well-logs, and on laboratory-derived mechanical and elastic data obtained under controlled stresses replicating the actual conditions at depth. Beyond their use for predictive geomechanical modelling such laboratory data can act as calibration points for existing well-logs. Well-logs can also be used to guide the selection of the rock samples to be characterised and tested in the laboratory, ensuring that they are representative of the rock formation. Here we apply the above principles and demonstrate how this improves the geomechanical appraisal of the Goldwyer formation and assesses its prospectivity. This workflow integrates Rock-eval geochemical analyses, elastic properties, anisotropy, in-situ stress state and pore pressure, mechanical brittleness and fracturing indices derived from petrophysical and sonic logs in the Theia-1 and Pictor East-1 wells. We estimated an average total organic carbon of 2 w. t.% (maximum 5 w. t.%), a moderate to high dynamic Young's modulus (14–52 GPa), a low Poisson's ratio (0.24–0.27), and an average elasticity-based brittleness index B1 of 41% in the deeper G-III unit. This unit also exhibits a low differential horizontal stress ratio and a high fracture index. Such attributes suggest a good prospectivity of the G-III unit, not only in terms of potential resources but as importantly in terms of fracability.

An Honorable Harvest: Universal Owners Must Take Responsibility for Their Portfolios

Despite a maturing industry of ESG professionals and coordinated efforts by shareholders calling for more responsible corporate behavior, we continue to see unabated climate and water crises, growing political instability, and continuing abuses of human rights in supply chains. The founder of a movement called The Shareholder Commons argues that to help business to address these systemic challenges, corporate responsibility must move beyond the company‐by‐company decision‐making model. An economy based on market competition cannot rely on individual businesses to adopt basic sustainability rules that take priority over profit. Critical sustainability boundaries must be implemented collectively to be effective.The crux of the problem is that although shareholder returns derive mainly from efficiency and productivity gains, they can also result from careless exploitation of common resources or powerless workers. And the competition for margin and capital makes it difficult for companies to recognize, let alone forgo, profitable exploitation. A sustainable economy demands that we help companies to distinguish between honorable and dishonorable profits, and to find ways to eliminate or offset the latter. The author holds out a model of capitalism that limits the availability of choices that exploit negative externalities and inequality while preserving the principles and practices that create value and a reasonable sharing of gains among all stakeholders.Universal owners—long‐term diversified investors—appear to be in the best position to formulate and enforce such a model, given the current design and practices of our capital markets. Such global investors have the incentive and power to engage in the collective decision‐making necessary for a sustainable economy. The power exerted by institutional investors through their allocation and stewardship of equity capital can be used to insist on more sustainable business practices. Because they are diversified across thousands of companies, universal owners can bypass the competitive bottleneck for margin and capital that holds sustainability back at the company level. These large investors can work together to establish authentic sustainability boundaries for the companies they invest in; and by so doing, they can allow us to leverage all the good work done to date on disclosure and ESG integration, and so realize a world in which companies continue to compete for profits, but also for a truly honorable harvest.