Successful Mining Research Articles

Research on risk assessment of coal and gas outburst during continuous excavation cycle of coal mine with dynamic probabilistic inference

Coal and gas outbursts are a major dynamic hazard in underground coal mining, and predicting these events is challenging due to their complex mechanisms. This study introduces an advanced multistate dynamic probabilistic system designed to evaluate the risk of outbursts prior to each excavation cycle. Through the development of a Bayesian network (BN), we establish a dynamic model that captures the complex interactions among essential variables. The novel integration of time slices facilitates the continuous assessment across successive mining cycles. This study tackles the challenge of maintaining network parameter reliability in the static prediction conditions of outburst-prone coal mines. Specifically, in order to overcome the asynchronism of all variables testing process, the expert knowledge integration of expectation-maximization parameter learning and fuzzy set theory (FST) is built inside the system. Finally, we present a case study illustrating the application of this system across fifty-one consecutive cycles, with regular updates to variable states, showcasing the enhanced predictive capability of Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBN) over traditional BNs for ongoing risk evaluation in mining operations. Additionally, by integrating backward diagnosis with sensitivity analysis, our approach simplifies the identification of key risk factors, offering valuable insights for improving outburst prevention measures and ensuring the safety of coal mining activities.

An Efficient Blockchain Enabled Score Voting with Face Recognition

The security considerations of the votes are based on blockchain technology using cryptographic hashes to secure end-to-end verification. To this end, a successful vote cast is considered as a transaction within the blockchain of the voting application. Therefore, a vote cast is added as a new block (after successful mining) in the blockchain as well as being recorded in data tables at the backend of the database. The system ensures only one-person, one-vote (democracy) property of voting systems. This is achieved by using the voter’s unique face image, which is matched at the beginning of every voting attempt to prevent double voting. The Face Recognition is the study of physical or behavioral characteristics of human being used for the identification of person. So implement real time authentication system using face biometrics for authorized the person for online voting system. This work claims to score voting method and data management challenges in blockchain and provides an improved manifestation of the electronic voting process. Score-based voting methods, also known as range voting or rated voting, are electoral systems where voters are allowed to express their preferences for candidates or options by assigning numerical scores to them. Unlike traditional voting methods where voters choose a single candidate, score-based systems enable voters to provide a more nuanced and detailed assessment of their preferences. It is important here to note that cryptographic hash for a voter is the unique hash of voter by which voter is known in the blockchain. This property facilitates achieving verifiability of the overall voting process. Furthermore, this id is hidden and no one can view it even a system operator cannot view this hash therefore achieving privacy of individual voters.

Vegetation at the former open-pit Ningyo-toge mine, 36 years after closure treatment: Impact of soil cover on woody plant establishment and dominance of the perennial herb Miscanthus sinensis

Soil cover is a prevailing method used at mine sites to ensure the safety of hazardous materials and restore ecological functions when the base materials are unfavorable for plant growth. The former open-pit Ningyo-toge Mine was backfilled with overburden and neutralized smelting residues and covered with soil in 1987. After 36 years, the vegetation remained dominated by the perennial herb Miscanthus sinensis, and woody plant establishment did not progress successfully. This study investigated the factors that inhibited woody plant establishment at the site. The soil profile survey revealed that the soil cover formed Bg horizons (pseudogley soil) with cloudy mottling, representative of poorly drained soil. In the Bg horizon, woody plant roots of Pinus densiflora and Weigela hortensis exhibited growth inhibition. Elemental analysis revealed that in the Bg horizon the roots of P. densiflora and W. hortensis accumulated high Fe concentrations exceeding 10,000 mg/kg DW at critical levels. Our results suggested that woody plant roots in the Bg horizon may have suffered from chronic oxygen deficiency accompanied by excessive Fe stress in the soil cover. Topsoil water content (<50 mm) and microtopographic features were not critical factors disrupting woody plant establishment because some individuals were growing in areas with high soil water content, exceeding 60%. Considering that woody plant roots were developed primarily in the shallow A horizon, A horizon formation by M. sinensis is a key step in initiating woody plant establishment by improving the soil structure and physiochemical characteristics of the soil cover, such as carbon content, exchangeable nutrients, and air-filled porosity. For successful mine pollution control and vegetation recovery, implementing an appropriate topsoil system, such as native forest soil, loosely graded and minor infiltration layer above the overburden would be necessary.

Analysis of induced stress during construction and production stages of drawbells in block caving mines

Drawbells are large constructions that allow the flow of the broken ore at the production level within the drawpoints. The results of drawbell construction are crucial for a successful mine plan extraction in a block caving mine. Analysis and integration of all the topics related to a drawbell can improve the performance of the surrounding area of drawbells, particularly the damage associated to induced stress during the different stages of a block caving operation. The improvement of operational aspects related to the drawbells would decrease the risk of failure, particularly in deep mines subject to large stresses, which are more likely to experience sudden violent or progressive failure. A large-scale numerical model was developed to analyse different mining sectors using sub-models. It was found that the geotechnical response is highly correlated to the stress field, which also controlled the resulting seismicity. In a scale of a drawbell, the drawpoint drift roof and the bridge pillar between the drawbell and the undercutting level were found the most critical zones in the design. When geological structures are present, they can be activated in the construction at an earlier stage and, therefore, could easily become critical in the resulting rock mass damage.

Successfully negotiating artisanal-industrial mining coexistence: A case study from Colombia

The presence of informal mining within concessions frequently leads to clashes and conflict. Title holders typically insist on their legally sanctioned exclusive access to the subsoil, whereas artisanal miners often face persecution and criminalization because they operate without the necessary state licenses. In such contexts, schemes that legally sanction artisanal and industrial mineral coexistence within a concession are often presented as a pragmatic policy move to conflict resolution. However, critical accounts have questioned the promises of a more inclusive mining governance through such partnerships because they often reify uneven power relations and create new forms of artisanal mining exclusion. In some cases, however, these schemes are the only available avenue for non-industrial miners to access legality and escape state persecution. Through the case-study of a successful mining coexistence negotiation in Colombia, this contribution shows that mutually beneficial mining coexistence requires considering the specificities of the extractive practices; a constant and trustful dialogue between the artisanal and industrial mining actors that is mediated through third parties; and an appropriate technical and legal accompaniment that enables subcontracted miners to meet state requirements and maintain access to legal gold production networks.

Shining a Light on Symbiosis: N-Fixing Bacteria Boost Legume Growth under Varied Light Conditions

Legumes are a diverse and important group of plants that play a vital role in agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability. Rhizobia are symbiotic bacteria that form nitrogen-fixing nodules on legume roots, providing the plant with a valuable source of nitrogen. Phenolic acids are a group of secondary metabolites produced by plants that have a wide range of biological functions, including defense against pests and diseases, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and nutrient uptake. In the context of climate change and the imperative for sustainable agriculture, this study delves into the dynamic responses of legume species to varying light intensities and their intricate interactions with soil microorganisms. We investigated the impact of light intensity and rhizobial inoculation on the biomass, nitrate reductase, acid phosphatase, and production of phenolic acids in the roots of four legume species, Trifolium repens, Vicia sativa, Ornithopus compressus, and Coronilla juncea. Plants were grown under three light intensity regimes (low, medium, and high) and inoculated with either rhizobia or a non-inoculated control. The results highlight that shaded-light-adapted species, T. repens and V. sativa, increased root exudate production when exposed to high light intensity. This response aligns with their mining strategy, effectively allocating resources to optimize nutrient acquisition under varying conditions. In contrast, species hailing from well-illuminated environments, O. compressus and C. juncea, displayed distinct strategies by significantly increasing biomass under high irradiance, capitalizing on the available light and nutrients. The mining strategy of legumes emerged as a central theme, influencing biomass production, nitrogen dynamics, and enzymatic activities. The strong correlations between biomass and total nitrogen accumulation underscore the role of the mining strategy in efficient nutrient acquisition. Inoculated plants, which rely more on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), exhibited lower δ15N values, indicative of a successful mining strategy to acquire and utilize atmospheric nitrogen. Enzymatic activities and phenolic acids exhibited significant interspecies variations, reflecting the adaptability of legumes to different light conditions. The findings of this study could be used to develop new strategies for improving legume stress tolerance, nutrient uptake capacity, and rhizosphere health.

Mine Closure Surveillance and Feasibility of UAV–AI–MR Technology: A Review Study

In recent years, mine site closure and rehabilitation have emerged as significant global challenges. The escalating number of abandoned mines, exemplified by over 60,000 in Australia in 2017, underscores the urgency. Growing public concerns and governmental focus on environmental issues are now jeopardising sustainable mining practices. This paper assesses the role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in mine closure, exploring sensor technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and mixed reality (MR) applications. Prior research validates UAV efficacy in mining, introducing various deployable sensors. Some studies delve into AI’s use for UAV data analysis, but a comprehensive review integrating AI algorithms with MR methods for mine rehabilitation is lacking. The paper discusses data acquisition methods, repeatability, and barriers toward fully autonomous monitoring systems for mine closure projects. While UAVs prove adaptable with various sensors, constraints such as battery life and payload capacity impact effectiveness. Although UAVs hold potential for AI testing in mine closure studies, these applications have been overlooked. AI algorithms are pivotal for creating autonomous systems, reducing operator intervention. Moreover, MR’s significance in mine closure is evident, emphasising its application in the mining industry. Ultimately, a hybrid UAV–AI–MR technology is not only viable but essential for achieving successful mine closure and sustainable mining practices in the future.

Ecological Restoration of Coalmine-Degraded Lands: Influence of Plant Species and Revegetation on Soil Development

This study investigated soil development resulting from revegetation in a coal mining area in northern Henan, China. The effectiveness of six distinct revegetation methods for reclaiming mine-degraded lands was assessed. These methods employed various species such as Ulmus pumila, Amorpha fruticosa, Robinia pseudoacacia, Jerusalem artichoke, and Sea buckthorn. Over a three-year reclamation period, soil development was analyzed to identify the most suitable plant species. Soil samples were collected from different depths, encompassing the topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–40 cm) for each method and a control group. Principal component analysis was employed to evaluate the impacts of the revegetation methods on soil development. The findings show that revegetation significantly impacted soil properties, lowering pH, electric conductivity, and density while increasing moisture, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The effects were more pronounced in the topsoil. Among the six revegetation methods, a mixed plantation of Sea buckthorn and Amorpha fruticosa was the most effective, delivering the highest organic carbon in the topsoil at 3.23% and the subsoil at 1.32%. This study offers insights into successful mine reclamation and the advancement of green and climate-smart mining practices.

Goaf instability in an open pit iron mine triggered by dynamics disturbance: a large-scale similar simulation

ABSTRACT The stability of concealed goafs in open-pit mines under the influence of blasting disturbances is directly related to successful mining production. Based on large-scale similar simulations, this study steadily analyses the evolution of full-stress/strain and acoustic emission response information relevant to the instability and failure of the concealed goaf under multiple blasting disturbances in an open-pit iron mine. The results show that after three blasting disturbances, a tension-shear dislocation area is formed at the side corner of the goaf. The goaf roof’s vertical displacement exhibits a ‘two-stage increase’ before roof caving. In contrast, the axial stress on the side wall undergoes ‘two-stage pressure relief’ before roof caving. The stress pattern of ‘stretch-unload-compression-shear’ is observed near the free surface of the side angle before roof caving, while ‘two-stage pressurisation’ is observed at the far end of the free surface. This paper delivers a new way of exploring goaf stability under blasting disturbances.

Analyzing the Innovation Foundation of the Multi-Faceted Approach for Entering the Mining Industry

The mining industry plays a pivotal role in supplying essential minerals to various sectors; however, entering this sector presents formidable challenges due to a myriad of obstacles. This article conducts a comprehensive analysis of the impediments confronting prospective enterprises, encompassing economic, legal, technological, and human resource challenges. A thorough grasp of these barriers is essential for policymakers and aspiring entrepreneurs, as it serves as the foundation for fostering a sustainable and inclusive mining sector. To glean insights into effective strategies, the paper incorporates case studies of successful mining companies, including Northern Star Resources and Lundin Mining. Furthermore, the author delves into government policies that support emerging enterprises and examines forthcoming industry trends, thereby offering recommendations to create a more accessible and competitive mining landscape. By addressing these barriers, the mining industry can evolve into a more dynamic and socially responsible sector.

Coal Mine Goaf Interpretation: Survey, Passive Electromagnetic Methods and Case Study

Coal mine goaf detection remains confronted with the lack of fast, effective and low-cost exploration means, especially for the accurate prediction of mining threats primarily caused by hydraulic infiltration. The rapid popularization of passive electromagnetic methods has contributed greatly to improving the interpretation effects of different types of goafs. This paper, firstly, summarizes the pros and cons of various exploration methods in goaf detection. Then, the feasibility of goaf detection using novel passive electromagnetic methods (e.g., the super low frequency alternating magnetic component method (SLF) and audio frequency magnetotelluric method (AMT)) is proposed and further discussed. With well-designed geo-electrical goaf models, the theoretical results demonstrate that the semi-quantitative interpretation of SLF responses can be directly used for the delineation of the target layer in the estimated depth range. In contrast, 3D inversion provides more information about conductive targets with the appropriate initial model selection. Then, shallow, low-resistive targets can be more accurately allocated in the inversion maps. Moreover, the real data interpretation results from study areas demonstrate that the SLF method can utilize the magnetic component responses to effectively identify the fault structures, and indirectly contributes to judge the goaf collapse locations in favor of describing the potential distribution of fracture water infiltration. Combined with the three-dimensional (3D) resistivity inversion of AMT data, the low-resistive water-rich areas within the depth of 400 m were revealed. The inverted depth distributions are basically consistent with those of the water-filled goafs and surrounding layers, which were also confirmed by known logging data. The detailed delineations of water-control fracture zones can be inferred to relate to aquifers in some mining areas; this can reveal potential collapses that require successive mining planning. In specific working faces, goaf risks have been handled in advance by strengthening the continuous monitoring of the water level and water inflow. The above verification has laid a theoretical and practical foundation for passive electromagnetic interpretation methods for effectively predicting collapse-type risks or hydraulic threats in coal mine goafs.

Geotechnical analysis of blasting sequence and resulting shapes of drawbells in block cave mines

ABSTRACT Drawbells allow disassembled ore to be extracted from the production levels in block cave mines. As part of the construction process, blast damage must be minimised, enabling the remaining rock mass surrounding the drawbell to sustain the induced stress during the different stages of a block-caving operation for a successful mine plan extraction and ore recovery.This paper proposes two approaches for the geotechnical evaluation of drawbell blast performance. Initially, the expected dynamic burden is calculated along the length of the blasthole and used to assess surveyed blast holes. Secondly, the design compliance is evaluated using the Radial Distance of Over/Underbreak concept, which compares designed and scanned shapes relative to height and radial orientation.The results have identified confined blast zones at the top and around the corners of drawbells. Excessive confinement may cause damage to the pillars and negatively impact the stability of the production level.

SCMBQA: Design of a Customised SCM-Aware Sidechaining Model for QoS Enhancement under Attack Scenarios

Storing&amp; processing data for supply chain management (SCM) systems requires design of high-security and quality of service (QoS) aware models. These modelsassist in improving traceability performance of SCM deployments via integration of transparent &amp; distributed mechanisms. A wide variety of security models are proposed by researchers to perform these tasks, and it is observed that blockchain-based SCM implementations outperform other models in terms of security &amp; QoS metrics.But most of these implementationsare general-purpose and do not incorporate SCM-specific consensus &amp; mining rules. It is also observed that, mining speed&amp; throughput performance of these blockchain-based implementations reduces exponentially w.r.t. number of SCM transactions. To resolve these issues, this paper discusses design of a novel Proof-of-Supply Chain (PoSC) based consensus model, which is specifically designed for sidechain based SCM deployments. The PoSC consensus model is used for high-efficiency SCM-based data storage and communication scenarios. The proposed PoSC consensus model is capable of resisting selfish mining, time jacking, and sybil attacks, which are targeted towards SCM deployments. The model uses temporal performance metrics of miner nodes, and combines them with relationship graphs to form an SCM miner rank. Based on this rank, miner nodes are selected, and their consensus responses are recorded. These responses are processed using an augmented deep learning model, that is trained over 8 different SCM implementations via machine learning. After successful mining, responses obtained from these miners are used to incrementally train the machine learning model which assists in continuous performance improvement. The SCMBQA model was tested on milk supply chain, agriculture supply chain, and electronic supply chain applications, in terms of computational speed, throughput, energy requirement, retrieval &amp; verification delay, and storage requirements. It was observed that the proposed PoSC consensus was capable of improving the computational speed by 8.5%, reduce energy consumption by 4.9%, improve throughput by 9.6%, and reduce storage costs by 15.4% when compared with standard blockchain-based SCM consensus models. This is because the proposed model deploys an intelligent sidechaining approach, that is capable of optimizing number of generated sidechains via temporal QoS &amp; security performance metrics. Due to use of smaller chain lengths, the proposed model is capable of integrating privacy-aware &amp; secure approaches depending upon different SCM stages. Thus, distributor-level security models are different than retailer-level security models, which assists in context-sensitive block deployments. Due to use of PoSC, the proposed model was observed to be 99.5% resilient against internal and external attacks, which makes it useful for real-time SCM deployments.

Effectiveness and predictors of conversion in mini-laparotomy cholecystectomy in developing country: a cohort retrospective study

BackgroundMini laparotomy cholecystectomy (MLC) is an alternative surgical procedure in conditions where laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is not feasible. MLC is a simpler and easier technique compared to LC. MLC involves smaller skin incision, low morbidity rate, and early return to oral diet. MLC has the potential to be the preferred surgical technique in developing countries due to its low cost and availability.MethodA cohort retrospective study was performed on 44 patients who underwent mini laparotomy cholecystectomy due to ineligibility for LC. Patients were documented for successful mini laparotomy or conversion to laparotomy cholecystectomy. There are pre-operative aspects recorded and analyzed to formulate predictor factors for conversion surgery, as well as intra-operative and post-operative aspects. Patients also filled evaluation questionnaire based on Likert Scale about their satisfaction towards result of MLC.ResultMLC is performed in 31 (70.5%) patients while 13 (29.5%) patients underwent conversion to open cholecystectomy. There were no complications nor mortalities observed during and after the surgery. Greater BMI, higher leucocyte count, higher bilirubin level, increasing severity of adhesion, and chronic cholecystitis were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the conversion surgery group. MLC also resulted in shorter post-operative hospitalization compared to conversion surgery. Patients showed great satisfaction towards the cosmetic aspect and recovery period after MLC procedure.ConclusionMLC is an effective surgery procedure for cholelithiasis and can be safely performed in patients with complication such as cholecystitis and gallbladder adhesion although these conditions increase the risk of conversion surgery.

Remediation of mine polluted soil with nano-enhanced materials: Development of extreme learning machine approaches

Successful mining soil reclamation promotes ecosystem recovery, reduces negative environmental effects, adds more area for forestry or agricultural purposes, and increases carbon (C) sequestration. In order to increase soil erosion management, improve soil quality, reduce pollutants, and assure safe land application of traditional amendment materials, nanoparticles with exceptionally high deliverability and reactivity may be used as amendments. Iron oxide is being researched for the remediation of industrial soil that is co-contaminated with arsenic (AS) due to the absence of Nano enhanced materials for mine soil reclamation. In order to improve the soil quality of a mine waste that was heavily polluted with As (1807 mg/kg), the effects of iron oxide on the non-specifically and specifically-sorbed As were investigated. Iron oxide was added to the polluted soil at concentrations of 0.5 percent, 2 percent, and 5 percent (w/w). The goal of this work is to define the effect of iron oxide and Zero Valent I nanoparticles (nZVI) in reducing the contamination of soil by the use of soft computing models of extreme learning machines (ELM) with particle swarm optimization (PSO). In this case, the hybrid ELM-PSO has shown good performance as a trustworthy approach after the regression study of RMSE, R-square, and r. The addition of iron oxide dosages decreased the easily accessible As by 92.4 when compared to the untreated soil, with the 5 percent doses having a noticeably greater effect.

Community as Governor: Exploring the role of Community between Industry and Government in SLO

For many natural resource projects, the impact on Indigenous communities is a primary concern. Therefore, governance arrangements that account for the interests of companies, communities, and government are critical for the project’s success. This paper looked at two successful mining projects in northern Canada, McArthur River and Diavik, to examine the governance arrangement that led to mutually beneficial outcomes. Through an analysis of interviews and documents, we assessed both governing institutions and interactions to understand how the respective companies and communities established a high level of trust. In both cases, government took a less prominent role in the management of resources, allowing the Indigenous communities to hold a stronger role in the governance of the resources. Both Indigenous communities, therefore, built partnerships with the company around socio-economic benefits along with environmental monitoring – redefining ‘community’ in governance arrangements.

Stress state analysis of rock mass in mining close-spaced coal seams with smooth roof subsidence

The author analyzes stress state of rock mass in mining bedded deposits with roof rock deformation in the course of the smooth subsidence of the roof in the mined-out area. The analysis focuses on modeling roof and floor interaction in roadways, which governs the distribution and values of stresses in the zones of the abutment pressure and stress relief. The features of stress redistribution in enclosing rock mass during successive mining of closely spaced coal seams are studied. The recommendations on selection of the parameters of technology for joint mining of closely spaced coal seams with regard to mutual effect of mining-induced geomechanical processes are given.

Stability Analysis of Shallow Goaf Based on Field Monitoring and Numerical Simulation: A Case Study at an Open-Pit Iron Mine, China

Evaluation of the stability of a shallow goaf in an open-pit iron mine is important for successful mining. Based on the idea of “rock disaster analysis and prediction combining field monitoring and numerical simulation,” a modification of Mathews stability graph is proposed, and a monitoring scheme combing stress, displacement, and surface subsidence is selected per the field geological condition. The displacement monitoring data and numerical model are combined, and the numerical model is corrected per the monitoring data; the time-dependent deformation and damage to the goaf is obtained; and its stability is comprehensively evaluated. Results show that the northern area is in a relatively stable stage, whilst the southern area has a certain risk of collapse. At last, the proposed framework was successfully used in the open-pit iron mine to evaluate the stability of the shallow goaf and can be used for reference to similar geological conditions.

Numerical investigation of creeping rockmass interaction with hardening and shrinking cemented paste backfill

Revealing the interaction mechanism between the time-dependent deformation of rockmass and hardening backfill are important for successful mining design. Based on laboratory tests and numerical simulation, a framework has been established to simulate the hardening CPB in backfilled stope, which could consider the strength evolution characteristics, stress curing conditions, filling rate and shrinkage strain of hardening CPB. Results show that three interaction process could be happened after the CPB poured into stope; the stress distribution in CPB affected by the combination of stress arching and squeezing effect when the rheological effect of rockmass is significant in deep backfilled stope, and the squeezing effect makes the stress in CPB exceed its self-weight stress; The hardening process, filling rate, stress curing conditions and shrinkage deformation of CPB influences significantly on the stress distribution of CPB itself and lateral deformation of the surrounding rockmass. It is necessary to consider the delayed supporting effect of CPB having obvious shrinkage characteristics, and this delayed supporting effect becomes more significant with to prolong of the delay filling. By analyzing the hardening process, curing stress, filling rate and shrinkage deformation of CPB during hardening process, the new mechanism of the interaction between CPB and surrounding rockmass is revealed, which can provide a theoretical basis for improving the support design of mine backfill.

Landscapes of Inequity: Environmental Justice in the Andes-Amazon Region ed. by Nicholas A. Robins and Barbara J. Fraser

Reviewed by: Landscapes of Inequity: Environmental Justice in the Andes-Amazon Region ed. by Nicholas A. Robins and Barbara J. Fraser Aaron Groth Nicholas A. Robins and Barbara J. Fraser (Eds.) Landscapes of Inequity: Environmental Justice in the Andes-Amazon Region. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 2020. xxxi + 347 pp. Maps, tables, notes, references, and index. $65.00 cloth (ISBN 978-1-4962-0802-6); $65.00 eBook (PDF) (ISBN 978-1-4962-2141-4); $65.00 eBook (ISBN 978-1-4962-2139-1). For those captivated by the andes-Amazon region’s biological and cultural diversity and are alarmed by multiple threats posed by extractive activities and infrastructure projects to its people and landscapes, this venerable volume constitutes an essential addition. Since Francisco Pizzaro’s conquest of Peru and Francisco de Orellana’s first descent of the Amazon from Quito, the region has endured successive waves of boom-and-bust cycles. Colonial governments and modern states attracted capital and promoted extraction of natural resources and production of commodities, while wealth generated was (and is) removed from the places of extraction and production to regional elites, far away capitals, and financial centers such as London and New York. These legacies of uneven development, persistence of inequality and land concentration, environmental contamination, usurpation of Indigenous territory, infrastructure projects, and extractive industries, directly impact the health, land uses, and livelihoods of communities across the region, as well as cultural identity. The editors and contributors offer evolving definitions of environmental justice, provide political context for the region, and frame environmental justice in multiple, site-specific contexts. Despite Andean-Amazon region countries’ status as signatories of International Labor Agreement 169, Indigenous (and other) communities are not systematically included in infrastructure and resource extraction planning. From Andean summits to lowland tropical forests, a variety of actors, confront and contest government agencies, large and powerful economic interests, and respond to development projects that have failed to include their input or consent. In addition, states, private industries, and organized crime syndicates target environmental defenders with physical threats, assault, targeted assassinations, criminalization of protest, extra-judicial killings, and judicial harassment. Hundreds of years of violence, disease, exploitation, repeated encroachment upon and attempts at privatization of community lands have not succeeded in eliminating community property. Governments across the region, as modern authoritarian, neoliberal, or pluri-national states have sought to make Indigenous and rural communities invisible (by legal instrument or cartographic omission) in order to facilitate [End Page 198] extraction. Richard Chase Smith, in We Are Here: The State of Community-Based Landscapes in Peru, showcases the efforts of the Common Good Institute (IBC), partners, and communities in the mapping and titling of community lands. While about one half of Peru is titled as peasant or native communities, the government controls and regulates rights to the subsoil, timber resources, and carbon. Planned mining, oil, gas, and timber concessions are superimposed on existing communities or communities still in the process of titling their land claims. Across the region, communities play a key role in forest protection and biodiversity conservation. However, employment opportunities are often concentrated in the exact extractive activities and commodities production that threaten community health, land uses, and livelihoods. Processes unleashed by the colonization of the Andes include demographic collapse of Indigenous populations, their forced resettlement into reducciones, and the dreaded mita–including corvée labor for mining centers. Nicholas Robins’ chapter, A Toxic Reckoning: Legacy Contamination in Huancavelica, Peru highlights colonial and modern Peru’s extraction of cinnabar and processing of mercury. Huancavelica produced mercury for the amalgamation processing of silver deposits in Potosí, Cerro de Pasco, and other mining centers. Cumulatively, successive mining and smelting, since the colonial period, has resulted in contamination of air, soil, and water, causing acute impacts on human health for the residents of several Andean cities (e.g., Huancavelica, Cerro de Pasco, La Oroya, Oruro, and Potosí). According to Robins, the Peruvian state, in failing to recognize and remediate sites contaminated during the colonial period in Huancavelica, practices a process of “invisibilization” of an entire city (p. 23). If the contamination does not legally exist, the Peruvian state bears no responsibility for cleanup. In addition to national and...