Sustainable Mining Research Articles

Energy Consumption Reduction in Underground Mine Ventilation System: An Integrated Approach Using Mathematical and Machine Learning Models Toward Sustainable Mining

This study presents an integrated approach combining the Hardy Cross method and a gradient boosting (GB) optimization model to enhance ventilation systems in underground mines, with a specific application at the Jabal Sayid mine in Saudi Arabia. The Hardy Cross method addresses variations in airflow resistance caused by obstacles within ventilation pathways, enabling accurate predictions of the flow distribution across the network. The GB model complements this by optimizing fan placement, pressure control, and airflow intensity to achieve reduced energy consumption and improved efficiency. The results demonstrate significant improvements in fan efficiency, optimized energy usage, and enhanced ventilation effectiveness, achieving a 31.24% reduction in electricity consumption. This study bridges deterministic and machine learning methodologies, offering a novel framework for the real-time optimization of underground mine ventilation systems. By combining the Hardy Cross method with GB, the proposed approach outperforms traditional techniques in predicting and optimizing airflow distribution under dynamic conditions.

Environmental monitoring of La Concordia mine (Salta province, Argentina): assessing heavy metal bioaccumulation and physiological responses of Parastrephia quadrangularis.

The Puna region is distinguished by its extreme environmental conditions and highly valuable mining resources. However, the unregulated management of mine tailings poses a significant threat to the ecological integrity of this region. This study assesses the environmental impacts of mine tailings at La Concordia mine (Salta province, Argentina) and examines the physiological and biochemical adaptations of Parastrephia quadrangularis (Meyen) Cabrera that enable its survival under this extreme conditions. Our findings reveal that prolonged weathering of mine tailings results in the generation of acid mine drainage characterized by low pH levels (< 3.5) and elevated concentrations of As, Fe, Cu, Pb, and Zn. These levels exceed drinking water standards by 5-10 times for As, 6-13 times for Zn, 80-120 times for Pb, 20-380 times for Fe, and 4-10 times for Cu. Soil analyses highlight low pH, high salinity, and elevated concentrations of Zn (310mgkg-1), Pb (153mgkg-1), and Cu (128mgkg-1). Despite these harsh environmental conditions, 7 plant species where identified, with Parastrephia quadrangularis being the only species present at the most polluted site. This species exhibits high heavy metal bioaccumulation and robust tolerance mechanisms against heavy metal-induced oxidative damage, as evidenced by stable total chlorophylls and malondialdehyde content, and increased levels of carotenoids, proline, and phenolic compounds. These findings emphasize Parastrephia quadrangularis as a promising candidate for revegetation and phytostabilization for sustainable mine closure programs in La Puna region.

Molecular Dynamics Study of Polyacrylamide and Polysaccharide-Derived Flocculants Adsorption on Mg(OH)2 Surfaces at pH 11.

Brucite (Mg(OH)2) is a typical precipitate in the mining industry that adversely affects processes such as flotation and thickening. Gaining insights into the physicochemical properties of this mineral is critical for developing strategies to mitigate these challenges and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, incorporating natural-origin polymers aligns with the shift toward more sustainable mining practices. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the interaction of brucite with polysaccharides such as cellulose, guar gum, and alginate and to compare these with conventional polymers, including polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, and polyacrylic acid, under conditions of pH 11 in low-salinity water. The methodology enhanced adsorption sampling by incorporating additional temporary interactions between the polymer and the brucite surface. The results reveal that neutral polymers exhibit stronger and more stable interactions with brucite compared to charged polymers, which is consistent with the neutral nature of brucite under the studied conditions. Van der Waals forces predominantly govern the adsorption of polysaccharides, while Coulombic forces primarily drive interactions involving polyacrylamides. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of polymer-brucite interactions, facilitating the development of more effective and sustainable mining additives.

Mineral Plastics and Gels from Multi‐Arm Ionomers

AbstractPlastic production and waste are a growing menace that affects the soil, the marine environment, and the air in a cumulative manner. The demand for mineral and bioplastics from renewable and biodegradable materials has therefore increased in all relevant sectors. The use of currently available degradable plastics is, however, limited by their poor mechanical properties and high production costs. In addition, many of today's plastics undergo uncontrolled biodegradation processes that involve harsh or expensive conditions and which may last from months to years. Here, the advantages of using multi‐arm polymers for the production of sustainable mineral plastics are presented. A 4‐arm poly(acrylic acid) is synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization and is reacted with divalent calcium ions to obtain semi‐liquid hydrogel or degradable plastic when dried. The mechanical properties of the different phases are evaluated and compared with linear poly(acrylic acid) of the same molecular weight. The multi‐arm approach yielded improved mechanical characteristics, including self‐healing and biodegradation without compromising other typical hydrogel characteristics. This concept of synthesizing multi‐arm polymers with improved characteristics from building blocks of traditionally linear structures may be applicable to other mineral and bioplastic materials including acrylates, polysaccharides, and DNA.

Assessing the Impacts of Coal Mining on Soil Quality in Kogi East, Nigeria

This study investigates the effects of coal mining on soil physical and chemical properties in Kogi East, Nigeria, focusing on two mined sites (Ika-Ogboyaga and Okaba) and one unmined control site (Abache). Soil samples were collected from 32 plots across mined areas and 16 plots in the unmined site using a 200m x 200m belt transect method. Samples were analyzed for particle size, bulk density, soil pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal concentrations using standard laboratory methods. Results show minimal differences in soil texture (sandy clay loam) across all sites, with slightly higher bulk density in mined areas (1.89±0.2g/cm3, 1.87±0.6 g/cm3), indicating soil compaction from mining activities. Chemical properties, including pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity, showed minor variations, while heavy metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb) were within safe limits across all sites. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (F-value=0.00449; F-crit=3.1907; P-value=0.995511) showed no significant differences in most soil properties between mined and unmined areas, suggesting limited impact of coal mining on soil quality in the region. To improve soil health and sustainability the study recommended mitigating soil compaction, implementing vegetation rehabilitation with native species, conducting continuous soil monitoring, raising community awareness, and promoting sustainable mining practices.

Dust exposure and its health implications to miners in Mererani artisanal and small-scale mining industry

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify and quantify the total dust exposure to underground miners in Mererani, Tanzania, and its composition to generate evidence for informed decision- and policy-making. The Analytical Air Monitoring System (AMS) was used for dust collection, and analysis was conducted gravimetrically. The dust composition was analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. The results showed significant variation in dust exposure levels across different mining zones, with miners inhaling up to 1859 mg of dust over an 8-hour period in drilling zones (DZ), 797 mg in loading zones (LZ), and 382 mg in resting zones (RZ). The mean value of dust exposure was significantly different, with a p-value of <0.05. Miners had higher levels of heavy metal and silica than those from unmined sites, with chromium being the most dominant element across all samples. Cumulative exposure to dust over time is linked to long-term respiratory impairment and serious health conditions such as lung cancer. These findings highlight the need for intervention, including education on dust hazards, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), and enforcement of safety standards to safeguard miners’ health. Addressing these issues is critical to promoting policy reforms and sustainable mining practices in Mererani and similar communities.

Toward Sustainable Mining: Repurposing Benguerir’s Phosphate Mine Waste Rock for Road Subgrade Construction

Natural aggregates are widely consumed worldwide by the road construction industry. Particularly in the phosphate sector, reducing industrial waste and conserving non-renewable natural resources can be achieved by utilizing unusual industrial wastes and by-products in road construction procedures. Road construction may find use for Phosphate Mine Waste Rocks (PMWR) as an alternate secondary raw material source. However, there are currently limitations on the use and valuation of these materials due to the Moroccan Guide for Road Earthworks (GMTR), which classifies them as waste products and so unsuitable for use in road building. Phosphate waste rocks are naturally existing sedimentary rocks that have mainly been mechanically fragmented, despite their designation. The purpose of this study is to assess PMWR’s essential characteristics for application in road construction. At the Moroccan phosphate mine location of Benguerir, samples have been collected from screening stockpiles. Then, using international testing standards, environmental and health behaviours, chemical, mineralogical, physical, and geotechnical behaviours, these samples were analysed. The materials’ suitability for use in subgrade layer was validated by laboratory and field experiments, hence allowing for their reclassification as conventional materials.

Optimización de los Procesos de Lixiviación para Maximizar la Adsorción de Oro en el Carbón Activado y Minimizar su Pérdida en los Relaves

Gold mining is a key economic activity worldwide, but its efficiency faces significant technical and environmental challenges. One of the key methods to improve gold recovery is adsorption by activated carbon, whose effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as particle size, contact time, ore grade and accumulation of unwanted compounds. This article compiles literature information on leaching and adsorption methods, highlighting the advantages and limitations of heap and tank processes. Heap leaching, although inexpensive and simple, has low recovery rates and environmental risks, while tank leaching offers greater control and efficiency, but involves higher costs. The methodology included the review of scientific articles published between 2019 and 2024, selecting relevant studies to optimize these processes and contribute to the development of more sustainable mining practices.

Should Mining Enterprise Adopt Digital Transformation for Environmental Performance? A Supply Chain Power Structure Perspective

ABSTRACTThis research explores how digital transformation (DT) affects environmental performance (EP) in mining companies, considering supply chain power dynamics involving suppliers and retailers. We construct theoretical models to depict the game process of the DT strategy of a mining company under different supply chain power structures. We then validate our theoretical model through a sample of 1155 A‐shared listed mining companies with complete financial data in China. Regression models with fixed effects are applied to estimate the potential parameters. The empirical findings are consistent with theoretical results, showing that DT improves the EP for mining companies. The EP is weaker when DT is treated at higher supplier and retailer concentrations. This study can guide policy frameworks at COP28, promoting sustainable mining practices aligned with global climate goals.

Public perceptions of mineral criticality and preferences for energy transition strategies in the United States

Critical minerals are essential for advancing the energy transition. However, the public’s perception of these minerals and their application is still not well understood. Here, we investigate public awareness and perceptions of critical minerals in the United States, based on a nationally representative survey of 1200 online respondents. While only 38% of respondents stated familiarity with critical minerals, over 80% recognized the importance of minerals in the energy transition. Participants were most supportive of strategies focused on mineral research and improving the environmental impacts of mining, while domestic mining received less support. Regression analysis shows that individuals who perceive mineral criticality based on their importance to clean energy support multiple mineral policies, whereas those concerned about import dependency or shortages prefer domestic mining. Individuals who believe environmental impacts should govern criticality designation oppose domestic mining and support mineral recycling and improving mining’s environmental impacts. These findings highlight the role of differing perceptions of mineral criticality in shaping policy preferences, emphasizing the need for public awareness to foster sustainable mineral strategies for the energy transition.

Hydration Mechanisms of Gelled Paste Backfills for Potash Mines Using Lime as a Gel Material.

This paper investigates the flow performance and mechanical properties of underground gelled filling materials made from potash mine tailings, using lime as a gel. It demonstrates the feasibility of using lime as a gel, potash mine tailings as aggregate, and replacing water with potash mine tailings to create filling materials that meet design requirements for flow and compressive strength. The role of lime in the hardening process is explored through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared analysis. Results show that hydration products vary with lime dosage. With 9% lime (L9), the products are primarily ghiaraite (CaCl2·4H2O) and carnallite (KMgCl3·6H2O); with 5% lime (L5), tachyhydrite (CaMg2Cl6·12H2O) predominates, along with minor amounts of antarcticite (CaCl2·6H2O) and korshunovskite (Mg2Cl(OH)3·4H2O); and with 2.6% lime (L2.6), the products include tachyhydrite, ghiaraite, bischofite (MgCl2·6H2O), and korshunovskite. These hydration products form a dense, interwoven structure, enhancing the strength of the filling material. This study offers a theoretical foundation for using lime gel as a filling material in potash mining, with significant implications for sustainable mining practices.

Research on the Stability Mechanism and Control Technology of Surrounding Rock in Filling Working Face with Gob-Side Entry Retaining

Gob-side entry retaining (GER) in filling working face promotes sustainable mining by preserving roadways for reuse, reducing resource consumption, and minimizing environmental disturbances. This study investigates the deformation mechanism and failure characteristic of the mining roadway during GER in filling working face, using the CT301 headgate at Chahasu Coal Mine as a case study. A UDEC Trigon numerical model was established, and uniaxial compression tests were conducted to calibrate the mechanical parameters of the rock mass and filling material. The deformation, crack distribution, overburden subsidence, and lateral stress were compared under four conditions: caving method and filling rates of 65%, 80%, and 95%. The results showed that compared to the caving method, the filling method can effectively control overburden movement and suppress roadway deformation. As the filling rate increases, the surrounding rock deformation, crack density, subsidence, and lateral stress all decrease. Overall, the 95% filling rate was the most effective, followed by 80% filling rate, 65% filling rate, and then the caving method. After adopting a 95% filling rate at CT301 panel, the maximum deformation of CT301 headgate was only 190 mm, meeting the mine’s production requirements.

Promoting a Circular Economy in Mining Practices

Integrating circular economy (CE) principles into mining practices offers a promising path toward reducing environmental harm while promoting sustainable resource management. This shift boosts the industry’s efficiency and profitability and aligns it with global sustainability goals. This paper delves into strategies for closing material loops, such as waste valorization, resource recovery from mine tailings, and water reuse in mining processes. Additionally, this study highlights innovative technologies and their potential to transform traditional linear practices into sustainable, circular systems. This paper emphasizes the importance of strong collaboration among industry stakeholders and policymakers, including mining companies, researchers, and local communities, for the implementation of CE principles. This paper also discusses the role of emerging digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence in advancing circular practices and improving operational efficiency. By exploring the economic, environmental, and social benefits of the CE, this paper demonstrates how these practices can contribute to sustainable mining. It addresses key challenges, including technological, economic, and regulatory hurdles, and offers recommendations for overcoming them to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient mining industry.

Thermal Hazard Evaluation and Prediction in Deep Excavations for Sustainable Underground Mining

With the advent of the deep mining era, thermal damage in mines has become increasingly significant. The high-temperature environment in underground mines adversely impacts the physiological and psychological health of operators, reduces work efficiency, elevates the risk of accidents, and disrupts sustainable mining operations. Consequently, the development of accurate and reliable methods for classifying thermal hazards is essential for enabling mining enterprises to implement effective prevention strategies. Furthermore, such methods provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable management and utilization of geothermal energy. This study systematically considered factors influencing underground thermal damage and selected 10 quantitative indicators, encompassing both natural and human factors, as evaluation criteria. The CRITIC method was employed to determine the weight of each indicator, which was then integrated with uncertainty measurement theory to develop a novel thermal hazard assessment framework (CRITICUM). This framework enables the classification of thermal hazards in deep mine roadways. The evaluation results generated by the CRITICUM system were subsequently used to train machine learning predictive models. During the training process, the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) was utilized to identify the most suitable prediction model parameters for the complex thermal environment of deep mines by leveraging its capability for continuous iterative evolution. The optimized parameters replaced the original random forest (RF) model parameters, resulting in an enhanced thermal damage prediction model (PSO-RF) with an accuracy of 96.55%, outperforming the standard RF model by 3%. Finally, the prediction model’s accuracy was validated using engineering case data, demonstrating that the results met practical engineering requirements. In summary, the proposed CRITICUM-PSO-RF evaluation and prediction model can accurately classify thermal damage in deep mines and provide a valuable reference for ensuring site safety and supporting the sustainable utilization of geothermal energy.

Eco-Theology in Islamic Thought: Religious Moderation and Organizational Roles in Mining Management in Indonesia

With the increasing irresponsible exploitation of natural resources, environmental damage has become increasingly concerning, particularly in the mining sector, which has a broad impact on ecosystems and the livelihoods of surrounding communities. The environmental crisis caused by mining activities in Indonesia demands a new approach to more sustainable resource management. This study aims to explore the role of religious moderation from the perspective of eco-theology, which has the potential to offer solutions for natural resource management. Eco-theology provides spiritual principles that can be integrated into environmental policies, creating a balance between economic interests, ecology, and societal well-being. This research is a literature review employing a descriptive analysis method. The results show that eco-theology offers a relevant framework for shifting the paradigm of mining management from anthropocentrism to ecocentrism. Religious organizations have great potential to promote sustainable mining management by incorporating spiritual values into environmental practices. Religious moderation serves as a foundational pillar in strengthening ecological awareness, improving the relationship between humans and nature, and encouraging sustainable development aligned with religious principles.

Impact of Opencast Mining on Agricultural Productivity and Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study of the Singareni Collieries in Telangana

The rapid industrialization and economic expansion in India have increased reliance on natural resource extraction, particularly through opencast mining. While efficient and cost-effective, this mining method has significant environmental and socio-economic repercussions. This study focuses on the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in Telangana to examine its impact on agricultural productivity in surrounding regions. Agriculture, a cornerstone of rural livelihoods, faces severe challenges from mining activities, including land degradation, water contamination, air pollution, and biodiversity loss. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines primary data from surveys and interviews with secondary data from official records and reports. The analysis reveals substantial declines in crop yields, heightened susceptibility of crops to pests and diseases, and deteriorating agricultural produce quality due to mining-induced environmental degradation. Factor analysis identifies two critical dimensions: "Agricultural Productivity and Biodiversity Loss" and "Environmental Degradation and Adaptive Practices," highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental changes and farming challenges. Key findings show that over 70% of respondents acknowledged significant reductions in crop yields, with biodiversity loss and dust pollution emerging as critical factors. ANOVA results confirm a significant impact of opencast mining on biodiversity and environmental conditions, necessitating adaptive practices among farmers. The study underscores the urgent need for sustainable mining practices and effective mitigation strategies to balance economic benefits with the preservation of agricultural livelihoods and environmental health. Keywords: Opencast Mining, Agricultural Productivity, Environmental Degradation, Biodiversity Loss and Socio-Economic Impact.

Assessing the Impact of Surface Blast Design Parameters on the Performance of a Comminution Circuit Processing a Copper-Bearing Ore

Open-pit mining remains the dominant method for copper extraction in current operations, with blasting playing a pivotal role in the efficiency of downstream processes such as loading, hauling, crushing, and milling. This study assesses the impact of surface blast design parameters on the performance of a comminution circuit processing a copper-bearing ore. The analysis focuses on important design parameters such as burden, spacing, stemming, and powder factor, evaluating their influence on the fragment size distribution and downstream comminution circuit performance. Using the Kuz-Ram model, four novel blast designs are compared against a baseline to predict the size distribution of rock fragments (X80). Key performance indicators throughput and specific energy consumption are calculated to evaluate the comminution circuit performance. Results demonstrated that reducing the X80 from 500 mm to 120 mm led up to a 20% increase in throughput and a 29% reduction in total specific energy consumption. Furthermore, achieving finer particle sizes through more intensive blasting contributed to a reduction in total operating costs by up to 12%. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing blast design to improve comminution circuit performance, contributing to sustainable mining practices by reducing energy consumption, operating costs, and the environmental footprint of mining operations.

Geophysical investigation of subsurface mineral potentials in North-Central Nigeria: implications for sustainable mining and development

This study presents the first comprehensive geomagnetic investigation of subsurface mineral potentials in north-central Nigeria, marking a significant advancement in sustainable mining exploration for this resource-rich region. Through an integrated approach using Source Parameter Imaging (SPI), Analytic Signal (AS), Phase Symmetry (PS), Euler Deconvolution (ED), and 3D inversion modeling, we delineate mineralized zones at depths of 150–800 m. The analysis reveals NE-SW, NW-SE, and E-W fault and fracture networks that channel mineral-rich fluids, offering new insights into regional tectonics and mineralization processes. The integration of ED with 3D inversion modeling provides reliable estimates of the location, depth, and geometry of magnetic sources, enhancing the targeting of potential ore bodies and reducing exploration risks. Our findings on structural controls and depth targeting support low-impact mining and efficient resource development in the region.

Analysis of vegetation dynamics from 2001 to 2020 in China's Ganzhou rare earth mining area using time series remote sensing and SHAP-enhanced machine learning

Rare earth mining, essential for modern industries and economic growth, often leads to severe environmental degradation. Previous research has explored the ecological impacts of rare earth mining but has not fully investigated the intricate interplay and subdivisions of environmental and anthropogenic factors driving vegetation changes over extended periods. This study addresses this gap by employing time series remote sensing and SHAP-enhanced machine learning to analyze vegetation dynamics in China's Ganzhou rare earth mining area from 2001 to 2020. Using the kNDVI derived from Landsat data, we identified three distinct vegetation trajectory types: pro-environment, des-environment, and res-environment. An ensemble machine learning model combined with SHAP analysis revealed the cropland area proportion, PM10 levels, and shrubland area proportion as the most influential factors affecting vegetation across all mining types. Additionally, after 2012, the palmer drought severity index and downward surface shortwave radiation emerged as positive contributors to vegetation health, while population pressure had a more substantial negative influence in des-environment areas. Our findings highlight spatial heterogeneity in vegetation recovery patterns and highlight the complex interactions among land cover changes, air quality, climate factors, and human activities in shaping vegetation dynamics. This study provides valuable insights for developing targeted, context-specific restoration strategies in rare earth mining areas, contributing to more sustainable mining practices and global environmental management.

The Effects of the Fineness Level of Rice Husk Ash as a Partial Cement Substitute in Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)

Rice husk ash (RHA) is recognised as a sustainable mineral additive derived from waste. The substitution of a portion of cement with RHA could improve the mechanical characteristics of concrete, leading to the increased adoption of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). The properties of rice husk ash need to satisfy specific criteria to ensure its reactive qualities are fully effective, including the fineness of the husk ash. The quality can be achieved using a filtering technique to obtain the RHA with a certain level of fineness, with division in several zones, 0,1,2,3 and 4. RHA from each zone partially replaces 10% cement in the SCC mixture. To obtain the physical characteristics of SCC, tests were carried out in the fresh phase, which includes slump flow, V-Vunnel, and L-box tests. Meanwhile, compressive strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity tests were conducted to obtain the mechanical properties of the mixture. The results of the fresh concrete test showed that all mixtures are qualified as SCCs, and the results of the hardened concrete test suggested that the fineness of RHA enhances its mechanical properties.