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Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Resources and Sustainable Utilization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 23838

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francis F. Pavloudakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Mineral Resources Engineering Department, University of Western Macedonia, 50150 Kozani, Greece
Interests: surface mining; environmental management; environmental impacts assessment; land reclamation; circular economy; energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Christos Roumpos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mining Engineering and Closure Planning, Public Power Corporation of Greece, 10432 Athens, Greece
Interests: mine planning and design; mineral exploration; mineral economics operations research; decision making; stochastic optimization; production planning; project management; circular economy; simulation; risk analysis; sustainable development; energy; environmental impact assessment; reliability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Philip-Mark Spanidis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Project Management, ASPROFOS Engineering S.A., Greece, 17675 Athens, Greece
Interests: project and operations management; project strategic planning; risk analysis; safety management; sustainability; oil and gas pipeline systems; environmental impact assessment; multi-criteria decision making; mines restoration; knowledge management; engineering failure analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure and honor to invite you to submit a research paper to this Special Issue dedicated to the field of sustainable minerals extraction and processing. Research-, technological development-, and application-related contributions as well as conceptual analyses and presentations of promising methods and techniques on mine planning and operation, mineral processing, environmental impacts assessment, monitoring, prevention and mitigation, risk management, land reclamation, post-mining land-use planning, and other related topics are all welcomed.

The global mineral extraction industry is in a process of rapid transformation. Although the main objectives of mining operations are still related to the optimization of productivity, elimination of deviations from quality specifications, and zero accidents, new challenges and restrictions have been added concerning climate change, increased demand, depletion of reserves, process automation, corporate responsibility, etc. These developments affect mining operations in various ways: coal mines that supply steam power plants must be closed, while new mines, which will produce critical minerals for the ongoing digital and energy revolution, must be opened. Both mine closure and mine development works must take place in a way that ensures the sustainable development of the areas that host or will host mineral extraction and processing operations.  

Governments, industrial partners, funding organizations, and academia are looking for strategies and synergies for an economically and socially justified transition to a low-carbon economy, acting in accordance with global sustainability goals and circular economy principles. At the same time, all the involved parties try to develop a conceptual framework, which will ensure that the increased demand for critical minerals should be met by increasing the rate of exploitation of mineral deposits and secondary sources, based on methods and techniques that successfully balance between economic growth, conservation of nature, and prosperity of local communities.         

In this context, this Special Issue entitled “Sustainable mining and processing of mineral resources” aims at contributing to the existing literature with papers related to the definition of the conceptual framework for sustainable mineral extraction and processing, the demonstration of successful practices for sustainable mine planning, operation, and closure, including stakeholder management and corporate responsibility issues and the review of literature in relevant topics. Emphasis will be placed on actions planning and implementation to eliminate the environmental, economic, and social impacts after the closure of mines and to enhance just development by adopting innovative land uses. Moreover, the papers included in this Special Issue will be related to the development of novel technologies to enable sustainable extraction of critical raw materials from mineral deposits and secondary sources.

Dr. Francis F. Pavloudakis
Dr. Christos Roumpos
Dr. Philip-Mark Spanidis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable development
  • surface and underground mining
  • mineral extraction
  • mineral processing
  • mine planning and design
  • land reclamation, restoration, rehabilitation, repurposing
  • land use planning
  • methods and practices of circular economy
  • environmental and social impacts assessment
  • mine closure
  • optimization of mining operations
  • mineral resources evaluation
  • project and risk management
  • decision making in mining projects
  • economics for sustainability in mining

Published Papers (17 papers)

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10 pages, 1598 KiB  
Article
Lithium in Greek Coal Fly Ashes: Contents and Characterization by Sequential Extraction
by Despina Pentari, Eleftheria Vlachaki, Maria Evangelia Fazaki and Antonios Stratakis
Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041442 - 08 Feb 2024
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Lithium belongs to the critical elements and is used in a variety of high-tech applications. In the context of the circular economy, demand has arisen for technologies that are able to recover high-tech metals from wastes and byproducts. To achieve efficient recovery, apart [...] Read more.
Lithium belongs to the critical elements and is used in a variety of high-tech applications. In the context of the circular economy, demand has arisen for technologies that are able to recover high-tech metals from wastes and byproducts. To achieve efficient recovery, apart from assessing metal enrichment, extensive knowledge of metal binding and leaching characteristics is required. The aim of the present study is to investigate the Li contents and mode of occurrence in Greek coal fly ashes. Eight coal fly ashes from different power plants in Greece were collected, and their major constituents were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF); their mineralogy was studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and their Li content was determined by ICP–MS. To identify Li binding and leaching characteristics, two sequential extraction methods (Tessier and BCR) were employed. The results showed that the Li content in the samples studied was between 95 and 256 μg/g and could be mainly attributed to the amorphous material encountered in the samples. The sequential extraction experiments revealed that 70–90% of Li is included in the residual fraction, indicating that it is strongly bound to the fly ash matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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17 pages, 45930 KiB  
Article
Sustainability of Informal Artisanal Mining in the Peruvian Andean Region
by Felipe Rafael Valle Díaz, Oscar Apaza-Apaza, Rosmel Iván Rodriguez-Peceros, Alfredo Huamán-Cuya, Juan Felipe Valle-Sherón, Jesús Virgilio Luque-Rivera, Carlos Vidal Dávila-Ignacio and Hermenegildo Chaccara-Huachaca
Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15586; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115586 - 03 Nov 2023
Viewed by 840
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to reflect on the sustainability of informal artisanal mining in the Peruvian Andean area until the year 2022. The research is basic and non-experimental in design and ex post facto in scope. The sample consisted of crime [...] Read more.
The purpose of this article is to reflect on the sustainability of informal artisanal mining in the Peruvian Andean area until the year 2022. The research is basic and non-experimental in design and ex post facto in scope. The sample consisted of crime prevention statistics on socio-environmental conflict from guardianship institutions and a television program on mining. Our research procedure focused on gathering secondary information for a documentary review analysis based on past proven and disseminated facts. Informal artisanal mining is strengthened in the Peruvian Andean area due to the following influencing factors: support represented as the social license granted by communal assemblies; the flexibility of governmental management in relaxing compliance related to formalization and preventive laws regarding environmental protection; the resistance to formalization and the 50% increase in socio-environmental conflict; and the 25% increase in production costs related agricultural activities, which promotes the displacement towards mining activities. The environmental sustainability consequences are as follows: limited reconversion of agricultural land-use change in one-third of the communal territories at the headwaters of the basin, which generates the displacement of environmentally friendly economic activity, and a parallel positive action is the impossibility of modification or intervention affecting water surfaces and wetlands due to communal agreements that mining companies must respect during operation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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19 pages, 34587 KiB  
Article
Geophysical Research on an Open Pit Mine for Geotechnical Planning and Future Land Reclamation: A Case Study from NW Macedonia, Greece
by Nikos Andronikidis, George Kritikakis, Antonios Vafidis, Hamdan Hamdan, Zach Agioutantis, Chrysanthos Steiakakis and Nikos Economou
Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14476; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914476 - 04 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1028
Abstract
In open pit mining areas, knowledge of geotechnical conditions (e.g., overburden thickness, background slope, and fault locations) ensures geotechnical safety during exploitation as well as reclamation planning. The Greek Public Power Corporation initiated a research program after stability issues emerged on the southern [...] Read more.
In open pit mining areas, knowledge of geotechnical conditions (e.g., overburden thickness, background slope, and fault locations) ensures geotechnical safety during exploitation as well as reclamation planning. The Greek Public Power Corporation initiated a research program after stability issues emerged on the southern side of the Mavropigi open pit mine in NW Macedonia. Geotechnical wells revealed steeply dipping bedrock and thin tectonic contact, indicating the need for the detailed imaging of the subsurface for future stability measures. For this purpose, a geophysical investigation aimed to extract information mostly for the dip of the interface between schist bedrock and overlaying Neogene sediments and/or limestones. Based on the high contrast of electrical properties between schists and limestones, as well as the differences in acoustic impedance and formation thickness, the seismic reflection and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) methods were selected. The suitability of the seismic reflection for its application in this area was checked by generating synthetic seismic data, which resulted from the simulation of seismic wave propagation for geological models of the area. The acquisition parameters were determined after the noise test. Field seismic data processing produced a depth-migrated section, which revealed the existence of a fault. The use of dipole–dipole and gradient arrays, in 2D and 3D electrical resistivity measurements, ensured both the lateral and vertical mapping of schist bedrock and detected limestone bodies within the overburden. Also, the tectonic contact zone between limestone and schist formations was properly imaged. The comparison between geoelectrical and seismic sections indicated that the seismic reflection method provided a more accurate estimate of fault inclination. Finally, the geophysical survey enriched the geotechnical models necessary for sustainable mining (e.g., rational exploitation, the optimization of productivity, and zero accidents) including the planning of future reclamation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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18 pages, 7433 KiB  
Article
A Geospatial Analysis Model for the Selection of Post-Mining Land Uses in Surface Lignite Mines: Application in the Ptolemais Mines, Greece
by Aikaterini Servou, Nikolaos Paraskevis, Christos Roumpos and Francis Pavloudakis
Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14388; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914388 - 29 Sep 2023
Viewed by 845
Abstract
Among the procedures included in surface mines’ closure, the determination of post-mining land uses constitutes one of the early but primary steps. This research aims to develop an algorithm for the selection of the most suitable land use spatial distribution in the post-mining [...] Read more.
Among the procedures included in surface mines’ closure, the determination of post-mining land uses constitutes one of the early but primary steps. This research aims to develop an algorithm for the selection of the most suitable land use spatial distribution in the post-mining area of a surface lignite mine in northern Greece. Considering the already reclaimed areas and the local socioeconomic conditions, six distinct criteria that concern physical local characteristics were selected and, in turn, spatially combined with parameters affecting the mining area. Mining experts attributed weights to the criteria regarding their importance for the examined land uses. The six criteria concerned physical local characteristics (slope, elevation, and distance from villages, rivers, roads, and transmission lines), while the parameters affecting the mining area referred to the type of ground (undisturbed or graded areas), existing infrastructure, and mine closure planning, emphasizing the final landscape of the mining area. The investigated land uses encompassed agricultural, forest, industrial (including buildings, infrastructure, and photovoltaic parks), and recreational parks. Through the application of a fuzzification algorithm within a geographical information system (GIS) environment, four land use suitability maps were generated, which were subsequently overlaid to derive a comprehensive suitability map. The final suitability map was derived from the integration of the mining parameters as spatial information into the algorithm. The findings indicate that, even though the land use suitability analysis could be derived from a mathematical model, the integration of qualitative information related to the mining specifications is necessary to produce more reliable results. The proposed algorithm can be used as a useful tool by decision-makers in the mining industry to plan post-mining reclamation based on suitable criteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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20 pages, 6695 KiB  
Article
Toward the Optimization of Mining Operations Using an Automatic Unmineable Inclusions Detection System for Bucket Wheel Excavator Collision Prevention: A Synthetic Study
by George Kritikakis, Michael Galetakis, Antonios Vafidis, George Apostolopoulos, Theodore Michalakopoulos, Miltiades Triantafyllou, Christos Roumpos, Francis Pavloudakis, Basileios Deligiorgis, Nikos Economou and Nikos Andronikidis
Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13097; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713097 - 30 Aug 2023
Viewed by 748
Abstract
This work introduces a methodology for the automatic unmineable inclusions detection and Bucket Wheel Excavator (BWE) collision prevention, using electromagnetic (EM) inspection and a fuzzy inference system. EM data are collected continuously ahead from the bucket wheel of a BWE and subjected to [...] Read more.
This work introduces a methodology for the automatic unmineable inclusions detection and Bucket Wheel Excavator (BWE) collision prevention, using electromagnetic (EM) inspection and a fuzzy inference system. EM data are collected continuously ahead from the bucket wheel of a BWE and subjected to processing. Two distinct methodologies for data processing were developed and integrated into the MATLAB programming environment. The first approach, named “Simple Mode”, utilizes statistical process control to generate real-time alerts in the event of a potential collision involving the excavator’s bucket and hard rock inclusions. The advanced processing flow (“Advanced Mode”) requires accurate instrument positioning and data from successive EM scans. It incorporates techniques of local resistivity maxima detection (Position Prominence Index) as well as Neural Network-based Pattern Recognition (NNPR). A decision support process based on a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) has been developed to assist BWE operators in avoiding collision when digging hard rock inclusions. The proposed methodology was extensively tested using synthetic EM data. Limited real data, acquired with a CMD2 (GF Instruments) EM instrument equipped with GPS, were used to control its efficiency. Increased accuracy in the automatic detection of unmineable inclusions was observed using the Advanced Mode. On the other hand, the Simple Mode processing technique offers the advantage of being independent of instrument positioning as well as it provides real-time inspection of the excavated mine slope. This work introduces a methodology for hard rock inclusion detection and can contribute to the optimization of mine operations by improving resource efficiency, safety, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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12 pages, 2676 KiB  
Article
Co-Gasification Performance of Low-Quality Lignite with Woody Wastes Using Greenhouse Gas CO2—A TG–MS Study
by Despina Vamvuka, George Tsagris and Christia Loulashi
Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129818 - 20 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 781
Abstract
The carbon dioxide gasification performance of low-quality lignite-agroindustrial/forest waste blends was investigated in terms of reactivity, conversion, cold gas efficiency, product gas composition and heating value. The experiments were conducted in a fixed bed unit and a thermal analysis mass spectrometer system. Raw [...] Read more.
The carbon dioxide gasification performance of low-quality lignite-agroindustrial/forest waste blends was investigated in terms of reactivity, conversion, cold gas efficiency, product gas composition and heating value. The experiments were conducted in a fixed bed unit and a thermal analysis mass spectrometer system. Raw materials, chars, liquids and gases were quantitatively analyzed and their energy content was determined. Synergetic effects and the role of minerals were examined, the latter through chemical and fusibility analyses of the ashes. Ahlada lignite (AL) was of low quality, with a calorific value of 8.9 MJ/kg. The biomass materials, ginning cotton waste (GCW) and pine needles (PN) had calorific values 16.6 MJ/kg and 20.1 MJ/kg, respectively. The slagging/fouling propensity of AL ash was low, whereas that of biomass wastes was medium to high. Thermal treatment of the samples and their blends prior to gasification produced upgraded fuels. A Boudourd reaction occurred above 750 °C. Gasification reactivity followed the order: GCW > PN > AL. AL/PN mixtures presented additivity effects; however, AL/GCW mixtures presented synergy effects. When the lignite was blended with the biochars studied, its conversion increased from 90% to 94.5% and its cold gas efficiency from 31.8% to 35%. Generated gas attained a heating value of about 12 MJ/m3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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16 pages, 3875 KiB  
Article
Minimising Coal Mining’s Impact on Biodiversity: Artificial Soils for Post-Mining Land Reclamation
by Angelika Więckol-Ryk, Łukasz Pierzchała, Arkadiusz Bauerek and Alicja Krzemień
Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9707; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129707 - 17 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1328
Abstract
Coal mining and the energy industry generate large amounts of solid waste, which must be disposed of in landfills and lead to numerous environmental problems. This paper presents a method for creating artificial soil mixtures based on an EU-funded international research project called [...] Read more.
Coal mining and the energy industry generate large amounts of solid waste, which must be disposed of in landfills and lead to numerous environmental problems. This paper presents a method for creating artificial soil mixtures based on an EU-funded international research project called RECOVERY. The main idea behind the proposed solution is the safe use of coal combustion by-products (energetic slag and decarbonation lime), mining waste (aggregate and sealing material) and spent mushroom compost as components for creating artificial soils. Laboratory tests of the soil substitutes showed low concentrations of heavy metals and high macronutrient content, adequate for proper plant growth. As a result of a two-year study on the application of soil cover on a 4000 m2 testing ground, species characteristics for the mesotrophic, dry meadow, ruderal and segregated vegetation were found. In the second year of the in situ study, an apparent reduction in soil salinity was observed. The principal component analysis confirmed that decreasing soil salinity positively affected ruderal and dry meadow species. In contrast, high salinity levels showed no adverse effect on mesotrophic meadow vegetation. The results demonstrated that applying soil covers elaborated from industrial by-products is valuable for recovering high-acidity coal mine waste heaps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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17 pages, 2382 KiB  
Article
Post-Mining Multi-Hazard Assessment for Sustainable Development
by Mohamed Marwan Al Heib, Christian Franck, Hippolyte Djizanne and Marie Degas
Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8139; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108139 - 17 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
Today, most mines (coal, iron, and others) in Europe are already closed due to economic, environmental, and societal issues. Therefore, post-mining risk assessment and management remain crucial for mining authorities, policymakers, and planners. In the post-mining period, several hazards are likely to affect [...] Read more.
Today, most mines (coal, iron, and others) in Europe are already closed due to economic, environmental, and societal issues. Therefore, post-mining risk assessment and management remain crucial for mining authorities, policymakers, and planners. In the post-mining period, several hazards are likely to affect the surface areas in the closed mining sites. The impact of closed mines can lead to potentially damaging changes in surface and/or underground water flow, as well as the development of surface instabilities that can affect people or infrastructure, sometimes dangerously. The assessment of the different hazards must consider the interaction between the mining hazards and other risks (natural and technological). Thus, land use planning, particularly the rehabilitation of former mining sites, requires better tools to apprehend the multiplicity of hazards and their constraints. The paper presents a methodology considering the interactions between hazards around closed mines. After recalling the advantages of this multi-hazard analysis, the work consisted of, almost exhaustively, describing the three prominent families of hazards: mining, natural, and technological. Then, the possible interactions between hazards were described according to their nature (trigger or aggravating), their category (technical or regulatory), and their typology (dependent or independent). Finally, an attempt was proposed to evaluate the type and intensity of interactions between hazards. The multi-hazard assessment methodology was applied to a coal mine and showed the complexity and the utility of such a risk assessment analysis to improve risk management in closed mines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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18 pages, 3023 KiB  
Article
Towards the Application of Process Mining in the Mining Industry—An LHD Maintenance Process Optimization Case Study
by Nicolas Velasquez, Angelina Anani, Jorge Munoz-Gama and Rodrigo Pascual
Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 7974; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107974 - 13 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1422
Abstract
Inefficiencies in mine equipment maintenance processes result in high operation costs and reduce mine sustainability. However, current methods for process optimization are limited due to a lack of access to structured data. This research aims to test the hypothesis that process mining techniques [...] Read more.
Inefficiencies in mine equipment maintenance processes result in high operation costs and reduce mine sustainability. However, current methods for process optimization are limited due to a lack of access to structured data. This research aims to test the hypothesis that process mining techniques can be used to optimize workflow for mine equipment maintenance processes using low-level data. This is achieved through a process-oriented analysis where low-level data are processed as an event log and used as input for a developed process model. We present a Discrete-Event Simulation of the maintenance process to generate an event log from low-level data and analyze the process with process mining. A case study of the maintenance process in an underground block caving mine is used to gain operational insight. The diagnosis of the mine’s maintenance process showed a loss of 23,800 equipment operating hours per year, with a non-production cost of about 1.12 MUSD/year. Process mining obtained a non-biased representation of the maintenance process and aided in identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the equipment maintenance processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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23 pages, 13350 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Strategies for the Sustainable Transformation of Surface Coal Mines Using a Combined SWOT–AHP Methodology
by Philip-Mark Spanidis, Christos Roumpos and Francis Pavloudakis
Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 7785; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107785 - 09 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1643
Abstract
The sustainable transformation of surface coal mines aims to recover geoenvironmental and socioeconomic factors (ecosystems, landscape, soil, water, employment, etc.) related to extractive operations. The transition to sustainability starts when a mine enters the ageing/closing phase and includes large-scale technical activities for repurposing [...] Read more.
The sustainable transformation of surface coal mines aims to recover geoenvironmental and socioeconomic factors (ecosystems, landscape, soil, water, employment, etc.) related to extractive operations. The transition to sustainability starts when a mine enters the ageing/closing phase and includes large-scale technical activities for repurposing the mined sites. Moreover, circular economy practices and methods are introduced for efficient and socio-environmentally friendly use of mining wastes and non-exploited resources. The selection of a strategy for the sustainable transformation of a mine constitutes a complex decision-making framework presenting various practical problems. This paper provides a critical analysis concerning the definition of the transformation problems and suggests a decision-making methodology for the selection of a strategy for sustainability with a case study of a closing surface lignite mine in Greece. The methodology combines (a) a strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis of the factors of critical importance for the evaluation of alternative strategies, and (b) the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) applied for the quantification and use of these factors for the selection of the most advantageous strategy. In this context, it is based on expert judgement. The results indicate that the proposed analysis can be used as a practical decision-making tool to resolve complex problems related to the mine closure and post-mining issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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27 pages, 15631 KiB  
Article
Stability Analysis of the Tailings Dam for the Purpose of Closing, Greening, and Ensuring Its Safety—Study Case
by Mihaela Toderaș, Vlad Alexandru Florea and Răzvan Bogdan Itu
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7606; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097606 - 05 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1513
Abstract
Tailings dams are special constructions that are part of a complex of works related to the installations for preparing mining masses. These constructions play a role in the mechanical treatment of wastewater and the safe storage of sterile material resulting from ore processing. [...] Read more.
Tailings dams are special constructions that are part of a complex of works related to the installations for preparing mining masses. These constructions play a role in the mechanical treatment of wastewater and the safe storage of sterile material resulting from ore processing. The closing and greening of tailings dams is achieved taking into account the general stability of the pond and its related constructions, as well as the integration into the surrounding environment of the surfaces occupied by mining waste deposits (tailings dams). This study presents the results of the hydrogeotechnical and stability study carried out on the Gura Roşiei tailings dam location. This analysis aims to evaluate the stability degree of the three compartments that comprise the tailings deposit in order to carry out the closing and greening works of the tailings dam, and to conclude whether the idea of raising them by 1.5–2 m with tailings is feasible. This study was based on field observations, geotechnical drilling, and physical–chemical analyses of the collected samples. Due to the shallow depth, the drilling could not highlight a hydrostatic level except for the areas with excess humidity, areas represented by certain lenticular intercalations of sandy dust that yield water very slowly. These areas are not continuous and cannot define a reference hydrostatic level. All situations were analyzed by four different methods that satisfy the static equilibrium of forces or moments (Bishop and Janbu) or simultaneously of forces and moments (Spencer and Morgenstern–Price). From the point of view of the stability calculations performed in the hypothesis in which the three ponds become active for the storage of tailings, assuming a corresponding piezometric level, the resulting safety factors are relatively close to the standard values (Fs ≥ 1.4) for the static analysis, and in seismic conditions, they are at the limit of equilibrium. The NE slope of pond No. 2 shows values below the standard safety limit for this type of work. Moreover, tailings dam No. 3 presented from the calculations as being totally inadequate for the elevation. From the obtained results, it was found that the location formed by the three compartments that comprise the Gura Roşiei tailings dam presents major disadvantages for a future storage of flotation tailings, being at the same time an imminent danger to the environment. Due to its reduced capacity to release water from its pores, the settled material is still in a saturated state, and it is assumed that the foundation land, comprised of the terrace deposits of the Abrudel River, is clogged at the interface with the settled material and unable to naturally drain the excess moisture from the dam’s body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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18 pages, 22000 KiB  
Article
Changes in Physical and Water Retention Properties of Technosols by Agricultural Reclamation with Wheat–Rapeseed Rotation in a Post-Mining Area of Central Poland
by Michał Kozłowski, Krzysztof Otremba, Marek Pająk and Marcin Pietrzykowski
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7131; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097131 - 24 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1068
Abstract
During opencast lignite mining, the natural landscape is damaged, along with soils, and new anthropogenic landforms are created which require reclamation. Usually, the evaluation of the effects of reclamation (mostly forestry) is concerned with changes in chemical properties in the first years, mainly [...] Read more.
During opencast lignite mining, the natural landscape is damaged, along with soils, and new anthropogenic landforms are created which require reclamation. Usually, the evaluation of the effects of reclamation (mostly forestry) is concerned with changes in chemical properties in the first years, mainly in the surface horizon. This study analyzed the effect of long-term agricultural reclamation (43 years) on the physical and water retention properties of Technosols. The experiment involved cultivation of winter wheat and winter oilseed rape under 3 fertilization variants. After 43 years, an Ap horizon (Ap1 and Ap2) developed in fertilized Technosols, but was not clearly formed in unfertilized minesoil. In Ap1, there was improvement in the physical quality (S), bulk density (BD), particle density (PD), structural stability index (SI), soil porosity (SP), air-filled porosity (AFP), field capacity (FC) and plant available water capacity (PAWC). In Ap2, properties were comparable to those in the surface horizon of unfertilized Technosols and to those observed before reclamation. Regardless of fertilization, there was deterioration in physical quality in parent materials. In general, the properties of fertilized Technosols have improved in the surface horizons, but increasing fertilization above plant requirements does not lead to their further enhancement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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18 pages, 3331 KiB  
Article
Determining the Safe Distance for Mining Equipment Operation When Forming an Internal Dump in a Deep Open Pit
by Oleg Bazaluk, Oleh Anisimov, Pavlo Saik, Vasyl Lozynskyi, Oleksandr Akimov and Leonid Hrytsenko
Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 5912; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075912 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2222
Abstract
In the surface mining of mineral deposits, land resources suitable for agricultural purposes are inappropriately spent in large volumes. When mining deep open pits, overburden rocks are mainly transported to the surface. The optimal solution for reducing the area of disturbed lands is [...] Read more.
In the surface mining of mineral deposits, land resources suitable for agricultural purposes are inappropriately spent in large volumes. When mining deep open pits, overburden rocks are mainly transported to the surface. The optimal solution for reducing the area of disturbed lands is the placement of overburden rocks in internal dumps in the open pit. This is especially suitable when mining a mineral deposit with several open pits where at least one of them is depleted. Therefore, it is important to assess the feasibility of building an internal dump, based on the stability parameters of its slopes and the safe distance for placing mining equipment within its boundaries, which was the focus of this research. Numerical modeling with Slide 5.0 software was used to determine the stability of the dump slope inside the open pit and the safe distance from the upper slope edge for placing mining equipment. This reflected the geomechanical situation occurring within the boundaries of the dump formed in the open-pit field with a high degree of reliability. It was determined that the maximum standard safety factor values of the open-pit slopes are within the limits when the overburden rocks border on the hard bedrock (Ks.s.f ≥ 1.2). Under the condition where the dump slope bordered on sedimentations represented by clays, loams, and sands with a strength of 2–3 on the Mohs scale, the safety factor decreased by 22%. It was determined that the minimum safe distance from the outer contour of the dragline base to the upper edge of a single-tier dump was 15.5 m with a safety factor of 1.21. The maximum safe distance values in the range of 73.5–93 m were concentrated within the boundaries of sections 5–9, with a safety factor from 1.18 to 1.28. When the dragline was located within the boundaries of section 7, the dump construction works should be conducted only if the dump exist for up to 3 years. Based on the identified parameters, on the example of using the ESH-11/70 walking dragline, a technological scheme of its operation was developed with the allocation of safe boundaries for its placement when forming an internal dump. The results obtained are useful for the development of projects for the reclamation of depleted open pits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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12 pages, 3762 KiB  
Article
Mechanism of Interaction of Backfill Mixtures with Natural Rock Fractures within the Zone of Their Intense Manifestation while Developing Steep Ore Deposits
by Oleksandr Kuzmenko, Roman Dychkovskyi, Mykhailo Petlovanyi, Valentyn Buketov, Natalia Howaniec and Adam Smolinski
Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4889; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064889 - 09 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1064
Abstract
Mining systems for ore deposit extraction with the backfilling of the goaf solve the problem of preserving the surface and the complete extraction of rich ores. This paper considers the filling of mined-out stopes with a viscous fluidal solution for the formation of [...] Read more.
Mining systems for ore deposit extraction with the backfilling of the goaf solve the problem of preserving the surface and the complete extraction of rich ores. This paper considers the filling of mined-out stopes with a viscous fluidal solution for the formation of an artificial strong massif, which results in a conglomerate formed on contact with the ore deposit. It was established that exogenous fracturing at the Pivdenno-Belozirske deposit significantly affects the stability of the sides and ceilings in the chamber. This phenomenon can be observed at the first stage of processing. At chambers (the second stage of processing), the artificial rock mass is exposed. It has been established that the chamber mining systems do not ensure the operational stability of the vertical outcrop in the zones of exogenous intensive fracture of the rock mass, especially in the places where they intersect. The zonal location of intense fracture was established along the strike and dip of the steep ore deposit, as was its importance in the formation of rock fallouts. An analytical solution algorithm has been developed to determine the penetration of the backfilling mixture in the plane of the intersection of zones of intense cracking, with opposite azimuths of incidence at steep angles of macrocracking. The features of penetration into microcracks of the backfilling mixture used at the mine, which are affected by their granulometric and physicochemical compositions, have been determined. The influence of the height of the layer and the procedure of backfilling the chamber space in the liquid phase on the formation of the necessary pressure for the opening of a microcrack was studied. The priority of backfilling the exogenous macrocracks with significant gaps and those between tectonic blocks with mixtures has been analytically substantiated and confirmed by experimental methods of research in the mine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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23 pages, 4522 KiB  
Article
Mineral Requirements for China’s Energy Transition to 2060—Focus on Electricity and Transportation
by Beibei Che, Chaofeng Shao, Zhirui Lu, Binghong Qian and Sihan Chen
Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010585 - 29 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2175
Abstract
Through energy transition, China can help curb the global climate challenge and achieve carbon neutrality. However, the development of energy transition is potentially constrained by minerals. Previous studies on energy minerals have been limited to power generation technologies (e.g., wind and solar) and [...] Read more.
Through energy transition, China can help curb the global climate challenge and achieve carbon neutrality. However, the development of energy transition is potentially constrained by minerals. Previous studies on energy minerals have been limited to power generation technologies (e.g., wind and solar) and have mostly focused on rare metals. In this study, 18 minerals were selected for investigation based on the energy transition scenario in China. A dynamic stock model was used to calculate the installed capacity and phase-out of infrastructure. Through scenario analysis, changes in the demand for minerals from China’s energy transition and the risks of these minerals were assessed. Uncertainties in mineral intensity and lifetime assumptions were also addressed through statistical estimation and sensitivity analysis. The results indicate that wind power and photovoltaics will dominate the power generation sector in the future. Further, some minerals (Co, Cr, Cu, In, Li, Ni, Te) will face risk (especially Co and In), which may limit the development of electric vehicles and photovoltaics. Extending lifetime and reducing material intensity can reduce material demands but cannot fully mitigate material supply risks. Therefore, resource security strategies should be developed in advance to secure the supply of mineral resources in the energy transition process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 7216 KiB  
Review
Experiences of Underground Mine Backfilling Using Mine Tailings Developed in the Andean Region of Peru: A Green Mining Solution to Reduce Socio-Environmental Impacts
by Carlos Cacciuttolo and Alex Marinovic
Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12912; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712912 - 26 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2393
Abstract
In Peru, socio-environmental conflicts related to the development of mining-metallurgical processes and the responsible disposal of mine tailings have become central issues for accepting mining projects, especially regarding building relationships of trust with the communities. This condition has prompted the Peruvian mining industry [...] Read more.
In Peru, socio-environmental conflicts related to the development of mining-metallurgical processes and the responsible disposal of mine tailings have become central issues for accepting mining projects, especially regarding building relationships of trust with the communities. This condition has prompted the Peruvian mining industry to advance in managing alternatives to the conventional surface disposal of mine tailings. A promising and increasingly popular management strategy for mine tailings in Peru is their disposal inside underground mines. This article presents: site-specific conditions, advantages/disadvantages, and lessons learned from practical experiences of mine tailings disposal in underground mines in Peru. In addition, some techniques are highlighted, such as (i) hydraulic fill, (ii) cemented hydraulic fill, and (iii) cemented paste backfill. Finally, this article concludes that the responsible disposal of mine tailings in underground mines is a green mining solution that reduces negative socio-environmental impacts, limiting the generation of acid rock drainage (ARD) and the leaching of metals due to the decrease in contact with oxygen and rainfall, thus mitigating the contamination of surface and underground waters, reducing the footprint of affectation in the territory, and eliminating the emission of particulate matter in the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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14 pages, 1979 KiB  
Review
Fair Development Transition of Lignite Areas: Key Challenges and Sustainability Prospects
by Christina G. Siontorou
Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12323; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612323 - 13 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 835
Abstract
As Europe transitions away from fossil fuel energy, the challenges associated with closing mines, along with restructuring mine-dependent communities, continue to reduce the rate at which this transition occurs. A large volume of research has been published during the last decade on the [...] Read more.
As Europe transitions away from fossil fuel energy, the challenges associated with closing mines, along with restructuring mine-dependent communities, continue to reduce the rate at which this transition occurs. A large volume of research has been published during the last decade on the fair development context of mine reclamation. Using lignite mines as a case study and a properly modified analytical-hierarchy-process-based roadmapping methodological framework, the current study attempted to elucidate the key challenges and the bottlenecks that researchers view as critical to a just transition. The results indicated four critical areas that researchers expected to drive policymaking: social implications, stakeholder divergence, land-use challenges and sustainability prospects. Further, the coupling of mining operations to green strategies, such as circular economy and recycling, seems to be put forward by the academics as a viable solution to enhance the sustainability of the sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mining and Processing of Mineral Resources)
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