Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mineral resources play an important role in supporting world economic and social development. However, mining activity, especially in relation to underground mining, is considered to be one of the causes of the most accidents, fatalities, and diseases in the world. Every year, thousands of miners die in mining operations. There are several causes for the occurrence of accidents, including the release of toxic gases, collapses of mine openings, coaldust explosions, etc. In addition, mining activities also cause pollution to the surrounding environment, such as soil pollution, water pollution, air pollution, and so on. Mining can pollute the environment, which also poses a risk to human health. Therefore, in the process of mining, transportation, and storage, how to reduce the impact of mining activities on the surrounding environment and reduce the occurrence of accidents and occupational diseases is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. However, knowledge about the environmental, safety and health risks associated with mines is still limited. There is an immediate need to come up with good research methods and look into the above problems. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest developments on these issues and attempts to provide a comprehensive perspective. We invite researchers to contribute original research and articles as well as review articles in the scope of this Special Issue that introduce new technologies and solutions related to the field of mining health and safety. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Safety risk and occupational health in synergetic mining;
• Safe production and smart mining;
• Safe and sustainable mining technology;
• Smart, green mining;
• Mine safety monitoring;
• Safety issues in sustainable mine construction;
• New trends in safe mining;
• Environmental exposure and occupational contact;
• Mine safety and personnel health;
• Ecological survey and restoration of mining areas;
• Mine pollution remediation;
• Probabilistic techniques in mining safety;
• Mining safety and intelligent methodologies.

Dr. Chengyu Xie
Dr. Jian Zhou
Dr. Danial Jahed Armaghani
Prof. Dr. Qingfa Chen
Dr. Wei Pan
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Energies energies	3.2	5.5	2008	16.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	5.4	2004	29.6 Days	CHF 2500	Submit
Minerals minerals	2.5	3.9	2011	18.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Mining mining	-	-	2021	15 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Safety safety	1.9	3.3	2015	29.6 Days	CHF 1800	Submit

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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All Energies IJERPH Minerals Mining Safety

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16 pages, 2897 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Quarrying as an Environmental Ethic Crisis: A Case Study of Limestone Mining in a Rural Community

by Babalwa Kafu-Quvane and Sanelisiwe Mlaba

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040458 - 09 Apr 2024

Viewed by 807

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the impact of quarrying as an environmental ethical crisis. The need for the study arose when we realised the deteriorating effect of the quality of life in our community, which is located next to a limestone quarry. To [...] Read more.

In this study, we investigated the impact of quarrying as an environmental ethical crisis. The need for the study arose when we realised the deteriorating effect of the quality of life in our community, which is located next to a limestone quarry. To obtain a deeper understanding of the adverse impact on the environment and the quality of life of the people living in the community around the quarry, we explored the workers from the community, and the members of the community-based organisation’s (CBO) experiences. We employed a qualitative method research approach, using a single case study design. We adopted a utilitarian perspective and Pinchot’s conservation as ethical systems that determine morality based on the greatest good for the greatest number. Both provide a framework for analysing environmental problems and ethical crises associated with limestone quarrying. We generated data using face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. We present and discuss data through the following themes: analysis of the social and cultural impacts on local communities and indigenous people, assessment of the ecological consequences on biodiversity and habitat destruction, and examination of the effects on water resources, air quality, and soil erosion. The results show that the negative effects of the quarry on the environment have always worried the local people. The company’s disrespect for the community and ignorance of the laws governing quarry activities is the root of the ethical dilemma. The detrimental effects that the operations have on human health and safety as well as the environment is the other ethical dilemma, which includes, land degradation, vibrations, air, and water pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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15 pages, 546 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Patient Safety in Spain: Streamlining Adverse Event Detection in Occupational Healthcare Records

by Diego Moya, Rafael Manzanera, Jordi Ortner, Marta Torres, Joan Carles Serfaty, Carme Sauri, Lourdes Jimenez and Jose Joaquin Mira

Safety 2024, 10(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10010013 - 16 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1431

Abstract

Background: Given the lack of previous studies on adverse events (AEs) in the area of occupational healthcare in Spain, it is very important to begin to understand this phenomenon in order to act on it. The objective was to accurately quantify AE occurring [...] Read more.

Background: Given the lack of previous studies on adverse events (AEs) in the area of occupational healthcare in Spain, it is very important to begin to understand this phenomenon in order to act on it. The objective was to accurately quantify AE occurring in occupational healthcare in MC Mutual during May 2021. Methods: We conducted a review of a representative random sample of 250 clinical records to identify AEs through an active search audit, focused on the frequency, type, severity, and preventability of these events, categorized using standardized scales. Results: We detected seven AEs in the sample of clinical records, representing 3% AEs per clinical record, while in the APEAS Spanish Study, they were detected in 10% of patients. The most frequent AE type was postoperative, followed by medication and diagnostic delay. The AEs were of intermediate severity and high severity and with a variable degree of being preventable. Conclusions: The detection of AEs has been useful in the development of projects and action plans such as specific training courses, safety patient newsletters, ambulatory risk maps, and treatment plans framed in the official certification of patient safety. These results should be evaluated in other companies similar to MC Mutual. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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13 pages, 2226 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Data-driven Framework to Reduce Diesel Spillages in Underground Mines

by Sheila R. Ngwaku, Janine Pascoe, Wiehan A. Pelser, Jan C. Vosloo and Jean H. van Laar

Mining 2023, 3(4), 683-695; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining3040037 - 03 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 615

Abstract

Several methodologies have been developed to manage diesel in open-cast mining due to its high demand and increasing diesel prices. Although the use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mines has increased over the years, effective management thereof has not received the same attention. [...] Read more.

Several methodologies have been developed to manage diesel in open-cast mining due to its high demand and increasing diesel prices. Although the use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mines has increased over the years, effective management thereof has not received the same attention. With the advent of Industry 4.0, data can be utilised more effectively by modern businesses to identify and solve problems in a structured manner. In this study, an underground mine was used as a case study to determine whether a Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom (DIKW) method for diesel management could be coupled with the Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control (DMAIC) tool to make more informed decisions and gain new insights to help reduce diesel wastage underground. The new integrated methodology identified diesel spillages and highlighted the biggest contributors to these underground spillages. The Six Sigma DMAIC domain utilised root cause analysis to determine the reason for recent systems failures, followed by the identification of practical solutions to eliminate up to 200 ML (megalitres) of diesel spillage. With this information, the case study mine stands to save over USD 175,000 per annum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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17 pages, 2360 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Pore Structure Alteration of Shale with Exposure to Different Fluids: The Longmaxi Formation Shale in the Sichuan Basin, China

by Shuwen Zhang, Ziyi Shen, Yan He, Zhonghua Zhu, Qingguo Ren and Liang Zhang

Minerals 2023, 13(11), 1387; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13111387 - 30 Oct 2023

Viewed by 892

Abstract

The interaction between shale and various fluids is crucial as it modifies pore structures, which govern the effective development of shale gas and the geological storage of carbon dioxide in shale formations. In this study, samples from the Longmaxi Formation shale in Sichuan [...] Read more.

The interaction between shale and various fluids is crucial as it modifies pore structures, which govern the effective development of shale gas and the geological storage of carbon dioxide in shale formations. In this study, samples from the Longmaxi Formation shale in Sichuan Basin of China were exposed to different fluids, including 6 MPa CO₂, 12 MPa CO₂, 6 MPa CO₂+brine, and 12 MPa CO₂+brine, at 45 °C for 100 days. Various methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and the low-pressure gas adsorption (N₂) test, were adopted to evaluate chemical and structural changes during the exposure process. After being treated with supercritical CO₂+brine and subcritical CO₂+brine, the shale underwent significant changes in its major element composition. The content of Ca, Al, and K in shale saturated with supercritical CO₂+brine decreased from 13.00% to 10.34%, from 3.65% to 3.36%, and from 1.56% to 1.37%, respectively. Meanwhile, the content of Si and Na in the same shale increased slightly after saturation. The amount of quartz and dolomite increased, while the levels of clay and calcite slightly decreased. The surface of the shale sample became rougher and small bumps and cracks appeared after saturation with different fluids, as shown by the FESEM analysis results. Furthermore, the changes in both the total pore volume and pore size followed a similar pattern to the alterations in the specific surface areas. The highest level of variation occurred with the shale that was saturated with 12 MPa of CO₂, indicating that gas pressure and CO₂ phase state have a significant influence on the shale’s pore structure. In addition, the distribution of pore sizes showed a bias towards larger sizes across all diameters; this suggests that the reaction resulted in a decrease in the number of micropores. This also highlights that the impact of varying fluid saturation was primarily focused on micropores and macropores. The results of this study provided experimental evidence to further test the mechanisms and permeability of geological storage of CO₂ in organic-rich self-sourced shale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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17 pages, 279 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial Safety and Health Hazards and Their Impacts on Offshore Oil and Gas Workers

by Emma D’Antoine, Janis Jansz, Ahmed Barifcani, Sherrilyn Shaw-Mills, Mark Harris and Christopher Lagat

Safety 2023, 9(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9030056 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 2355

Abstract

The offshore oil and gas working environment is an inherently dangerous one, with risks posed to physical safety on a daily basis. One neglected field of research is the added psychosocial stressors present in this environment. This research examined the experiences of offshore [...] Read more.

The offshore oil and gas working environment is an inherently dangerous one, with risks posed to physical safety on a daily basis. One neglected field of research is the added psychosocial stressors present in this environment. This research examined the experiences of offshore oil and gas workers through one-on-one online interviews which were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed through the qualitative software NVivo, which generated themes and patterns for the responses given to questions that were developed through a focus group. The results of the analysis showed that multiple psychosocial stressors are present in this population, such as fear of speaking up, unsatisfactory company-provided facilities, work–life interference, work status, micromanaging, gender harassment and bullying. In addition, interviews identified that production and time pressures, along with fatigue, can influence accidents and mistakes. Climate factors also cause discomfort. However, these are managed according to best practices by organizations. Due to the timing of the study, COVID-19 was a significant stressor for some, but not all, employees. In conclusion, offshore oil and gas workers face multiple stressors in a dangerous environment that may lead to devastating consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

19 pages, 9046 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Antivibration Gloves When Used with Electric Hammers of about 10 kg for Chiseling Limestone Rocks

by Guido Alfaro Degan, Andrea Antonucci and Dario Lippiello

Safety 2023, 9(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020027 - 28 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1329

Abstract

The ISO Standard 10819:2013 defines the method for evaluating the performances of antivibration (AV) gloves, but when used in real fields, the protection can be dissimilar to that labeled. This paper investigates the transmissibility, at the palm level, of three different types of [...] Read more.

The ISO Standard 10819:2013 defines the method for evaluating the performances of antivibration (AV) gloves, but when used in real fields, the protection can be dissimilar to that labeled. This paper investigates the transmissibility, at the palm level, of three different types of AV gloves (air, gel, neoprene) and an ordinary leather glove, during the use of four similar electric hammers (average weight of 10 kg, and average impact energy of 18 J), in a limestone quarry plant. As the average triaxial transmissibility for all the hammers, results show very limited benefits in reducing the vibration (6%), with no significative differences among the different gloves. The working leather glove, instead, shows a transmissibility quite equal to the unit. Anyway, results can be different for the same glove when used among the different hammers, providing in some cases 19% of protection. Some differences can be found regarding the transmissibility through the three main axes for the same type of glove: the glove in gel seems to perform better in shear than in compression. The transmissibility in compression is around 20% higher than that provided by the manufacturers of the certified gloves. The usage of specific excitation curves during laboratory tests could help in providing a more accurate estimation of the transmissibility of the gloves when used with a specific tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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19 pages, 4991 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ground Subsidence on Vegetation Chlorophyll Content in Semi-Arid Mining Area: From Leaf Scale to Canopy Scale

by Xingchen Yang, Shaogang Lei, Yunxi Shi and Weizhong Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010493 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1430

Abstract

Ground subsidence is the main cause of vegetation degradation in mining areas. It is of great significance to study the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation. At present, few studies have analyzed the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation from different scales. However, [...] Read more.

Ground subsidence is the main cause of vegetation degradation in mining areas. It is of great significance to study the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation. At present, few studies have analyzed the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation from different scales. However, the conclusions on different scales may differ. In this experiment, chlorophyll content was used as an indicator of vegetation degradation. We conducted a long-term field survey in the Lijiahao coalfield in China. Based on field survey data and remote sensing images, we analyzed the effects of ground subsidence on chlorophyll content from two scales (leaf scale and canopy scale) and summarized the similarities and differences. We found that, regardless of leaf scale or canopy scale, the effects of subsidence on chlorophyll content have the following three characteristics: (1) mining had the least effect on chlorophyll content in the neutral area, followed by the compression area, and the greatest effect on chlorophyll content in the extension area; (2) subsidence had a slight effect on chlorophyll content of Caragana korshins, but a serious effect on chlorophyll content of Stipa baicalensis; (3) chlorophyll content was not immediately affected when the ground sank. It was the cumulative subsidence that affects chlorophyll content. The difference between leaf scale and canopy scale was that the chlorophyll content at canopy scale is more affected by mining. This means that when assessing vegetation degradation, the results obtained by remote sensing were more severe than those measured in the field. We believe that this is because the canopy chlorophyll content obtained by remote sensing is also affected by the plant canopy structure. We recommend that mining and ecological restoration should be carried out concurrently, and that ground fissures should be taken as the focus of ecological restoration. In addition, Caragana korshins ought to be widely planted. Most importantly, managers should assess the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation on different scales. However, managers need to be aware of differences at different scales. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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28 pages, 22746 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Dust Diffusion and Pollution Behaviour of Dynamic Tunneling in Header Excavators Based on Dynamic Mesh Technology and Field Measurement

by Xi Chen, Hao Zhang, Shaocheng Ge, Cunbao Deng, Chaonan Fan, Guoliang Ma and Weichao Li

Energies 2022, 15(23), 8945; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238945 - 26 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1151

Abstract

In order to accurately characterize and evaluate dust particle diffusion in the dynamic tunneling process of a boring machine, this study considers the 31,116 main transport chute heaving face of the Lijiahao coal mine as a case study. A dynamic tunneling model is [...] Read more.

In order to accurately characterize and evaluate dust particle diffusion in the dynamic tunneling process of a boring machine, this study considers the 31,116 main transport chute heaving face of the Lijiahao coal mine as a case study. A dynamic tunneling model is developed considering the real dynamic tunneling state of the header, to carry out an in-depth analysis of the spatial and temporal evolution of wind flow and dust dispersion in the tunnel under dynamic excavation. In addition, the results were compared against the calculations of a static standard excavation model of a conventional header. Employing CFD analysis accompanied by field measurements, it was highlighted that the dynamic tunneling of the header leads to an increase in the pressure difference and the turbulent kinetic energy at the working face. Moreover, an increase in the number of vortices was reported, and a higher concentration of dust spreads more quickly along the return wind side wall to the return flow area. On the other hand, the high concentration of dust under the standard tunneling model was found to accumulate a lot on the return wind side. Simultaneously, as the distance between the pressurized air outlet and the working face increases, the average wind speed in the vortex-type wind flow area at the front of the tunnel decreases. When t = 60 s, the return flow area expands to a space of 8 m~24 m from the head, and the dust accumulated above the header spreads to the back of the header to form a high concentration dust region of more than 500 mg/m³. It was shown that the range of high-concentration dust clouds in the breathing zone decreases compared to the results of the standard tunneling model. Moreover, the dust concentration in the breathing zone of the driver is significantly lower than that reported by the standard tunneling model. Based on the results of the field test, the average error between the simulated and measured data of the dynamic tunneling model was calculated to be around 6.46%, thus demonstrating the model’s capability in describing the real working conditions of the heave tunnel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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